Purse Patterns to Sew – (Steps & Guide for Stylish Baguette)

Last Updated on May 24, 2023

Welcome to another tutorial on purse patterns to sew! If you’ve ever wanted to create your own stylish purse, you’re in the right place. Here, we’ll guide you through making a trendy baguette using a domestic sewing machine. But before we dive in, let’s introduce a talented designer, Monica Poole. From whom I have been inspired and intend to write this guide.

Monica Poole is a seasoned designer with over 20 years of experience in the handbag industry. Throughout her career, she has created numerous handbag sewing patterns that have captivated fashion enthusiasts.

Purse Patterns to Sew
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Purse Patterns to Sew Tutorial

In this tutorial, we’ll focus on the baguette bag—a compact and sleek handbag originally introduced by the Italian fashion brand Fendi in 1997. Baguettes gained immense popularity in the late 90s and early 2000s, boasting a variety of colors and textures. And now, they’re making a comeback!

Our version of the baguette bag features a curved top zipper, a rounded bottom, a side gusset, and a gathered strap. It serves as a fantastic foundation for personalizing and making it uniquely yours. Feel free to add pockets, experiment with different strap options, and let your creativity shine!

Materials Needed

  1. Exterior fabric
  2. Foam interfacing
  3. Zipper
  4. Ribbon
  5. Webbing
  6. Lining fabric
  7. Sewing machine
  8. Scissors
  9. Pins or wonder clips
  10. Ruler
  11. Tailor’s awl or wooden skewer
  12. Iron and ironing board

Size

Height: 15 cm (6″) high. Width: 23.5 cm (9 ¼”).

Steps To Follow

In this step-by-step guide, you will learn how to sew a gorgeous baguette purse. This pattern is available for free on the PatternPoole website and includes the following:

  • Detailed instructions.
  • A requirements list.
  • Step-by-step photos.
  • Full-size pattern pieces.

Let’s get started!

Step 1: Cutting the Pieces

Cutting the Pieces
  • Cut out the purse pieces according to the provided pattern.
  • Cut out the interfacing using the exterior fabric pieces as a guide.
  • Pin the fabric pieces to the foam interfacing and cut around the edges.

Step 2: Basting the Exterior Pieces

Basting the Exterior Pieces
  • Take the exterior bag pieces pinned to the foam interfacing.
  • Stitch around the outside edge with a large stitch length (5) and a 3/8-inch seam allowance.
  • Do not sew across the top curved edge or the short edges of the bag pieces.

Step 3: Attaching the Zipper

Attaching the Zipper
  • Measure the zipper from the zipper, pull it down to the end, and divide that measurement by two.
  • Mark the divided measurement on the wrong side of the zipper on both sides of the zipper tape.
  • Mark a 3/8-inch seam allowance on both side edges of the zipper tape.
  • Align the zipper’s center mark with the center notch on the bag’s top edge.
  • Pin the zipper to the bag, curving the zipper tape to match the top edge.
  • Attach a zipper foot to the sewing machine and sew along the marked line, ensuring the zipper follows the top curve of the bag.
  • Repeat the process for the other side of the zipper.

Step 4: Sewing the Gusset

Sewing the Gusset
  • Sew the wider ends of the side panels to the opposite ends of the base piece.
  • Trim away the foam interfacing from the seams to reduce bulk.
  • Press the seams open and topstitch 3mm (1/8 inch) away from the seams.

Step 5: Attaching the Gusset to the Bag

Attaching the Gusset to the Bag
  • Pin the bottom of the front bag piece right sides together with one side of the gusset, aligning the center notches.
  • Bend both ends of the gusset around to meet the top edges of the bag front and hold it in place with pins or clips.
  • Pin or clip all straight sections of the bag to the gusset, saving the curves for last.
  • Sew the gusset to the bag, following the basting stitching line.

Step 6: Sewing the Back of the Bag

Sewing the Back of the Bag
  • Turn the bag so that the side panel or gusset is on top.
  • Stitch exactly on the basting stitching line.
  • Trim away the excess interfacing and turn the bag through the opening.

Step 7: Making the Lining

Making the Lining - Purse Patterns to Sew
  • Create a base pocket by hemming one short end of a lining base piece.
  • Place the hemmed piece on top of the other base piece, right sides facing up.
  • Stitch around the edge of the base with a 1/4-inch seam allowance, leaving the hemmed edge open.
  • Sew the wider ends of the side panels to the opposite ends of the lining base, avoiding catching the hemmed edge.
  • Press the seams open and turn the lining right side out.

Step 8: Making and Attaching the Strap

Making and Attaching the Strap
  • Sew a ribbon at the top end of the strap, folding it in half lengthwise with right sides facing.
  • Use a quarter-inch seam allowance and sew along the folded edge.
  • Turn the strap right side out using the ribbon to help, and press.
  • Attach webbing to the strap, threading it through and securing it with stitches at each end.

Step 9: Attaching the Strap and Finish the Bag

Purse Patterns to Sew
  • Turn the exterior bag through to the wrong side.
  • Pin the strap onto the opposite top side edges of the bag.
  • Attach the lining to the bag, slipping the lining inside the exterior bag with the right side facing.
  • Pin the top curved edges together and sew across them, following the previous stitching line.
  • Trim away the interfacing from the top curved seams and clip the curved seam.
  • Turn the bag through the lining opening and press.
  • Topstitch the top edge of the bag, securing the curved edges.
  • Sew the opening in the lining closed by machine or hand.
  • Insert the plastic base into the base pocket of the lining.
  • Your baguette purse is now complete!

Conclusion

We’ve reached the end of our tutorial on purse patterns to sew, with a special focus on the stylish baguette purse. You now have the information and motivation from this tutorial to make your own designer handbag with a home sewing machine

Remember, we’d love to see your finished products! Send us your masterpieces, and we’ll celebrate your ability and originality. Stay tuned for more exciting tutorials in our series as we continue to bring you the joy of sewing and the thrill of creating your own fashionable accessories.

Thank you for joining us on this sewing journey, and happy stitching!

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