Elegant Criss Cross Handbag
Introducing a structured handbag sewing pattern featuring a distinctive criss-cross strap overlay on the front, a flat base, and a comfortable top handle.
When To Wear:
- Everyday Elegance: Perfect for adding a touch of sophistication to daily outfits, suitable for work or casual outings.
- Professional Settings: Its structured design and refined aesthetic make it appropriate for business environments and meetings.
- Evening & Special Occasions: a chic accessory that complements dressier ensembles for dinners or events.
Key Design Features
Silhouette: a structured, rectangular handbag with a gently rounded top and a flat, supportive base.
Front Detail: Features a striking overlay of criss-cross straps, adding textural interest and a unique design element to the front panel.
Handle: a single, sturdy top handle designed for comfortable carrying, twisted at its attachment points for a distinctive look.
Closure: a secure top zipper closure keeps belongings safely contained within the main compartment.
Interior: Includes an interior lining and two zippered internal pockets for organized storage of small essentials.
Level Of Difficulty
Intermediate. Involves precise assembly of structured panels, multiple zipper insertions, and careful topstitching for a polished finish.
Fabric Recommendations
Choose materials with good body and structure to maintain the bag's shape:
- Dense fabrics made from natural or mixed fibers
- Artificial or natural leather
Additional Supplies
- Fusible interfacing
- Lining fabric
- 1 main zipper
- 2 zippers for internal pockets
Cutter's Must
If the patterns have a double contour, they include seam allowances. If the contour is single, the patterns do not include seam allowances. Seam allowances: all seams 1cm. Top seam allowance of the divider pocket 2 cm. Attention! First, print out the paper patterns and lay them out on the fabric width (fabric width can be from 90cm to 150cm) to determine how much material you will need (do not forget to account for paired and symmetrical pieces). When stitching pieces, pay attention to the notches - they must match!
- From main fabric:
- Central – 2 pieces
- Bottom – 1 piece
- Strap – 2 pieces
- Small decorative piece – 1 piece
- Large decorative piece – 2 pieces
- Top facing – 2 pieces
- Zipper facing – 2 pieces
- From lining fabric:
- Lining – 2 pieces
- Zipper facing lining – 2 pieces
- Large pocket lining – 1 piece
- Small pocket lining – 1 piece
- Divider pocket – 2 pieces
- From fusible interfacing:
Sewing Instructions
- Reinforce the central, bottom, and straps with fusible interfacing.
- Fold the strap in half lengthwise, right sides together, and stitch along the long edge. Turn the strap right side out and press. Topstitch 0.2 cm from the edge. Twist the straps twice and secure the short edges with a stitch 0.5 cm from the edge.
- Fold the decorative piece in half lengthwise, right sides together, and stitch along the long edge. Turn the decorative piece right side out and press. Topstitch 0.2 cm from the edges.
- Stitch the side seams, inserting the decorative pieces.
- Stitch the bottom to the bag, clipping into the corners.
- Fold the zipper facing and the zipper facing lining right sides together, insert the zipper between them, and stitch. Turn the facings right side out and topstitch along the zipper teeth.
- Stitch the side edges of the top facing. Attach the top facing to the zipper facing, clipping into the corners.
- Mark the pocket placement on the lining. Reinforce the area under the zipper. Cut an opening along the pocket entrance, make diagonal cuts 1 – 1.5 cm from the end of the pocket. Fold the seam allowances inwards. Place the zipper under the edges of the pocket opening so that the teeth are visible. Topstitch the pocket opening close to the edge at 0.2 cm. Attach the large pocket lining to the upper zipper tape, and the small pocket lining to the lower zipper tape. Stitch the lining edges.
- Cut zipper flaps from the lining, 4 cm long and 3 cm wide. Fold the top seam allowances of the divider pocket to the wrong side, fold inwards, and topstitch. Fold the flaps in half crosswise, place them on the zipper from both sides. Place the divider pocket pieces on the zipper so that the lining does not cover the zipper teeth and topstitch. Stitch the bottom edge, folding the pieces right sides together, then turn right side out and topstitch 0.5 cm above the previous stitch on the right side. Trim the zipper edges so that it does not extend into the side seam allowances.
- Stitch the side edges of the lining, inserting the divider pocket. Fold the lining so that the side and bottom edges are in a straight line. Stitch the corner. Stitch the bottom edge, leaving an opening for turning.
- Attach the lining to the zipper facing in the seam of attaching the bag facing.
- Fold the top facing with the lining and the bag right sides together and stitch along the top edge, inserting the strap.
- Turn the bag right side out through the opening. Stitch the opening closed.
