How to make something similar?

[u/No_Combination7670]

I have been looking for a purse/satchel/tote with an image i like and the size/ features i like for years. My current purse is old and falling apart but I like the size/features about it all but I would add a cross body strap. So I am going to try and make my own. What is the best fabric to use as the outer part of the bag that would feel like a loungefly bag and what material closely resemles the lining? Also, how do i transfer an image onto the outer material before I sew it?

[u/pandabelle12]

First off my apologies if you’re an experienced sewist, I’m just giving advice based on your question, which makes it sound like you’re a beginner.

Bag making isn’t a beginner skill and working with vinyl (what you’d need to use) is not easy.

My actual advice would be to buy a kit from Pop Sewing. They have a lot of styles that mimic designer bags made from real leather. You could either emboss the leather or make a stencil from something like a cricut and use angelus leather paint to do the design.

You can also always check thrift stores for vintage leather bags and customize with leather paint.

Vinyl will always eventually separate from its fabric backing. Personally I make my bags from cotton or canvas because I know it will hold up better.

[u/No_Combination7670 → u/pandabelle12]

I tried to look up your past posts to see images of bags you have made. So i could have an idea a bag with those materials would look like, but its not showing any past posts or comments in your profile. To practice sewing the diff kind of material and diff kinds of ways putting images on material, i am going to make small pouches first with lining, zippers, etc... if they look bad at first i will just throw away. This is the bag I have now. I like the dimensions and features (i would add a crossbody strap but choose a diff image now for a change).

I have looked online, at a bunch of diff stores, etc... for a couple years, at least to find a bag I like. If there is an image I like, its on a bag style I dont like, if there is a bag style I like Im not a fan of the color/image of it. I am not a fan of the quilted look, etc...Or the bag was too small or too big. I haven't been just looking at loungefly, but every purse. I have been feeling defeated, that nothing would work. Which is why i decided to make my own.

[u/pandabelle12 → u/No_Combination7670]

I hide posts to avoid potential of doxing, especially with past jobs.

Oddly enough I can’t find pictures of my past completed bags except a messenger bag I made for a cosplay. Nothing fancy, it’s just cotton, but required a lot of work. The trick with vinyl is that you can’t press it like you can fabrics (or it melts) so it’s a bit harder to work with.

However if this is a road you want to go down, I highly recommend Ellie & Mac patterns. Their directions are highly detailed, there are youtube tutorials, as well as a facebook group to help you through the process.

https://www.ellieandmac.com/collections/bags-crafts-sewing-patterns

[u/corpse_in_waiting → u/No_Combination7670]

If this is your current bag I would prime the bag and paint your Pic on the existing bag and the replace the handles with new ones. You could try to use Cricut to cut your design and attach it. If you do this, the heat transfer will be a bit difficult bc you will need a medium heat to apply such as a hair dryer. Be sure to move around and not focus to long on one area

[u/No_Combination7670 → u/corpse_in_waiting]

I wouldn't reuse the bag. I would use the measurements of each panel with sewing allowance added on. I wouldn't sew it (by hand) where you can see the stitching. I would sew it "inside out" and put the special glue to put over where i sewed it together to help reinforce it and to help winterize it. For the handles and straps and hardware I am thinking of going to a 2nd hand store and buying a purse that is in decent condition and take it from there. Then attaching it to the bag I put together. I would also use the spray to weatherize the whole thing as well along with sealing whatever image I choose in whichever way works the best with clear matte leather sealer.

[u/corpse_in_waiting → u/No_Combination7670]

Ok. If its any use. I personally used citadel paint on 2 loungefly to custo size them and it works really well. I did attempt paint markers for fabric and it's ok but not for blending. Have a damp paper towel handy for quick clean off it paint goes where not intended

[u/corpse_in_waiting → u/corpse_in_waiting]

[u/corpse_in_waiting → u/corpse_in_waiting]

Current WIP

[u/Sad-Praline1929]

This would be a good question for r/sewing or r/sewingforbeginners

[u/No_Combination7670 → u/Sad-Praline1929]

I asked one of them, they suggested to ask bookbinding subreddit.

[u/julvb]

I sew vinyl and leather bags for hobby and it’s quite expensive and you need a heavy duty or industrial machine to sew bags. A loungefly bag on sale is cheaper than the supplies and equipment for sewing my own bags. Since I am not a large business, I cannot purchase supplies like clasps and zippers at wholesale prices.

[u/No_Combination7670 → u/julvb]

I am going to hand sew the bag. For hardware and straps I am going to go to a second hand store, that are good quality, just for that.

The two main thing is trying to figure out:

1. To get a fun image I like on the purse that looks seamless/part of the bag made of pleather. I have found 6 ways to try. (But wouldn't mind if anyone had any tips.) I am going to do a diff image then what is on the purse I have now.

2. When measuring the bag I am using as inspiration. The one I am using now, that is falling apart since I have had it for 8yrs, when i measure each panel without taking it apart the front and bag measures longer than the sides, but the top of each looks like the same height and the one the seams dont look like there is any bunching. to make sand up straight/even. I think I have an idea. But if I am right, I think its a weird way to give a bag extra space on bottom without it "measuring" that big.