When I first began sewing, it was a love of bags and purses that helped begin my passion for the craft. Usually these patterns are basic straight lines and no fitting to worry about which can frustrate a new sewist. If you are considering sewing or have been at it for years, it is always fun to add a new accesory to your mix without having to invest a ton of fabric into the project. I recently used Simplicity 1387 to complete a full head to toe DIY look. You can read more about the cape, top, and pants at the posts linked.
Simplicity 1387 Review DIY Purse
PATTERN DESCRIPTION:
5 Bags in assorted sizes: From larger tote bag to small, envelope size sunglass pouch
SUPPLIES NEEDED:
For my purse, I chose View C with a few adjustments. For view C you will need 3/8 yard fabric (I used this home decor fabric that I found at Joann.) 3/8 yd contrasting fabric – I used a faux leather that I picked up years ago and no longer recall where it is from. Lining 1/2 yard , Fusible Fleece – 5/8 yd , and a magnetic snap – You can pick up several in bulk like these
If you are following the pattern as is- there are a few other notions for the twine straps and button, but I did not use this on my purse.
DID IT LOOK LIKE THE PHOTO/DRAWING ON THE PATTERN ENVELOPE ONCE YOU WERE DONE SEWING?
Sort of, I omitted the button and twisted straps for a magnetic closure within the bag only, and made my own straps made from the leather and main fabric.
WERE THE INSTRUCTIONS EASY TO FOLLOW?
Yes, I changed the straps on my bag to my own length and width preference and sandwiched them in between the lining and main fabric rather than sewing them on the main front of the bag as the instructions tell you to do. Overall the bag is simple to put together, but the seams are quite thick when you are working with the fleece backing and a thicker fabric so watch your seams carefully, grade where necessary to reduce bulk and use a strong needle.
WHAT DID YOU PARTICULARLY LIKE OR DISLIKE ABOUT THE PATTERN?
I like the two different fabrics being used for the top and bottom portion of the main bag body. I dislike that there are no interior pockets, and the stitching of the straps to the outer main bag piece the instructions call for. However, without the pockets it is a fairly quick bag to sew up.
WOULD YOU SEW IT AGAIN? WOULD YOU RECOMMEND IT TO OTHERS?
I have made two of these bags, one was a gift. They are a fairly quick and easy project and I would recommend view C for a beginner. I started cutting view A and quickly realized how enormous the finished bag would be, which I didn’t want for this look but I do love the style of that bag. Just a heads up, the A bag is really really large. I also would like to try the little sunglass case and make up bag as scrap busters as well as the bag in View B…so looks like I will be getting my money’s worth out of this one pattern 🙂
CONCLUSION:
A quick and simple purse, great for beginners. This pattern comes with a variety of sizes and styles and is a good basic purse and bag pattern for your collection. However, the lack of interior pockets is dissappointing.
Since I completely fogrot to take pics of the interior of the bag, hope over to my Instagram and I will do a few stories to show the bag inside and out and save them for anyone interested.
If you enjoyed this bag review, you may review some of my other reviews found here.
Until Next Time,
Happy Sewing
About 18 years ago I decided to teach myself how to sew. Long before blogs and resources available today which meant it was often disastrous. But I never gave up because I loved it so much. Today I love helping others get started on their own sewing journey. You can read more about my family and I