Boutique Bags: Classic Style for Modern Living

By Sue Kim

From the author of Bags—The Modern Classics. “Sewists who enjoy bags designed by Lexie Barnes, Amy Butler, or Sara Lawson will enjoy Kim’s stylish designs.” —Library Journal

Hit the town with chic, modern bags for any occasion! With 19 fashionable projects, from a metal-framed clutch to a ruffled carryall, you’ll have a match for every outfit. Learn to sew darts, ruffles, and other design elements for a professional finish. Make multiples of your favorites and see for yourself how a simple change in fabric offers a whole new look. With full-size patterns and simple construction, these bags are on-trend and runway worthy.

• 19 sophisticated bags from experienced pattern maker Sue Kim
• Stylish market tote, classy clutches, and a Boston bag
• Tips on installing pockets, zippers, and bag hardware
• Plus, the secret to perfect gathers, ruffles, and darts

“The best book on bags I have ever seen . . . Techniques, tip and know-how are all included plus full-sized templates. I love sewing books that give full-sized patterns, so this book is ticking all the boxes.” —yarndsandfabric.co.uk

“Sue Kim has followed her first book of bag projects with another beauty. As she did before, Sue has provided detailed step-by-step instructions illustrated with clear photographs for each of the 19 projects in this latest volume. This, coupled with the stylish design of the bags and the excellent technique overview chapter, makes Boutique Bags an excellent choice for crafters who are building their bag-making skills or looking for creative inspiration.” —Australian Homespun Magazine

“A great bag making book.” —Sewing World

• Language: English
• Publisher: Open Road Integrated Media
• Release date: Jul 7, 2015
• ISBN: 9781607059868

Book preview

Introduction

I wrote my first book, Bags—The Modern Classics, with beginning-level sewists in mind, so I kept the supplies to a minimum. This new book still includes many projects that are achievable for beginning sewists, but it also includes a few more intricate designs that use various types of materials including metal frames, leather handles, buckles, and so on.

My goal is to help you gain confidence in your sewing skills and take the next step forward.

Tools, Supplies, and Basic Techniques

Tools and Supplies

You will need a few basic tools and supplies: sewing machine, all-purpose sewing thread, hand and machine needles, pincushion, ruler, safety pins, straight pins, scissors, seam ripper, pattern weights, measuring tape, and chalk; a serger is a nice bonus but not mandatory.

I use linen, cotton, home decor fabric, quilting-weight cotton, faux fur, and waterproof fabric for the exterior fabric and quilting-weight cotton for lining. I use light- to medium-weight interfacing, depending on the weight of the bag fabric. I use roll zippers, so I can trim to any length I need!

There are several different kinds of leather handles available to suit your bag’s design. Some include pre-punched holes so you can sew on the handles after completing the bag. Other options include O-ring or D-ring attachment varieties. Find the perfect handle for your bag and make it!

Some metal purse frames include an attached chain to utilize it as a handbag style. Others have a detachable chain, for optional use. The fabric edge of the bag is glued into the channel of the frame, so even beginners will have a fun time using this frame!

Basic Techniques

Applying a Magnetic Snap

Attach the magnetic snap following the manufacturer’s instructions. Most snaps attach with the following steps:

1. Cut a small piece of fusible interfacing at least ¼˝ larger on all sides than the snap.

2. Apply the interfacing to the wrong side of the fabric, centered on the snap location.

3. Center the snap on the piece of interfacing. FIGURE A

4. Use a pencil to draw the lines on the fabric where it will need to be cut for the prongs.

5. Mark and carefully snip the slits for the prongs. FIGURE B

6. Insert the prongs of a magnet on the right side of the fabric. FIGURE C

7. Place the disk over the prongs on the wrong side of the fabric and fold the prongs outward over the disc. Finish by attaching the other half of the magnetic snap on the other piece in the same manner. FIGURE D

Attaching an O-Ring

1. Cut 2 pieces of ribbon each 2˝ long. Press both short edges of a piece of ribbon under ⅜˝. FIGURE E

2. Press the ribbon in half. Slip the O-ring onto the ribbon. Stitch the ribbon ends together. FIGURE F

3. Position the ribbon on the side seam of the lining. Pin in place and stitch. FIGURE G

4. Repeat Steps 1–3 for the other ribbon O-ring holder.

Attaching a Twist Lock

1. Using a screwdriver, disassemble the lock.

2. Place the back piece onto the lining flap.

3. Trace the back piece onto the lining. FIGURE H

4. Cut out the center area of the back piece on the flap; punch the screw holes on each side with an awl or the tip of the scissors. FIGURE I

5. Lay the front lock piece onto the exterior, match the back lock piece with the front, and then screw them together. FIGURE J

6. Draw the cutting line onto the front clutch piece as provided on the pattern. FIGURE K

7. Insert the lock piece, place the washer onto the prongs, and fold the prongs outward. If you would like, you can add a piece of interfacing to stabilize the lock. FIGURE L

Clipping and Trimming a Seam

CLIPPING

Making small V-shaped cuts on the inner (concave seams) or outer (convex seams) curves help them lie flat when turned to the right side. Always notch within the seam allowance, not beyond it. FIGURE M

TRIMMING

With the piece wrong side out, trim off the excess fabric at the corners to reduce the bulk and create a nice, sharp corner when you turn the piece right side out. FIGURE N

Pockets

A variety of pockets are used in the bag projects.

STANDARD POCKET

1. Position the pocket pattern onto the right side of the pocket fabric. Cut 2.

2. Sew the pocket with right sides together, leaving a side open for turning. Trim the corners. See Trimming (above). FIGURE O

3. Turn the pocket right side out and use a sharp tool to push