A smaller tote is a lovely option as a handbag alternative. A softer structure and open top makes it easier to toss in more items than a traditional purse would hold. We used the Janome Bi-Level feet for the flat felled seams and more.
You’ve all seen puffer jackets. The look has now shown up on high-end bags! S4H leads the pack, bringing you a DIY version. We combine ripstop nylon and high loft batting, creating the texture with straight line quilting + ruler work.
Whimsical Tula Pink fabric and her eye-popping Tula webbing is paired with a solid faux suede for the upper trim and the clever front flap that covers deep, double pockets. A lightly quilted texture keeps it fashionably fabulous.
A solid color lets the lines and details of a bag’s design shine, like this tote’s pleats, curving sidewall, front flap, and twin needle stitching. The pleated pockets expand to drop in your items, but when empty, pop back flat.
Now you can have your bag match your mood. We used the flexibility and functionality of our Janome studio machines and accessories to help create a trio of striking straps that clip on and off a single camera style shoulder bag.
A sleek, soft bag in a traditional curved shape with both carry handles and an adjustable shoulder strap. This “New Classic” has timeless lines but with an upstart edginess that adds just the right infusion of fun.
Keep your purse more organized! By loading up the essentials into this multi-pocket pouch, all you need to do when changing bags is switch the organizer from one to the other. Much easier and faster to find everything.
An ideal Fall blend of two wardrobe staples: plaid flannel and crisp denim. The slight teardrop shape and soft construction gives it a signature slouch that’s as everyday comfortable as your favorite flannel shirt and jeans.
Perfect for holiday parties: an elegant cinched evening bag in a mini bucket shape. We used two of the most popular special occasion fabrics: velvet with a gorgeous drape and silk dupioni with its crisp, slightly textured finish.
The front of a bag is a bit like a blank slate. We started with a gorgeous metallic linen, then added a quilted windowpane grid, and finally, arranged twelve tone-on-tone yo-yos as the perfect dimensional accent.
This is what we call a statement bag. It’s specifically designed to make the best use of a fabric collection’s boldest, brightest colors and motifs. There’s a free pattern for the unique curved “wave” pockets on the front and back.
Big totes are great for big jobs, but sometimes, a compact purse is all you need. This pouch is tall and narrow with room to hold the necessities plus a little extra. Fold down the top, sling it over your shoulder, and you’re good to go.
A tropical print exterior and natural rope handles give this small box tote its beachy beauty. Perfect for sunny day outings and easy enough to make in a single afternoon. Buy new fabric or check out your stash for ideas.
Often seen in woven straw, crocheted yarn or macrame, round handle bags like this one are a vintage classic. Our pleated, semi-circle design features a soft upholstery fabric with a large, bold motif. Includes a free pattern.
A purchased skinny belt becomes the strap on this unique shoulder bag, and a large, monochromatic embroidered medallion adorns the front pocket as well as the lining pocket, creating a secret pop of pretty on the inside.
We love looking for ways to use decorative stitching, and this striking oversize clutch provides the perfect large, solid surface for concentric rings of stitching. We used the Janome Circular Sewing Attachment to make it easy.
The beauty of ribbons always makes a statement. When paired with solid color fabric, they get others talking as well. This small shoulder bag features a full flap created from seven gorgeous Jacquard ribbons stitched side-by-side.
When was the last time you wanted to give your handbag a hug? Try our unique faux fur bucket bag. It has a great combination of structure and softness in an easygoing style that can be dressed up or down.
Our simple box tote adds eye-catching yarn wrapped handles + hand stitched accents for a pop of bold Summer color against a solid background. We chose fiery red, fresh green, and golden yellow. It’s surprisingly easy.
Unique accents are the perfect path to a professional bag finish. This terrific tote has rivets securing the straps, jean buttons on the side pockets, cool metal grommets, western style pocket flaps, and twin needle topstitching.
We used a cool metal closure for this pretty shoulder bag design. There’s a curving side gusset to add structure and a unique curved flap with accent piping. All done with standard weight cottons! So fun, we made two samples!
We used Tabby Road by Tula Pink, a purrrrfect collection to flaunt your feline love, but you get to choose your own best fabric combo. Our free pattern download gives your bag the unique curved shape with its flat bottom.
With its casual style and small size, this double-zip pouch is great for kids or adults when extra-cute is exactly what you need. Clever side loops act as channels for the thin, adjustable-with-knots straps.
Our soft shoulder bag is beginner friendly but with a very stylish finish. The cool strap-and-tassel closure is a look we spotted on some of the trendiest designer bags. To get the signature slouch, look for a very fine wale corduroy.
Light/dark – they say opposites attract, and that is at the core of this gorgeous two-tone tote. The striking contrast gives the project a modern look with a sleek simplicity that sets off the focal point: real leather handles.
A crisp, cute bag with a bucket shape and cinched top – it’s a silhouette popular season after season. We created our sample in a modern canvas with polished nickel hardware and a twisted cord for the signature drawstring closure.
Hardware is usually categorized on the functional side of sewing. For this project, we moved it into the fashionable category; grommets/eyelets and rivets create a striking starburst design on the bag’s solid color front.
It’s a fabulous fifties flashback – retro cool but with modern features that make it easier to construct. We love the bold chevron accent on the front and back, reminiscent of the two-tone tail fins of the ’50s era cars.
A classic leather elbow patch – it can transform a rumpled guy in a tacky corduroy jacket into a suave, crush-worthy academician. What else can it do? It can become a unique corner accent for a slim style canvas bag.
Neutral tones of canvas and a simple mini-tote style combine into the perfect backdrop for our stunning Lion’s Head machine embroidery design. We offer a free download in six popular file formats.
You’ll need to read more to see why this bag is named after Winnie The Pooh’s pal, Christopher Robin. In the meantime, you can see the bag’s exterior is done in quilted corduroy and the front flap has very cool closures.
Bags come in all shapes and sizes, but this round canteen style is one of our favorites. It has such a great retro feel. You can pretend you’re a Scout on a special outdoor expedition. Download the free pattern.
The step-by-step instructions for this unique bag are packed with lots of great S4H tips and tricks for working with faux leather and vinyl, including cutting, stitching, and how to keep layers to a minimum.
Combine stunning fabric with a unique handle and you can create your very own designer style handbag for a fraction of boutique prices. Look at home décor fabrics for especially unique motifs and textures.
A relaxed style, subtle hand embroidery, and rich ruffling are just some of the features we love on this soft shoulder bag. Mix and match four different quilting cottons to create vintage boho chic. A bit o’ batting adds just the right slouch.
Creativity is in the bag! Wave tucks are a fun way to add a textural focal point to any size bag. Don’t panic; this technique doesn’t require a bathing suit or a surfboard – all you need is your sewing machine and a desire for style!
A versatile bag with two ways to carry. Opened up to its full 18″ height, you have a full-size tote with riveted carry handles. Fold over the top and use the shoulder strap to create a compact, purse-size carryall.
Soft, supple faux leather is much easier to sew with than the real thing. Use it for our elegant handbag – clean and casual enough for the office, but still posh, pretty, and compact enough for a night on the town.
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