Classic Handbag – Easy Sewing Tutorial ~ DIY Tutorial Ideas!

love the simplicity of this classic handbag, no fussy pockets or straps. Just pick it up and go. The sewing tutorial is suitable for a beginner! An excellent sewing project to use recycled fabrics. A fabulous everyday bag too.

The supplies: Chambray fabric, lining fabric, fusible fleece, handles (on clearance at Joann’s for $3.97-score!). I also made the wool felt flower brooch.

Step 1: Cut out two pieces of the chambray (exterior fabric), two pieces of the lining fabric and two pieces of the fusible fleece. I cut mine all 16 inches by 13 inches and my finished bag is about 14 inches by 11 inches.

Step 2: Fuse the fleece to the wrong side of your exterior fabric per manufacturer instructions. Do this for both pieces.

Step 3: Place one lining piece right side to the right side of one exterior piece. Sew along the short edge and about half way down each side. Repeat for the other lining and exterior piece.

Step 4: This part is hard to explain but fold your lining and exterior material apart on each of the two bag parts. Then place the two pieces together with lining against lining and exterior material to exterior material. Pin in place. You will have two sewn flaps that kind of just stick out for now.

Step 5: I used a bowl to create rounded corners on each of the four pinned off corners.

Step 6: Sew around all the pinned edges right up to the stitches from step 3. Leave an opening in the lining piece for turning. After sewing clip your corners and trim excess seam allowances.

Step 7: Turn right side out, push out all seams and iron the lining piece.

Step 8: Sew the opening in the lining piece closed.

Step 9: Tuck the lining into the bag and iron.

Step 10: Stitch a short horizontal reinforcement stitch just under the bag opening.

Step 11: Hand sew in the handles by folding the top of the bag through a handle and sew where the folded material meets the lining. I doubled up my thread for extra strength.