Make a Handbag from Scrap Fabric

The "messenger" style handbag is a classic design that can be found in all cultures throughout the ages. In its simplest form, the messenger style bag is made from one piece of fabric, folded and sewed.  Since the bag can be made in many sizes and, depending on size,  requires little fabric it is a great project for scrap fabric of all sorts.

It is a good idea to add embroidery or decorations, if any, to the piece of fabric that you intend to be the exterior of the bag prior to assembling the bag.

Tools

Fabric scissors
Rotary cutter
24 x 36 self healing mat
6 x24 quilting ruler
Embroidery scissors
Sewing Machine or Serger (optional)

Materials
8x31 piece heavy, scrap fabric
8x31 piece lighter lining fabric
8x31 piece fusible interfacing
1 yard cord
Serger thread or sewing thread
Needles

Step 1
Place the material on a cutting mat. Measure and mark the fabric with a quilting ruler. Cut two pieces of fabric and a piece of fusible interfacing approximately 8-inches wide x 31-inches long each with scissors or a rotary cutter.   
 
Hint: You can omit the second piece of fabric if you do not want the bag lined.

Step 2
Fuse the interfacing to the wrong side of the fabric that will be the exterior of the bag.

Step 3
Stack the fabric so the wrong side of the lining fabric faces the interfacing side of the exterior fabric.

Step 4
Measure 10-inches from the bottom of the fabric. With right side together, fold the fabric up to create a pocket.

Step 5
Sew the pocket closed using a serger, sewing machine or by hand. Using a serger, continue serging beyond the fold to the end of the fabric to stitch together the exterior and lining and add a finished, decorative edge. Repeat for the second side of the bag. Finish by serging the top portion of the bag.

Step 6
Turn the bag right side out.

Further Reading:
"Hip Handbags"; Valerie Van Arsdale Shrader; 2005.
"Handbag Designer 101"; Emily Blumenthal; 2011.

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