Nicole Mallalieu Design

As with the Small and Large Totes, you will learn the fundamentals of making handbags as well as how to vary the original pattern to create your own designs (by varying the straps, handles, rings etc, or adding a flap to the bag).

You'll also learn how to make a zip closure at the top of the bag. (The zip closure requires intermediate sewing skills, but the rest of the bag is BEGINNERS level).

The Pattern includes a Flap pattern, and can be made as a satchel.

Bag size: 27 x 18 x 8cm

MATERIALS LIST - What you will need

Add O-rings to the straps

This bag has medium-light interfacing and light (630) fusible wadding to give structure to the body of the bag. It has a Template Plastic Base.

Wide bamboo handles are added to this designer print fabric bag.

This bag has medium-Heavy interfacing and medium (640) fusible wadding to give "stand-up" structure to the body of the bag. It has Vilene S520 , Template Plastic and Purse Feet in the Base.

See Tips and Tutorials for a downloadable tutorial on constructing a hard base.

Flat O-rings are used in the straps and as a closure on this bag.

Instructions include how to bring in the side seams to make this shape.

This bag has medium-heavy interfacing and light (630)fusible wadding to give structure to the body of the bag. It has Vilene S520 , Template Plastic and Purse Feet in the Base.

See Tips and Tutorials for a downloadable tutorial on constructing a hard base.

This bag has applique' and couching detail on it.

It has Medium-light interfacing and Vilene S520 to give it rigid structure. There is also Vilene S520 used as "boning" to re-enforce the seams, and polyester boning to make the straps hold their shape.

See Tips and Tutorials for a downloadable tutorial on constructing a hard base.

Polypropylene webbing is used for straps on this bag made from Japanese fabric. Buttons are used as decorative trim.

This bag has medium-light interfacing and medium (640) fusible wadding to give "stand-up" structure to the body of the bag. It has Vilene S520 , Template Plastic and Purse Feet in the Base.

See Tips and Tutorials for a downloadable tutorial on constructing a hard base.

Use a wide strap on each side to attach wide Bamboo Handles

This bag has medium-light interfacing to give light structure to the body of the bag. It also has a Template Plastic Base.

See Instructions on how to bring in the side seams to make a "Gladstone-like" shape

Use plastic handles instead of a strap

See the Handles pages.

Add a Flap and lengthen the strap to make a satchel

This bag has medium-light interfacing and a Template Plastic Base.

Narrow and lengthen the straps, and set them wide apart

This bag is made from heavy cotton moleskin. It only has interfacing in the facing. It has a Template Plastic Base.

This satchel style Day Bag has stiff iron-on interfacing called Fast2Fuse, to make it more rigid and box-like. It is made of handwoven Irish tweed, with applique' spirals in a contrasting tweed.

See "Interfacings" on the Supplies page for Fast2Fuse. Instructions on how to use Fast2Fuse for bagmaking are available with purchase.

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