
As a person who loves animals but also loves staying trendy, I have seriously conflicting feelings about leather. Leather is cute! Leather is hip! I want to wear leather stuff without actually wearing leather, ya know? That's why when I saw a whole bolt of this deceptively-leathery fabric in the clearance bin at the fabric store I got so pumped - because it's vinyl! Which means not only is it animal-free but it's also way cheaper than actual leather. When I saw it I knew immediately that I wanted to make a shoulder bag. With fall fashion in full swing (IT'S FALL, GUYS. GUYS. I'M SO EXCITED), the color & feel of this bag feel spot-on for my sweater-y wardrobe. Plus it's just the right size for weekend trips to the farmer's market or last-minute happy hours.
This bag is very easy to make, & will work with essentially any non-stretch fabric. It's basically three pieces of fabric sewn together, plus two handles, then done! A quick note about pinning before sewing (which you should do when making this bag, as the bottom corners are tight): When pinning vinyl, I recommend you don't. I say this because any holes put in vinyl are there to stay. Rather than holding the pieces in place with straight pins, I use masking tape. Not along the seam (the tape will make your sewing needle gum up), but just before & past the seam. It holds all the pieces together, & it doesn't leave any marks behind.
Also, before you start sewing your vinyl, don't forget to use this this handy-dandy trick to make sure the vinyl feeds through you sewing machine smoothly! This trick comes in handy when top-stitching the handles.

xoxo,
-m.e.
P.S. How to make a clutch to match your bag.
Your test dress is done?!?!?! eeeeeee!!!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteAlso--this bag is lovely; i admire your skills, friend (and soak up all that lovely fall for all of us :-)
xo
Test done - now to buy the real fabric! Nail-biting commencing!
DeleteSending sweet fall thoughts your way! 💕
this bag is just what I need! I can't find anything good in shops so I think DIY will have to be the choice :D
ReplyDeleteFantastic! It's super easy to make too. Especially if you go with vinyl cause then you can skip the whole hemming business. :)
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