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DIY handbag tutorial: The Joyful Ruffles bag

Learn how to sew this adorable handbag with front ruffles. This step by step tutorial includes all the prices you will need to cut and how to assemble it so you can also end up with a version of this adorable handmade purse.

hanging bag

I know I teased a lot with this tutorial, I took the pictures the week I moved this little blog to WordPress, and since it was not as smooth as I wish it would be, I almost forgot I had it, until just a few weeks back.
And finally today I have time to write this tutorial and hopefully, you'll get a chance to make your own ruffles handbag!

cute purse

full bag

 

This is my first bag tutorial and I thought it would be nice to have a lot of steps, so you are warned, there are TONS of pictures :) maybe that's why it took me so long hehe

 

The Materials

handbag DIY sewing steps

  • Interfacing
  • Main/outside fabric
  • Liner/inside fabric
  • Satin for the ruffles and closure
  • A set of magnetic snaps
  • A candle to burn the edge of the satin
  • Iron for the interfacing

 
 

The Parts:

Since there' so many simple cuts, instead of making a pattern, I am sharing the shapes that you need to cut, but don't worry! All, except one are rectangles!
 

  • 2 pieces of 16×11 inches of main/outer fabric – I used home decor weight fabric for a better shape bag (pink, green, brown stripes)
  • 2 pieces of 16×11 inches of liner/inner fabric – I use a pink canvas
  • 2 pieces of 16×11 inches or bigger of lightweight interfacing – I use Pellon 808
  • 3 pieces of 7×3 inches, one of main/outer fabric, one of satin or the ruffle's fabric and one of interfacing – for the closure
  • 3 pieces of 2.5×24 inches, 2 of main/outer fabric and one of interfacing – for the strap
  • 3 pieces of 5×7 inches of liner/inner fabric and one of interfacing – for central pocket
  • 3 pieces of 5×10 inches, 2 of liner/inner fabric and one of interfacing – for double pockets
  • 2 pieces of satin (I used brown) of the following shape for the ruffles:

 

how to make a ruffle

 
 

The Process:

Now that you have all the pieces, let's get to sewing!

handbag DIY sewing steps
1 – Cut all your pieces according to the part's list and press interfacing to the back of both main/outside parts, one of the pieces for the strap, one of the pieces for the central pocket, and one of the pieces for the double pocket.
 

handbag DIY sewing steps
2 – Cut your ruffles and burn carefully all edges with the candle.
 

handbag DIY sewing steps
3 – Once all edges are ready, with a matching thread and your machine set up at the longest possible stitch sew a line about an inch away from the edge.

 

handbag DIY sewing steps
4 – Remember to leave a long piece of treat before and after sewing, because you will pull in one of them to make the ruffle.
 

handbag DIY sewing steps
5 – Pull one of the treats at the beginning and even it out to have a cute ruffle.
 

handbag DIY sewing steps
6 – Mark with a pin in the middle top and bottom of your main/outside piece (remember you had to already attach the interfacing at this point) and you will be marking the longer side.
 

handbag DIY sewing steps
7 – Now place the bottom of your ruffle in the center mark of your outside piece.
 

handbag DIY sewing steps
8 – Arrange the ruffle until it fits the length of your main/outside piece, pin the center so it doesn't move because you will need to sew on top of the line you sewed to make the ruffles.
 

handbag DIY sewing steps
9 – Now sew a second line right next to the first one, I sewed it 1/4 inch away.
 


10 – Repeat from step number 3 with your other main/outside piece and ruffle. Once both pieces are done place them facing each other and pin the outside.
 

handbag DIY sewing steps
11 – Now sew 1/2 and inch away from the edge all the way around your bag, leaving the top open.
 

handbag DIY sewing steps
12 – Press your seems and the corners, you will need that to mark and sew the bottom.
 

handbag DIY sewing steps
13 – Mark the bottom of your bag. I measure approx an inch away from the tip and made sure the length of the mark was 2.5 inches.
 

handbag DIY sewing steps
14 – After that sew the marks on both sides. It will look something like this.
 

handbag DIY sewing steps
15 – Now measure 3inches from the top on the inside of the front side, Make a mark so you can fit your magnetic snap.
 

handbag DIY sewing steps
16 – Make both cuts.
 

handbag DIY sewing steps
17 – Push the snap from the front and secure it on the back.
 

handbag DIY sewing steps
18 – Before securing the back make sure your snap is visible and not covered by the ruffles.
 

handbag DIY sewing steps
19 – Now for the closure, you have both pieces and the satin has the interfacing in the back. I just drew a symmetrical curve on one of the edges for the snap.
 

handbag DIY sewing steps
20 – To add more body and strength add a little piece of interfacing where you want your snap to be, I centered at the top of the piece. just make sure you have enough room because you will need to sew and then turn inside out.
 

handbag DIY sewing steps
21 – Cut the interfacing excess and place the other side of the snap.
 

handbag DIY sewing steps
22 – Place both pieces with the fronts facing each other and sew all the way around leaving the bottom open.
 

handbag DIY sewing steps
23 – Turn inside out
 

handbag DIY sewing steps
24 – with a matching treat sew all the way around to secure it.
 

handbag DIY sewing steps
25 – For the strap. Place both fabrics with the fronts facing each other and sew on one side.
 

handbag DIY sewing steps
26 – Press the seam and fold the strap with the fronts facing out. Press the edges to the inside.
 

handbag DIY sewing steps
27 – Here you can see how I pressed the edges to the inside.
 

handbag DIY sewing steps
28 – Finally sew on top of both edges to secure it.
 

handbag DIY sewing steps
29 – For the main pocket, you can add a label if you want, remember that one of the sides has interfacing in the back.
 

handbag DIY sewing steps
30 – place both pieces facing each other and sew all the way around leaving the bottom open and cut the edges to have a better corner.
 

handbag DIY sewing steps
31 – Turn inside out and press, press a fold in the bottom.
 

handbag DIY sewing steps
32 – Repeat from step number 29 with the double pocket pieces.
 

handbag DIY sewing steps
33 – Place one of the liner/inside pieces and center the main pocket.
 

handbag DIY sewing steps
34 – Sew it together, I like the look of the contrasting treat so I sewed it double reinforcing the top edges.
 

handbag DIY sewing steps
35 – Repeat step 33 with the double pockets and sew them as you like. I like to sew them double. Always remember to reinforce the top edges.
 

handbag DIY sewing steps
36 – Place both liner/inside pieces facing each other and sew the sides leaving at least 6 inches open in the bottom, to turn the bag inside out later.
 

handbag DIY sewing steps
37 – Secure the edges, I like to use a zig-zag stitch. Repeat step 13 in the bottom of both sides.
 

handbag DIY sewing steps
38 – Now place the closure with the top facing inside and pin it to the opposite ruffle's side.
 

handbag DIY sewing steps
39 – Pin the strap to the center of the sides.
 

handbag DIY sewing steps
40 – and make sure everything is on the inside.
 

handbag DIY sewing steps
41 – The pockets have to be facing in. pin all the way around the top to secure everything and sew around.
 

handbag DIY sewing steps
42 – Extend and you will have this.
 

handbag DIY sewing steps
43 – In the inside fold 1/2 an inch away from the strap (you can't  see it in the picture because the strap is in the inside, but you can feel it and mark to measure.)
 

handbag DIY sewing steps
44 – Sew a 4 inches long line, 2″ below the center.
 

handbag DIY sewing steps
45 – Sew 4 sides.
 

handbag DIY sewing steps
47 – Turn the bag inside out through the open in the bottom of the liner/inside.
 

handbag DIY
48 – You will end up with this.
 

handbag DIY
49 – Push the liner piece to the inside and sew all the way around the top.

YOU are DONE!
 
small purse

lovely purse

detail purse

clousure

I also made this other bag changing the measurements of the main pieces, making it a little bit longer and smaller.
I used a different color fabric and I am so in love with them!
You can make it just as big or small you want.

DIY purse

handbag ruffles

diy bag

DIY purse

* This tutorial is provided for personal, use only. If you wish to sell items made with this tutorial please purchase a limited production license.
Check the Site policy at the bottom for further information, Thank you!

MissMary

Tuesday 2nd of July 2013

You are a gifted designer. I like both of your bags big bunches!

Thank you for all of your hard work and for sharing it with us!

issMary

Patricia

Saturday 3rd of November 2012

Thanks for sharing this instruction with us! Its beautiful! I have made my first quilt and would like to try sewing this.

becky derry

Friday 5th of October 2012

Thank -you for the tutorial.I just discoved your site today sure am glad I did and look forward to recieving your e-mails Thanks

Nikell

Friday 5th of October 2012

This is a really pretty bag! I'll have to try this one out. Thanks so much for sharing (^_^)

Cherie

Friday 5th of October 2012

This looks simple to make. I make my own bags so I will add a couple of zippered compartments on the inside and one on the back panel for cell phone. In fact I think I'll also make an overnighter and large shopper like this too! I love the ruffle in the front and it's a great twist on a bag ! thanks!

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