Fringed Bag Tutorial

Fringed Bag

Have to put this out there. I’m not a fan of fringing. Those fringed bags everyone has been wearing for a few seasons now – don’t do it for me. I’m more of an athleisure fan. Every now and again I get brave enough to do a lite Goth look. Black, lace, deep coloured lips, bold eyes. But that’s enough. I was determined to try, just try a bit of fringing somewhere. A fringed bag is entry level.

I loved this piece of suedette. Managed to make a bum bag or waist wallet with it too. Look out for that in an upcoming tutorial. This bag was based on another tote bag that I made. See that DIY tote bag – here.

You need fabric, fringing and strapping

It’s turned about a bit longer and thinner than I was expecting. I can always sew the bottom a bit shorter. That’s the great thing about making your own clothes and accessories. You can make them just the way you want them to be.

You need: –

• fabric
• matching coloured thread
• fringing – enough to circle your bag twice
• matching coloured thread for the fringing
• sewing scissors
• pins
• sewing machine
• tape measure
• ruler

You do: –

Cut two x 55 centimetres x 45 centimetre pieces from the suedette. If the bag is too big you can take it in.

Cut two x 60 centimtres long pieces for the straps. If you like longer straps then make this longer.

Fold straps under the top of the bag and sew in place. My handles are 20 centimetres apart in the middle.

Fold straps under and sew in place

Fold over top of bag about 4 – 5 centimetres and sew straps again. That way they will be really secure.

Now sew around the sides and bottom of bag. Seam allowance is 1.5 centimetres.

Snip corners and turn inside out

Next snip off the corners and cut close to the seams to remove excess fabric so the corners fold out nicely.

Pin first row of fringing all the way around the bag

Measure 5 centimtres down from the top of the bag and pin the first row of fringing all the way around the bag. Sew in place.

Pin and sew the second row of fringing

Now do the same with the second row of fringing. You can opt for only one row or three rows. Your choice.

Fold handles over and sew in place

These are particularly wide handles. I folded them over and sewed the top half of them. Just make sure you fold either both in or both out so they are uniform.

And that people is how to make a fringed bag. Simple!

More next week, until then have a great week.

Greenie.