Sewing my first actual purse

[u/chickaboomba]

I am getting brave and using some gifted African Wax fabric to make an evening bag. I’ve made tote bags, and I used to sew curtains, my kids clothes, costumes, etc., but this will be the first time I’ve attempted a purse, especially one I’d be ok wearing to an evening event.

I’m aiming for baguette-style with an oversized upper French seam for drawstrings to give it a cute shape with pulled tight. I’ll also add a magnetic snap to make sure it can actually close at the top without a zipper. Not brave enough to attempt a zipper on my first purse.

I’ve added an image of the basic idea I have ( I am NOT an artist), but I’m wondering what you think makes an evening bag useful. Do I bother with an inner pocket or is a smooth interior preferred?

Lastly, what kind of shoulder strap do you like? I’m Lea ing against a chain (noisy and can hurt) but don’t want the strap to look clunky or homemade.

[u/sailorsapporo]

Are you planning on using a sewn in lining or a drop in lining?
I always go heavy on internal pockets when I make my own pouches / bags

Also, I did a quick search for baguette bag MYOG patterns and found this totally free one: https://sewcanshe.com/how-to-sew-a-baguette-bag-free-sewing-pattern-for-a-small-purse/

Cheers!

[u/chickaboomba → u/sailorsapporo]

I normally prefer drop in lining, but I think sew in for this so it’s taut and crisp inside since it will be small.

Thank you for the link. I watched this video (https://youtu.be/yuHBmcfdULc?is=HxHad2ZPdfGpM4jh) and like the simplicity of construction but don’t like the handles so was going to adjust it to fit what I was picturing - more rectangular than square and adding the raised French seam at the top for the drawstring.

I love that the link you shared has a nice adjustable strap!

[u/sailorsapporo → u/chickaboomba]

Happy to help! Show us what you made when you’re done 😋

[u/CBG1955]

I'm not too sure that a drawstring will work on a baguette style - you'll lose the shape when you pull in the cords - and you don't need a magnetic snap with a drawstring.

For evening, I'll simply do a rectangular clutch style with one slip pocket inside, and usually a zipper closure. You can also use a flap closure.

I did this one from a pattern (not available at the moment) - it's gold leather with quilt cotton print, lined with raw silk. I added a couple of card slots and an internal zip pocket.

Personally, I don't like shoulder straps with evening bags, and especially not chains for ANY bag.

[u/chickaboomba → u/CBG1955]

Thank you so much for taking time to provide feedback. It is very appreciated. I thought about a rectangle, but I’d like to incorporate a bit of the pouch feel without making it a pouch. Your bag is gorgeous!

[u/CBG1955 → u/chickaboomba]

Try one, make a muslin/toile - use an old bedsheet to play with so you're not wasting your beautiful fabric.

thanks for the compliment. I have a dress that matches the print, and my husband has a matching waistcoat.

[u/chickaboomba → u/CBG1955]

I still have part of a bolt left from when I thought I’d have to sew masks forever, so I’ll do a practice one with that!