👜 DIY Guide: How to Make a Roomy Handbag with a Structured Bottom

 Here's a detailed DIY guide on how to make a roomy handbag that doesn't have a sagging bottom, with tips for structure, materials, and support:

---

👜 DIY Guide: How to Make a Roomy Handbag with a Structured Bottom

✂️ What You'll Need:

Fabric:

• Exterior fabric (canvas, denim, faux leather, or upholstery fabric)

• Lining fabric (cotton or polyester)

Stabilizers:

• Fusible interfacing (medium to heavy weight for body)

• Peltex or foam stabilizer (for base)

• Plastic canvas, acrylic sheet, or bag bottom insert (optional, for extra structure)

Supplies:

• Sewing machine

• Thread to match

• Scissors or rotary cutter

• Pins or clips

• Iron

• Measuring tape or ruler

• Leather or fabric straps

• Magnetic snap or zipper (optional)

---

🧵 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Choose Your Dimensions

Decide how large you want your handbag to be. Here's an example size:

• Width: 16 inches

• Height: 12 inches

• Depth (side gusset): 6 inches

Add ½ inch seam allowance all around when cutting fabric.

---

2. Cut Your Fabric Pieces

Exterior:

• 2 panels: 17" wide x 13" high (front & back)

• 2 side panels: 7" x 13"

• 1 bottom panel: 17" x 7"

Lining:

• Same dimensions as above

Interfacing:

• Cut interfacing to match all fabric pieces

• Use medium-heavy fusible interfacing on exterior panels

---

3. Reinforce the Bottom Panel

This is the key to prevent sagging:

✅ Option 1: Peltex/Foam Stabilizer
Cut a piece of Peltex or foam stabilizer slightly smaller than the bottom panel (e.g. 16.5" x 6.5"). Fuse or sew it between the exterior and lining bottom pieces.

✅ Option 2: Insert Base Support
After sewing the bag, slide in a base insert (like:

• Plastic canvas

• Cut acrylic

• Thick cardboard wrapped in fabric)

Insert it into the lining before sewing it closed.

---

4. Assemble the Bag Exterior

1. Fuse interfacing to the wrong side of the exterior panels.

2. Sew side panels to the front and back panels using a ½" seam allowance.

3. Attach the bottom panel to the base of the bag.

4. Clip corners and press seams open.

---

5. Add Structure to the Lining (Optional)

You can fuse lightweight interfacing to the lining to help hold the shape, or leave it soft.

Add any interior pockets (zippered, slip) before assembly.

---

6. Sew the Lining

Assemble the lining just like the exterior, but leave a 5–6 inch gap in the bottom for turning.

---

7. Combine Exterior and Lining

1. Place the exterior bag inside the lining (right sides together).

2. Pin along the top edge and sew all the way around.

3. Pull the entire bag through the gap in the lining.

4. Press the top edge and topstitch.

---

8. Add Handles and Closure

• Attach fabric, leather, or premade straps (sew or use rivets).

• Add a magnetic snap, button loop, or zipper for closure.

---

9. Optional: Make a Removable Base Insert

• Cut a piece of acrylic or cardboard to match the bag's bottom.

• Wrap it in coordinating fabric.

• Place inside the bag base for extra support. This allows for cleaning and flexibility.

---

💡 Pro Tips

• Foam stabilizer (like ByAnnie’s Soft and Stable) gives body without bulk.

• Box corners instead of separate gussets are quicker but offer less support.

• Quilt the exterior for added strength and style.

• Bag feet can elevate the bottom and reduce wear over time.

---

✅ Final Result

A roomy, functional, and stylish handbag with a sturdy bottom that doesn’t sag—even when you load it up. Perfect for work, travel, or everyday carry!

Watch video: