7/11/12

{DIY} Custom fabric handbag

This DIY fabric handbag is so customizable and can be as cheap or expensive as your tastes. This leather purse was found for $4 at the thrift store on post; the fabric was about $1.50/yd on sale (I only got a yard); and that rope cord was about a dollar as well. I already had the glue, painters tape, and paintbrush on hand.


Supplies: thrifted handbag (with or without a flap - your choice), fabric (amount depends on the size of your handbag), rope or cord, Mod Podge, strong adhesive or fabric glue (I used E6000), x-acto knife, painters tape, paintbrush

1. Stuff the inside of the handbag with grocery bags for an even working surface. Line the edges & the center fastener with painters tape.
2. Lay a slightly oversized piece of the fabric on top of the surface and, using an x-acto knife, cut a small hole around the center fastener.

3. Use the Mod Podge to adhere the fabric to the handbag, starting at the center and working your way out. Paint a layer of Mod Podge on top of the fabric that you've just adhered. Take your time with this and press down on the Mod Podged fabric for a few seconds to secure it. Press down with the end of a paintbrush when adhering the edges/creases.

4. Using the x-acto knife, slowly cut the fabric to fit the handbag, lifting up on the fabric as you cut. The edges will be rough. Not to worry though- the rope or cord will hide it. Remove the painters tape.
5. Line the cord/rope on the edge of the handbag over the rough edges of the fabric. Begin gluing the rope to the fabric/leather, pressing down as you go.

6. Once you've lined all of the edges, cut the rope at your starting/ending point for a seamless look.
7. Let dry per instructions on the glue packaging.

10 comments:

  1. This is SO cool! What a neat idea! I am going to have to try this!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks friend! :) Send me a pic if you make one! Love you!

      Delete
  2. This is so cool. Thanks for the idea!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You're so welcome! This was a fun project... thanks for stopping by!

      Delete
  3. That's super sweet, I'm going to have a go charity shop hunting for a cute leather bag!
    xox

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Beth! :) Thrifting the bag was definitely the fun part... never know what you'll find.

      Delete
  4. this is really cool! i love the fabric you picked out!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Hannah! Got the fabric from Hobby Lobby. :)

      Delete