Getting the look of a designer handbag doesn’t have to cost a lot of money when you make your own. In this class you will learn how to make a handbag with two large zipper pocket sides and a roomy middle compartment.
Instructor Ashley Hough will take you step-by-step through construction of the handbag; showing how to first practice with a light weight cotton material. You will learn how to sew the purse as well as how important it is to think ahead when it comes to construction technique in order to know when to incorporate finishing touches like top stitching.
She will then take you through the various fabrics you can use to create a designer look including vinyl, suede cloth and even spandex blend fabrics. In addition to learning how to insert zippers into your bag Ashley will show how to use other handbag hardware like purse feet, buckles, magnets, handles, clasps and studs.
Ashley also has many other ideas on how you can further customize your handbag by changing small elements like zipper pulls.
After learning how to construct the handbag you Ashley will go over several different front design options for your new handbag. Each option uses different fabrics, embellishments or hardware- so you can make each one and have several designer looking handbags by the end of the class.
As part of the class you will also receive downloadable and printable patterns and measurements to create your purse.
Class Sessions
Session 1: Overview & Tools Needed
13:20
In this session you will get a detailed look at the handbag being sewn and see what pattern pieces are needed. You will also see what materials and supplies are needed to construct the purse including different types of fabric, zippers and other purse hardware as well as tools like presser feet, rotary cutters and binder clips.
Session 2: Basic Purse Construction
1:00:14
In this session you will get step-by-step purse construction instructions. Ashley uses different colored fabrics for the outer, inner and lining sections of the purse making it easy to differentiate the pieces and follow along as you assemble the purse from start to finish.
Session 3: Design Option #1
15:40
In this session you will see how to create one of the several different purse front design options. Learn how to use the raw edges of different fabric to add a design element as well as see how to add optional corner designs and handle attachments.
Session 4: Design Option #2
15:38
In this session you will learn how to create another purse front design option using several different colored and textured fabrics. You will also see different purse handle options and learn how to attach them using buckles.
Session 5: Design Option #3
21:18
In this session you will learn how to create a third front design option using unconventional fabric and decorative purse hardware. You will also learn how to install purse feet as well as optional purse closures.
Download this PDF for access to the handbag patterns.
Class Resource: Handbag Measurements
Download this PDF for specific measurements needed to create your handbag.
Meet Your Expert
Download this video to hear Ashley share what her motivation is for designing and sewing her own handbags.
Bonus Materials available for download after purchase.
FAQs
How do I know what the Class covers?
Every Class has a free Preview video you can watch, to give you a flavor of the Instructor and the skills or project that will be covered. In addition, the Overview tab includes a thorough written description of the Class. And finally, each Class Session has a brief written summary of the content in that Session, including the length of each Session video. You will get a good feel for the Class content by reviewing these resources.
Do I have to be a Member of National Sewing Circle to purchase a Class?
No you don’t. While Premium Members will receive regular offers for special deals on National Sewing Circle content, Classes are not reserved exclusively for Members. If you buy a Class as a non-member, we’re sure you’d also enjoy having access to our full library of great sewing videos and articles as a Member, so give it a try.
How do I purchase a Class?
First you should decide that the Class is what you want. Review the Class Preview video and the various written descriptions of the Class and each Session before you purchase, so you have a good understanding of the Class content. When you’re ready to purchase and gain access to the Class, simply click the “Add to Cart” button, and proceed through the Checkout process.
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Once you’ve paid, you can access/view your Class by going to the MY ACCOUNT section of National Sewing Circle. The MY ACCOUNT link is in the upper right-hand area of the website. Within your MY ACCOUNT, a section labeled “My Content” is where the class you purchased will appear, including a link to watch the video of your Class. You’ll also receive an email confirmation after your purchase, which will include a link to view your Class. You can access your Class as many times as you wish, and you’ll never lose access to your Account information. Just be sure to “Log In” for access to MY ACCOUNT.
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Is there a limit on the times I can view my Class?
No. Your access never expires. You can view any Class you purchase as many times as you want, whenever you want.
Can I view a Class on my tablet device or mobile phone?
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How do I get access to the Bonus Materials for the Class?
Until you purchase a Class, the Bonus material (any extra videos, download materials, etc.) will not be accessible. Once you purchase a Class, and go to view your Class, each individual Bonus element is accessible by simply clicking on each item. You’ll find the Bonus Materials directly below your main Class viewer frame. You can access the bonus materials as many times as you like and/or save them to your device.
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Once you purchase any Class, within the Class viewing page, you’ll have access to post a question, comment or tip in the Class Discussions. This is not a “live chat,” but National Sewing Circle contributors will answer posted questions and provide tips regularly. You can also view other Class participants’ questions and input to take part in this virtual dialogue among others who have taken the Class and are willing to share tips, answers, or ideas.
Can I print out Class details?
For any Bonus Material that is a PDF Download, yes you can. Just click on the icon/button for the Bonus element you want, and print with your local printer.
What are PDF downloads?
These are simply documents, plans, or written materials that are formatted in a way to print out and retain for reference. By simply clicking on the icon/link for any PDF Download that is included with a Class, you can print that document on your own printer or simply view the contents on your computer/mobile device.
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Your Class video content is best when viewed on a computer manufactured in the past couple of years with a good broadband Internet connection (not dialup). We also highly recommend using the latest version of Firefox, Safari, or Chrome as your Internet Browser, though recent versions of Internet Explorer will work as well. The recommended screen resolution is 1024 x 768 or larger.
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Can I get a refund if I don’t like the Class?
Because you’ll have full access to all the materials and content that is presented in the Class immediately, we can’t offer a refund after purchase. Please review the Class Preview video and the various written descriptions of the Class and each Session before you purchase, so you have a good understanding of the Class content.
How do I contact National Sewing Circle?
If your question is about the Class content, please use the Contact Us Link – and you'll receive feedback from the Class Instructor. Even your fellow Class participants may jump in to offer tips and advice from their experience. If you have other questions or need help, you can email us at nationalsewingcircle@program-director.net or call us toll-free, at 1-855-208-7187. Service Representatives will be available Monday-Friday, from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Central time, excluding normal holidays.
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