🧵 How to Make a Small Travel Bag (Handbag) – Strong, Easy & Practical

Sure! Here’s a detailed guide on how to sew a small travel bag (handbag) that’s easy, practical, strong, and perfect for trips or storage. This DIY project is suitable even for confident beginners.

🧵 How to Make a Small Travel Bag (Handbag) – Strong, Easy & Practical

✂️ What You’ll Need:

Fabrics & Materials:

Main fabric (1/2 yard) – canvas, denim, or outdoor fabric for durability
Lining fabric (1/2 yard) – cotton or waterproof nylon
Interfacing (fusible, medium to heavy) – for added strength
Zipper – 12 to 14 inches (nylon or metal)
Straps – webbing or matching fabric (around 1 yard)
Optional: extra pockets, D-rings, Velcro, snaps, or plastic canvas base for structure

Tools:

Sewing machine
Iron and ironing board
Scissors or rotary cutter
Ruler or measuring tape
Pins or clips
Fabric marker or chalk
Seam ripper (just in case!)
Heavy-duty sewing needle (denim or leather needle if using thick fabric)

✏️ Design & Size (Customize as needed)

Finished Bag Size: ~10″ (W) x 7″ (H) x 3″ (D)
Cutting Measurements:
- Main fabric (x2): 12″ x 9″
- Lining fabric (x2): 12″ x 9″
- Interfacing (x2): 12″ x 9″
- Strap: Two pieces 16″ each (or longer/shorter as desired)
- Pocket pieces (optional): 7″ x 5″ (x2)

🪡 Step-by-Step Instructions

🧶 1. Prepare the Fabric

Cut all pieces according to the measurements.
Fuse the interfacing to the wrong side of the main fabric using an iron.

🧵 2. Add Pockets (Optional)

Take the pocket pieces, fold top edge 1/2″, press and stitch.
Place them on the lining pieces where you want them.
Sew around the sides and bottom to attach, leaving the top open.

⚙️ 3. Sew the Zipper

Place one lining piece right side up, zipper face up on top, and main fabric piece right side down (like a sandwich with zipper in the middle).
Sew along the zipper using a zipper foot.
Repeat on the other side with the remaining main and lining pieces.
Open both and topstitch near the zipper to keep fabric from catching.

🎒 4. Construct the Bag Body

Open the zipper halfway (important!).
Match main fabric pieces right sides together, and lining pieces together.
Pin or clip all around.
Sew around the edge, leaving a 4-inch gap in the lining bottom for turning.
Box the corners (optional but recommended):
- Flatten each corner, match the seams, and mark a 1.5” triangle.
- Sew across the triangle, then cut off the excess to reduce bulk.

🎯 5. Turn & Finish

Turn the bag right side out through the gap in the lining.
Push out corners and shape it well.
Sew the lining gap closed by hand or machine.
Push the lining into the bag and press neatly.

👜 6. Attach the Straps

Option 1 – Fabric Handles:

Fold each 16″ fabric strip lengthwise, right sides together.
Sew down the long edge, turn inside out, press, and topstitch.
Option 2 – Webbing Handles:
Just cut, seal the ends with a lighter (if synthetic), and sew.

Attach Handles: