Free Handbag Pattern

Supplies

• 3/8 yard muslin 1(10x10)
• ¼ yard fabric for back 1(9x9)
• ¼ yard fabric for lining 2(9x9)
• 1 yard cording for strapStrips of various fabrics for patchwork

1. Wash, dry and press washable fabrics.
2. Complete crazy quilt block for front of handbag. See make a block. Trim block to 9x9”.
3. Place front and back right side together (RST). Stitch together at sides and bottom, pivoting at corners. Seam allowance is ½ inch. Trim corners.
4. Repeat step 3 for lining, leaving an opening in bottom for turning.
5. Stitch handle securely to handbag at side seams.
6. Place purse inside lining (RST). Stitch around top edge of handbags, making sure strap in between handbag and lining.
7. Turn handbag right side out by pulling through opening in bottom of lining.
8. Stitch opening in lining closed by hand or machine.
9. Tuck lining to inside of handbag.
10. Top stitch around top edge of handbag.

Finished handbag measures 8x8 inches. This pattern can easily be modified buy increasing or decreasing block size. Remember when crazy quilting to cut muslin block 1” larger than pattern to allow for “shrinkage.”

Make a Crazy Quilt Block

1. Supplies
   Muslin for ‘block’ Note: Cut muslin one inch larger than pattern piece to allow for ‘shrinkage’ caused by embellishment
   Strips of various fabrics. Note: I usually use three inch strips; however, they may be narrower or wider
   Basic sewing supplies: scissors, iron, ironing board, tread and sewing machine
   Additional helpful (not necessary) supplies: rotary cutter, mat and see through ruler
   Optional supplies: embroidery floss, beading thread, beads, embroidery or quilting needles, embroidery hoop and lace or novelty yarns for surface embellishment
   
   Instructions (Flip and Fold Method)
   
   Place square of fabric right side up (RSU) in center of muslin block. Optional: Stitch around edges, pivoting at corners with a ¼” seam allowance (SA). Note: All SA are ¼”.
2. Lay first strip of fabric right side down (RSD) on one side of center square matching fabric edges. Stitch. Press. Flip open and press again. Trim excess length of strip to match ending edge of square.
3. Continue working around center block in a clockwise direction, following the method in Step 2, until muslin is completely covered.
4. Press block thoroughly.
5. Add hand or machine embroidery and embellishments if desired. Note: Keep beads away from what will become SA, or risk broken sewing machine needles.
6. Trim block to size.

*You are creating ‘block’ of fabric which can be used as a piece of fabric. Make whatever you desire with it. You are only limited by your own imagination!

Handbags in History

A woman’s purse is an intricate part of her life Anything and everything might be found within it.
The history of the handbags we carry today dates back long ago. It may surprise you that women did not even carry the first handbags .
In Greek and Roman Civilizations men carried a small pouch to hold coins. In the middle ages, during the Crusades, men carried bags hung on girdles around their waists, filled with alms for the poor. At this point in time, women wore chatelaines, hook like clasps ant their waists attached with necessities such as scissors or keys.
The development of the pocket came in the Sixteenth Century. They were much different than the pockets of today. These early pockets were tied around the waist with long ribbon sashes. They were worn under clothing and accessed via slashes. It was not until later that pockets were sewn onto clothing.
Current fashions in the Eighteenth Century necessitated a new direction; reticules. Often made of luxurious fabrics such as velvet or silk, and embellished with ribbons and tassels, these bags draped daintily at the wrists of the ladies who carried them.
The Industrial Revolution changed everything. With the onset of women’s rights, work and travel (trains, autos and airplanes) needs were rapidly changing. The precursor of our current handbags have their roots in the railroads. Luggage makers made leather bags with handles, similar to luggage, but designs to be hand carried.
Fashion trends, necessity and our desires continue to dictate the handbags we carry today and into the future.

About Lillymagic Desings

Lillymagic Designs has been a dream in progress for many years. A dream to use my varied skills and hobbies to make a living doing what I love; making crazy quilt handbags.
Our lives are a continual learning process. The skills I use to crate my handbags were taught to me as a child by my grandmother, such as embroidery, crocheting and sewing. I continued these hobbies into adulthood and dreamed of making a living using them. I just didn’t know what to make!
Upon inheriting my grandmothers sewing machine and while working on my first project, a pair of purple calico overalls, I awoke each morning excited to begin sewing. This lead me to enroll in fashion design courses, “just for fun.” I especially loved pattern making.
Several years later, while staying home with my children, I found myself in need of a wedding present. Being short on cash, I thought deeply about what I could do. Silk fabric scraps, embroidery and vintage lace lead to the creation of a beautiful handbag for my dear friend to carry on her special day. The encouragement of my friends lead me to the realization of what I wanted to make.
After experimenting with various patterns and techniques, I happened upon crazy quilting. I found my true passion.
Join me in my journey and be blessed along yours.

Your Perfect Bag Will Find You

I was reading in a wonderful little book this morning, Life Lessons Learned While Shopping by Amanda Ford. It is a book I bought on a shim years ago, because the price was reduced and it seemed interesting. I have read it many times over. I reminded me something I've known to be true, but sometimes forget...

Years ago, before I began making my own purses, there was a particular designer I loved. I could no bring myself to pay the high price tag; however, when I found one of his bags on sale (clearance with an additional 40% off was my favorite), I was overjoyed. Now the flaw with this thinking was that when I didn't find what I thought was a good price, a bought a cheaper purse. I was unhappy with the cheaper purse and bought another in a short time. The point is I ended up spending more money on inexpensive purses I was not happy with. Keep these points in mind:

• Think quality over quantity


• Wait for sales


• Absolutely look in outlets, thrift or consignment stores, you might get lucky


• Give yourself permission to dream of what you want


• It's OK to take time to think about a large purchase-sleep on it

When I was younger, My Aunt was my shopping partner. We often went to lunch to think about a purchase. When we made up our minds we reminded ourselves it what we wanted was still there, it was meant to be. I've since learned that if it's not, there is something better waiting for me. Don't worry, your perfect bag will find you.