Recognize this sparkly pleather fabric? I had a bit left over from my purse, so I used it to make a new laptop bag that matches. I am all about being matchy-matchy!
Unfortunately, I made a few mistakes while I was constructing this purse. First off, I thought I had a black lining fabric. Turns out it was dark brown. I figured this out about the time I was going to attach the lining fabric to the main body. 🙁 Then, I had to rip apart the flap, and I literally ripped the pleather fabric. Good thing I had enough to cut another piece. That is what frustration gets you…ripping apart your fabric like the Hulk!
I used a brown bag that I got for free at Coldwater Creek many years ago for the basic outside measurements of this purse. It is a nice size and is serviceable. I wear a lot of black/gray tones, though, so I wanted a new bag.
I used a hard Peltex interfacing in three pieces on the inside, so it will be able to stand up on it’s own and not be floppy. I cut it in three pieces, so that it bends easily at the bottom. I also left a good inch or so at the edges. This ensures it won’t be in the seam, adding unnecessary bulk. I stitched it on, and for this pleather it really didn’t show at all.
Basic construction:
- Sew the interfacing onto the main body fabric.
- Attach feet if you are going to put them on.
- Attach your rings to the side fabric. For this one I used webbing and D-rings. I also added rivets. Make sure they are far enough away from the top edge, so they will not get caught into the top seam.
- Pin the sides in the middle of the main body fabric. Sew the bottom seam with 1/2″ on each side.
- Pin the sides into the sides of the main body fabric. Sew up the side seam. The bottom corner is the hardest part. I usually start at the bottom and then sew up to the top seam.
- Do the same for the lining piece. If you want a pocket – sew to the inside before attaching the side seams.
- Sew the side seams and one end seam of the flap, right sides together, lining and main body fabric. If you want to do what I did here, I used webbing and a snap closure. I put that into the middle of the bottom seam before sewing it up. I also make sure that I heat seal the edges of all the webbing so it doesn’t fray. Also…make sure yours is centered better than mine.
- Attach the flap to the main body fabric.
- Attach the bottom ring with rivets for the snap on the flap. I put this on late to make sure I had it in the right spot.
- Put the lining into the main body, wrong sides together.
- Fold over the seam and pin/clip together. Sew all the way around.
I forsee this bag getting LOTS of use carrying audited financial statement drafts and tax returns to review.
Yay.
so professional looking! you found some great hardware.