How to Sew Your Own Evening Bag
Create a Beaded Handbag for Those Special Events
Your have seen them in the stores. Beaded handbags always have an air of luxury to them.
While we don't usually have a need for a beaded bag every day, there are those times when nothing less will do. If you have ever gotten all dressed up with only your old everyday scratched and scuffed purse to use, you understand how it makes the whole outfit look a bit worn around the edges.
To make your own beaded hangbag you will need to purchase the framework, chain or handle and hooks to attach the handle or chain. You can find several places on the internet that sell supplies. Some of the sites are very pricey while others tend to be more reasonable. I am including a link here of a site that is reasonably priced.
You will also need to buy fabric for the foundation. Make sure to buy a fabric that is heavy weight. You do not want any fabric with stretch. The beads will add weight and will pull on the fabric if it isn't sturdy. Canvas makes a strong foundation for a purse. This fabric is not seen. When you line the bag you can use a more attractive fabric. These bags measure approx. eight inches by six inches so you will only need to purchase a quarter yard of fabric regardless of the width.
Once you have purchased the hardware and fabric you will need beads. The style and size of your bag will determine how many beads you will need. Just keep in mind it is better to have left over beads for your next project than to have to return to the store repeatedly to purchase more beads. Make sure to also purchase a beading needle and beading thread.
The style of handbag frame will determine how you cut your fabric. The manufacurer provides directions for assembling the bag. The important part is to cut two pieces of canvas or other fabric in the correct shape and stitch them together to form a bag leaving the top open. You can attach the top of the fabric directly to the hardware prior to beading or begin beading once your have your two pieces cut prior to sewing. Some find it more difficult once it is assembled onto the framework and others find it simpler because there is no filling in needed later.
For the sake of example our instructions will be for a bag prior to assembly. The advantage is that you can use a small embroidery hoop to hold the fabric taut while you are working on it.
Draw the outline of the bag on two pieces of paper. Using a pencil, design your purse with line drawings rather than trying to draw an object with shading. You can do this but it is not for the rookie. Fill in the entire area even if you need to alter it as you bead.
Once you have drawn your design out for the front and the back, use the pencil to transfer the design to the canvas.
Watch for Part Two when we bead and assemble the bag.
