How to Become a Handbag Designer
How to Become a Handbag Designer
Handbags can range from simple and utilitarian to all flash
and flamboyant, and everything in between. If you intend to
design them, learn both ends of this spectrum. Then, combine
the different elements into new and different designs all your
own.
Steps
1 Determine whether you want to design handbags as a
hobby or as a profession.Your handbag habits could also
be a little of both, making handbags in your spare time to sell
for a bit of extra money.
2 Sharpen your sewing skills.
Get a sewing machine and learn how to use it. If you're short on cash, used sewing machines can be a very
good deal. You don't need a lot of fancy stitches or computerized embroidery to learn to sew. Ask around and see if someone you know has one you could have or borrow, perhaps in exchange for doing some mending for them. Check garage sales and thrift stores in your area, too. Sewing
machines are pretty durable. Ensure your machine can cope with leather if you intend to use this material for your hand bags.
Learn to wind a bobbin and thread your sewing machine
Learn a little hand sewing, too, at least enough to sew a
button, though this can be done by machine. Buttonholes can
also be done by hand or machine.
Invest in a good pair of sewing scissors.
3
Start making your own bags from patterns. Try a denim
purse, a tote bag, and a drawstring bag for some good
introductory projects. Notice how the pieces fit together to
form the shapes of the bags.
4 Try making some of the less conventional bags. Recycled
and reclaimed materials give their own unique character to
bags. What other materials and objects could you turn into a
bag or purse?
A bra purse
A book purse
A duct tape purse
A crocheted or knitted purse
A silk evening bag.
A beaded evening bag.
Move on to more advanced sewing techniques. Learn how
to add zippers, snaps, Velcro, and other closures. Learn to
line your bag, to create box-bottom bags and three-
dimensional shapes. Learn to make various sorts of pockets
and straps.
6 Study bags and luggage in all forms. Look at suitcases,
backpacks, messenger bags, purses, lunchboxes, diaper
bags, coin purses, knitting bags, anything.
How are they constructed?
What fashions and styles do they reflect?
What purposes or needs do they serve?
What is lacking or inconvenient about them
7 Learn about creating patterns. Get some scrap fabric and
play around with it until you understand how shapes go
together. Don't forget to leave a seam allowance. Get some
garage sale or thrift store handbags and dismantle them to
see what they looked like as flat pieces.
8 Notice how you use the bags you have. Notice which bags
you prefer and why. Ask to see friends' bags (this may be
somewhat personal, so don't press). Notice what people carry
in their purses. Should you include a separate pocket for a
cell phone? An internal pocket for personal items? Generous
capacity for a book or notebook?
9 Explore fashions, designs, and embellishments. At some
point, most purses and handbags are constructed along
similar lines and what sets them apart is fashion. Notice how
different materials and colors change the character, style, and
feel of the bag. What makes it unique? Observe and
experiment with the following elements.
Shape. Bags run from tall and slender to short and wide, and
everything in between. How does the shape of a bag affect
the handling and appearance?
Color. Textiles and other materials are available in a wide
variety of colors, but you can also dye materials, leave the
natural color of the material, and use coordinating and
contrasting panels or trim.
Pattern. Here, the sky is the limit. Subtle, loud, abstract,
geometric, floral, or simply the pattern created by the
construction and trim on the bag.
Material. This affects the bag in many ways, including
appearance, handling (both for construction and use), weight,
and feel.
10 Start selling the bags you make. Start online or at craft
fairs. You'll make a bit of money, gain exposure, and learn
what people think of your creations. Listen to your customers
and give careful consideration to what they say, especially to
anything you hear repeatedly.
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