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From: RiverRat
Date: 09-27-2005, 01:11 PM (1 of 13)
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I just found this forum! Yea!! I haven't done any sewing in many years (I don't even own a sewing machine any more). I would like to start making purses. I have a store where I could retail them. I need some advice on getting started. Obvously, I need to start as a beginner. And I need to do things that won't take a lot of time to make. Any advice will be appreciated! |
User: RiverRat
Member since: 09-27-2005 Total posts: 3 |
From: debsews
Date: 09-27-2005, 02:38 PM (2 of 13)
| There are so many patterns out there for purses. I'm fairly new to sewing and started a year ago trying to make purses. One thing I will say is that some patterns give you the finished size of the purse on the back and some don't. I have a lot of patterns that look like a good size purse on the picture only to find out you can hardly put a lipstick into them when you cut out the pattern. So having said that depending on what kind of purse you're making I found almost all of the patterns to be fairly easy. Finding good purse hardware in my area was most difficult. Magnetic snaps, D rings, purse feet and handles if you don't want to make them are the things I use most. Just dive in and try it! |
User: debsews
Member since: 09-16-2005 Total posts: 254 |
From: DragonLady
Date: 09-27-2005, 02:39 PM (3 of 13)
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I make a lot of purses and bags. I design them on graph paper, then choose a color scheme, then buy the supplies -fabric, handles, interfacings and such. They're easy, even if you're hand-stitching them. In fact, hand-stitching them is stronger and will last longer, if you have the patience for it and can do a really good job. "No more twist! No more twist!"
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User: DragonLady
Member since: 11-10-2004 Total posts: 152 
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From: SummersEchos
Date: 09-27-2005, 03:25 PM (4 of 13)
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Hi River Rat, Welcome to Sew Whats News. Making simple purses are easy. Start with a tote in different sizes, something simple in lines. The fabric can be the outstanding feature. As you feel more comfortable, add all the extra's. One word of warning. If you use a pattern from one of the pattern companies, you may not sell it at a retail level. It is a copyright law. Summer
FREE FALLIN |
User: SummersEchos
Member since: 09-29-2004 Total posts: 884 |
From: RiverRat
Date: 09-27-2005, 03:54 PM (5 of 13)
Thanks for all the tips & advice. I wish I was talented enough to make my own patterns! That would be great! I didn't know about the copyright law. Should I start with patterns, then try to make my own? How hard is it to make patterns? I certainly don't want to get in trouble with the copyright police. 
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User: RiverRat
Member since: 09-27-2005 Total posts: 3 |
From: AndreaSews
Date: 09-27-2005, 04:37 PM (6 of 13)
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Last time I went to the fabric store, I saw a couple of book sthat were _about_ making purses. They did include patterns, but what I gathered from looking at them was that you could learn a few good things about the _process_ from the book, and then use that information to go in your own direction. You might look in the book section of your fabric or craft store, or else your library.
Andrea
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User: AndreaSews
Member since: 02-18-2005 Total posts: 1007 
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From: DragonLady
Date: 09-27-2005, 07:01 PM (7 of 13)
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....I wish I was talented enough to make my own patterns!... Making patterns for purses really isn't hard. Once you've decided how you want it to look, you can just draw the individual pieces right on the paper & then add seam allowances. Should I start with patterns, then try to make my own? You could. Or you could simply take apart a few old purses in styles you like. Either way, to be able to sell your work you have to make an original pattern yourself or hire someone to do it. If you really don't know where to begin, try searching on the 'net for some free patterns. They're great for inspiration, and by studying them you can get the hang of how they're put together. (Just remember that patterns on the 'net are also under copyright, so you will still have to make your own.) "No more twist! No more twist!"
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User: DragonLady
Member since: 11-10-2004 Total posts: 152
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From: esrun3
Date: 09-27-2005, 07:23 PM (8 of 13)
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Welcome RiverRat! I'm not into making purses but I think Blackie had a post somewhere here on a purse she made. You might try a search for purses and see what you get. Be sure to share with us what you decide to do. We love seeing everyone's work.
Lyn
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User: esrun3
Member since: 12-02-2004 Total posts: 2345 |
From: patti2
Date: 09-28-2005, 07:37 AM (9 of 13)
| You can get a lot of great purse ideas, then adapt them as your own on Crafster.org. Alot of them have tutorials to go with them. |
User: patti2
Member since: 05-28-2005 Total posts: 78 |
From: RiverRat
Date: 09-28-2005, 04:00 PM (10 of 13)
| Thank you all for the advice! I did purchase an "easy" pattern today & I can't wait to try my luck. And I'll work on making my on patterns when I get the hang of it! I saw so many beautiful materials I didn't know where to start! I'm just glad I found this forum for advice & support!l |
User: RiverRat
Member since: 09-27-2005 Total posts: 3 |
From: bridesmom
Date: 09-28-2005, 10:33 PM (11 of 13)
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Welcome RiverRat, looking forward to seeing your purse pictures. I got a pattern from Lazy Girl just recently and have the fabric for my purse, just haven't gotten to it, its in one of the piles I have going. You'll love this place. These gals and guys really understand the sewing 'bug' we all seem to be addicted to.
Laura
Tickled pink with my Innovis 4000D |
User: bridesmom
Member since: 01-21-2004 Total posts: 2026 |
From: Raevenflyte
Date: 10-04-2005, 12:00 AM (12 of 13)
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It's the Jordy Bag, and instructions are posted here at Craftster.org. (http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=32204.0) It helped me get the idea behind making bags, since I'm relatively new to sewing. My effort is posted here (http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=22875.160), about halfway down the page--a red bag with a matching zippered pouch. HTH R. |
User: Raevenflyte
Member since: 03-16-2005 Total posts: 32 
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From: gm23237
Date: 10-08-2005, 09:41 PM (13 of 13)
| Use your computer search and type in the search: sewing...and go to some of the sites there. There are many sites that offer purse intructions, even the "Napkin" purse which is very easy to do. About.com has a couple of purse patterns. |
User: gm23237
Member since: 11-03-2003 Total posts: 145 
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