{adding a handmade touch pt. 2}

Hi there! Thanks for coming back for part two of my mini makeover series! Yesterday I shared a simple handmade touch to a store-bought dress and today I'm sharing a tutorial on how to make zipper pulls for a store-bought bag!

I got this bag at Target for around $30. 

 I love it. It's sturdy, cute, and holds a ton! And there are a bunch of pockets which is my favorite. I have made myself a lot of purses and bags and totes, but have yet to make a cross-body bag of this nature. Maybe someday, but until then I'll stick to adding a handmade accent to a super functional bag.

This is a crazy simple tutorial and would be a great beginner project or scrap buster for you veterans. Here we go!

You'll need:

existing zipper pulls as a guide

fabric & coordinating thread

basic sewing tools

fray check

 Remove existing zipper pulls from bag and measure the length so you know how long to cut your fabric strips.

 Cut your fabric strips 2 inches x the length of the current pulls. I made mine a little wider than the originals because I wanted them to stand out more. 

 Press the strip in half length wise then press the two long edges into the middle.

 Press flat. Repeat for second strip.

 Top-stitch down each edge with coordinating thread. I used an 1/8" top-stitch here. Repeat for second strip.

 Trim the edges up nice and neat since things can tend to shift a smidge during sewing. Do this for both strips.

 Apply fray check to both trimmed edges of each strip and allow for it to dry. Once the edges are dried, put the new pulls where you took off the old ones!

Just a simple little addition, but I think it adds a bit of character and handmade goodness to what was already a fabulous bag! Enjoy!

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{Tutorial} Adding Commercial Handles to Handmade Bags

Hi everyone! I have a great little tutorial to share with you today that will take your handmade bags to the next level! Commercial store bought handles will give your tote the perfect finishing touch and make you look like a total professional. And really it could't be easier!

JoAnn Fabrics makes spring crafting so simple during national craft month with a $5 off $25 or more purchase coupon and spring crafting inspiration website!

Supplies Needed:
Commercial Handles (I got mine at JoAnn's. They're microfiber.)
Fabric scraps for creating tabs-4 pieces cut to 2"x2 1/2"

Favorite tote or purse pattern…pieces cut and ready to go
general sewing supplies

Alright, let's get to it!




1. Cut your tabs. 4 pieces at 2x2 1/2 inches
2. Fold in half along long side and stitch with 1/4" seam allowance (repeat for all four tabs)
3. Press seam open.
4. Turn inside out. Press. Press in half wrong sides (seam side) together and insert through ring of handle.
5. Baste edge closed with 1/4" or 1/8" inch seam. Whatever you feel comfy with but also be mingle of your bag pattern. If your pattern calls for 1/4 seams, use 1/8 so that your basting stitches are hidden in the seam.
6. Repeat for all four tabs and you're done! Now you can follow your bag pattern.

Oooooooh ahhhhhhhh. See what a difference that makes?!?!? Looking good. 

Here is the inside of my bag. Other professional touches I like to add are magnetic snaps, pockets, and boxed bottoms. These little details make such a huge difference in the finished look, functionality, and style of your bag.

All these supplies can be purchased at your local JoAnn's! Happy crafting friends!!

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