Purse I Made From a Pattern I Created!

 

Mini Messenger Bag

 

 

 

This was my very first attempt at making a purse from a pattern that I made from scratch! I think it turned out great, if I do so say myself.

 

How did I do it? 

 

1.  Built a lifesize version of it with scratch paper.  Probably the best purchase you'll make, if you want to make patterns, is going to IKEA and buying a roll of paper for something like $5.  Way cheaper than at a craft store!

If you cut off too much in one place, all you have to do is tape on extra paper... problem solved.  In the end you may end up with a project that looks like it was made by Edward Scissorhands, but when you have the rough outline you can trace that on the nice roll of paper and get one smooth sheet of pattern perfection.

 

2. Practice, Practice, Practice.  If you want to learn how to put together your OWN, you have to learn several bag techniques first.  There are so many free (and cute!) tutorials on the web that you can Google and get started.

 

3.  Patience, Patience, Patience.  I sewed the handle wrong (the supposedly easiest part) and it took me 2 hours to turn it inside out... but I refused to let the handle win! Be prepared for struggle.  Make sure to have a trusty seam ripper nearby.  Maybe a drink, if you're into that :P