by lflanders 06 Oct 2011

I need to ask for a little help. I know I have seen some sites with nice handbags and even denim bags along with the leather ones. I need a couple of sites with free patterns for handbags. I have had a couple of people ask me about making some bags. It is still iffy as to whether I am game but it is worth considering. I have several storebought patterns that are very old but they are all similar. Those bag patterns were for me long yrs ago and I was stuck in a rut about my styles...hehe I sure would appreciate some help in finding some new styles Thanks Linda

24961

by babsie 08 Oct 2011

http://www.sewingsupport.com/sewi...
I sat on this one the whole afternoon and downloaded a couple. Hope u get something here.

1 comment
21222
by katydid 08 Oct 2011

Wow, lots of ideas!!! Now the big question. How do you price them to sell?

85867
by justonlyme 08 Oct 2011

Suggestion for hardware. I make denim purses out of the top part of jeans, with pockets intact. For the handles, I use the lightweight chain from the hardware store that you might see swag lights hanging from. It is only about 20 cents per foot, so that is some very cheap hardware. Then, I get the clear plastic tubing that the chain just barely fits in to, and slide the chain through the tubing for a nice smooth handle. Then, I use grommets to secure the fabric and then use split rings (like key rings) to fasten the handles to the purse. Each set of handles costs me less than 50 cents. Add a button closure and it is done. Good luck!!

4 comments
katydid by katydid 08 Oct 2011

Great idea on the handles!!

lflanders by lflanders 08 Oct 2011

I agree on the handles! I would never have thought of using chains for the handles because I would be afraid they would mess up the material. The plastic tubing keeps stains and snags out of the question! Thanks for the great idea. I have tons of leather strips that I bought to use in making some jewelry and some keyrings a few yrs back. I had thought about brading the leather strips together and using them for a handle on a couple. The tubing would work on that also. It would keep the leather from getting dirty from body oils, handeling the straps so much! Again, Thanks! Linda

lflanders by lflanders 08 Oct 2011

This is the second time in a couple of days that my message has been cut off short! Is is now limited as to how much you can say?

justonlyme by justonlyme 10 Oct 2011

I think that with the original post and answer, you are not limited. With the comments however, you are very limited.

16260
by muflotex 07 Oct 2011

just one more 8-)

1 comment
michemb by michemb 07 Oct 2011

great site with ideas, ideas and more ideas. |Thanks

20463
by eggyannie 07 Oct 2011

http://www.wildginger.com/
this is a free program that allowes you to re size and change several pattterns that you can then print out. there are not only totes and bags but caps and slippers and a host of other items. you just alter the sizes to suit your own requirements and print the pattern out and then stick the sections together to give you a nice large paper pattern, there are instructions to go with the pattern. hope this helps.
annie in the uk

14995
by edithfarminer 07 Oct 2011

thank you for the question and the links. will enjoy looking at it all as I want to try finally to make one. Hugs edith

57801
by bonnetgirl 07 Oct 2011

Heart of Mary is a good site to go to. I have made a couple of those. Go to http://diybaglover.blogspot.com. Find heart of Mary the zipper messenger bag is great. I sold a few of them.

11220
by queenofhearts 07 Oct 2011

Here is another site for you to check.

1 comment
terriweistra by terriweistra 07 Oct 2011

Thank you, lovely site!!!

22590
by sewdeb 07 Oct 2011

Here's a whole bunch of patterns. 87 to be exact. LOL That should keep you in patterns for a while ;-D Have fun! Hugs and *'s, Deb

3 comments
zoefzoef by zoefzoef 07 Oct 2011

what an interesting site !

lrichardson by lrichardson 07 Oct 2011

Wow! I have been looking for a site like this for several years. Thanks for sharing.

sewdeb by sewdeb 07 Oct 2011

Glad i could help! You'll find all kinds of things you JUST HAVE to make, LOL

70753
by justonlyme 06 Oct 2011

I've made lots of jeans purses out of the top part of jeans (waistband is top, pockets all intact, etc.). They are pretty popular. Use your imagination for a new look that will catch people's attention! Or, to get you started, here are a couple of sites with several handbag and tote patterns.

1 comment
lflanders by lflanders 06 Oct 2011

Thanks a bunch! I have tons of material of all kinds that I could use but I would have to go find some lining material for the material that I already have. I have used all of the hardware that I had at one time so I really need to find a couple that I really like and go purchase what I need and play with a few purses before I decide to try to make some for the public. I have not sewn for the public in almost 15 yrs. and what I have done has been for family and not for sale. After my operation and a month in the hospital and 8 months in a nursing home to recoop and be able to walk again, I quit doing anything demanding because I never know if I am going to even be able to get around to get it done. I am going to try and start out with some easy things that will not take so long to put together! Again, Thanks! Linda

16260
by sandyqueen 06 Oct 2011

Use Google search and type in "free purse patterns". You will have so many you will have a hard time choosing.

S

1 comment
lflanders by lflanders 06 Oct 2011

The reason I asked is because I have seen some that have been posted on projects that have been very nice. I thought I could get some ideas from these ladies as to what where and how hard or how easy the itwms were to make.. I will go and check out some of the sites but thought I could get the sites that I have already seen some of the bags as a finished product. Thanks! It has been awhile since I used my regular sewing machine except to repair or alter. It will be a big venture for me because I have to spend 15 minutes out of every hour in the bed with my legs elevated. It is even an effoert for me to get up and fix a real meal as it is now. Appreciate any and all help finding some nice patterns. Linda

5271
by loosie 06 Oct 2011

These might interest both links are web search site for free bag patterns.

Happy searching! Best wishes!

2 comments
lflanders by lflanders 06 Oct 2011

Thanks so much! I did find alot of designs that I liked. I will go back in the morning and take a real good look around the sites! Linda

katydid by katydid 08 Oct 2011

Linda, you have been given great ideas.

24276