Red & Black Day 4: DIY Handbag

For day 4 of Red & Black Week, a pattern for making a handbag.

In the comments to yesterday's tote bag post, The Professor presciently asked if the bag could be made in a smaller size. Yes, it can! :D

Scaled down 50%, the bag is a good size for a handbag or lunch tote. To make the smaller size, just divide the tote bag measurements in half. Follow the same sewing instructions as for the tote bag. Retain the 4" spacing for the handles.

The pieces for the handbag are small, so it's a great way to use remnants and scraps. In addition, the pattern pieces can be printed on standard 8.5" x 11" paper. The pictures below should produce an accurately sized pattern when printed at 100%. (You can also email me to request a PDF.)

You can easily make variations on the tote or the handbag:

• Connect the top band, front/back and bottom pattern pieces and cut as one to create a solid (no contrast) bag.
• Add interfacing to the fabric pieces to give the bag a more structured look.
• Use heavy-duty thread and strong fabrics to make a grocery tote. (I like to space the handles further apart on grocery totes.)
• Make the handles narrower or wider, longer or shorter.
• Add a loop-and-button or other type of closure.
• Add ribbon, lace or other trim as desired.
• Add pockets to the outside or inside.

The bag shown below has a black pocket (divided into two) on the inside. 

To make this type of pocket, cut a piece of fabric the same width as the lining and twice the desired depth of the pocket. Finish/hem the top and bottom.

Place the pocket on the right side of the lining and stitch the top all the way across, as shown by the yellow line below.

Fold the pocket up and baste along the sides, as shown by the yellow lines below. The pocket sides will be fully sewn when you stitch together the sides of the lining. To divide the pocket, stitch down as shown by the pink line below.

Sew the bag together per the usual instructions. Done!