Small Handbag Pattern & Tutorial

I know some of you have been waiting for this....

And now, the REVEAL!!!

This pattern was created at the request of my neighbor, who asked me to come up with such a bag for a ladies project night. After doodling ideas on paper and pondering for several days, I was actually inspired by the lint screen on my dryer. A laundry chore bonus!!

When I explained this to my husband, much later, he laughed and said, "Are you serious?"
My answer - "Completely!"
Tonight is our second session of project night and rumor has it that one of the ladies has sewn 6 of these bags since and has it down to 30 minutes per bag. So, hopefully you are excited...it is quick, easy, and adorable!

Ready to make your own?

Here are the items you will need:

Supply List
Pattern - please note you will need to tape the main body pattern together (no overlapping edges)

Take one main body of outside fabric and one of the twill.

Sew wrong sides together (WST) around all edges with 1/8" seam allowance.

This is your Front Main Panel.

Repeat with other main panel of outside fabric and twill to make Back Main Panel.

Then, sew together side panel of outside fabric and twill in similar fashion to make Side Panel.

If desired, embellish Front Main Panel and Back Main Panel with leftover fabric or scraps.

Wait to add any bulky embellishments until later.

 With right sides together (RST), pin and sew Front Main Panel to Side Panel

with 1/4" seam allowance.

With RST pin Back Main Panel to other side of Side Panel,

sew together with 1/4" seam allowance to complete the outside layer of bag.

If you are adding any bulky items like flowers or buttons, hand stitch those to outer layer now.

Take both Pocket pieces - one fabric and one twill...  

Stitch top edge of pocket by sewing 1/8" seam allowance from folded under edge.

Then, stitch 1/4" seam allowance from folded under edge.

Pin pocket to one main panel of lining.

Sew 1/8", then 1/4" seams from side and bottom pocket edges,

backstitching at the top to secure in place. 

Pin and sew lining side panel to one lining main panel with 1/4" seam allowance.

Pin and sew final lining main panel to other side panel edge using 1/4" seam allowance,

leaving approximately 5" opening along bottom to turn.

With WST sew one fabric and one twill strap together using 1/8" seam allowance along all edges.

Pin last fabric strap to previous strap with RST.

Sew strap side edges with 1/4" seam allowance. 

Pin strap to outside side panel, as pictured. Stitch with 1/8" seam allowance.

Turn right side out & press.

Congrats you're finished!!

Handbag #1

Handbag #2

"Little K." called dibs on this one,

and has taken ownership by placing her things inside. She does deserve some reward for being so patient while I sew and enduring the cold, unfinished basement with me!