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« The Un-Paper Bag: Tack the Corners | Main
Wednesday
19Dec2007

The Un-Paper Bag: Attach Handbag Handles

un-bag-2-9

  • At the top of the bag make a chalk mark 2-inch in from the left on the left side of the bag as shown above. This is where you will place the handles.
  • Pin the handles to the right of the mark.

12.jpg

  • Using the embroidery thread, sew the handle on with a backstitch through the pre-punched holes.
  • Repeat this step by marking 2-inch from the right edge of the bag and attach the opposite end of the handle. 
  • Attach second handle to the other side of the bag in the same way.
  • Fill your bag with goodies and enjoy!
Posted on DateDecember 19, 2007 Authorpurl bee Print ArticlePrint | Comment25 Comments

References (2)

References allow you to track sources for this article, as well as articles that were written in response to this article.
  • Response
    Response: quilting
    at http://quiltingnow.info on March 14, 2008
    Site presents quilting.
  • Response
    Response: leather gloves
    at http://leatherbowglovessigne.info on March 14, 2008
    leather gloves straightdforward selection.

Reader Comments (25)

Would it be possible to get the fabric, handles and thread kitted up? Love, love, love the bag.
December 21, 2007 | Unregistered CommenterAdrienne
Dear Adrienne,
We'd be happy to put the materials together for you. Just give us a call at the shop or the website and we'll get it done!
store: 212 420-8798
Web: 800-597-7875
December 21, 2007 | Registered Commenterpurl bee
oh wow, i don't know how to sew well, but this tutorial is encouraging me to start learning! is this bag available anywhere to purchase?
December 21, 2007 | Unregistered Commenterlovelypaper
I'm like you, I save those cute brown paper bags with the jute handles and use them to death. This is the perfect size and shape. I think it's time to "invest" in a fabric bag with a leather handle.
December 21, 2007 | Unregistered Commenterdawn
I second Adrienne's comments - I think that I'll call as well! Love it!
December 21, 2007 | Unregistered CommenterLeanne
Dear Lovelypaper,
this bag is not available for purchase, but you could make one!
December 21, 2007 | Registered Commenterpurl bee
lovely! i've been itching to make a bag like this. i think i'll add some interior pockets and call it a purse!

what are the finished dimensions, by the way?
December 21, 2007 | Unregistered Commenterkate
this is a great tutorial! thanks for sharing it in such an easy follow step by step (and photo by photo) way. it's really clear and easy to understand.
December 21, 2007 | Unregistered Commenteramandajean
Dear Kate,
The finished bag is 10-inches wide by 12-inches tall by 5-inches deep.
December 22, 2007 | Registered Commenterpurl bee
Great tutorial and beautiful bag. It's just what I've been looking for. I'll be in soon to get some supplies!
December 22, 2007 | Unregistered CommenterKylie
i love it!
i think this will be my next project for after the holidays!
December 22, 2007 | Unregistered Commenterkayte
this is lovely - i was wondering if the handles stay on when just hand stitched?
December 24, 2007 | Unregistered Commenteramy
This bag is so cute! I was wondering, when you handstitched on the handles, did you go through both the outer fabric and the lining? Thanks!
January 4, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterLynn
Hi Lynn-
I did sew through both the outer fabric and lining when attaching the handles. Thanks for your question!- Molly
January 4, 2008 | Registered Commenterpurl bee
I think the fabric should be listed as Olympus not Liberty, am I right? Is this one of Miho Takeuchi's designs, it looks just like one of them. Very cute bag.
January 5, 2008 | Unregistered Commentermisa
Sorry, I see that the background fabric is the one by Liberty.
January 5, 2008 | Unregistered Commentermisa
what a fantastic bag. i'll be heading down to pick up supplies shortly.
January 23, 2008 | Unregistered Commentermeso
I started sewing again last week in my continuing new years resolution to be more crafty. My husband and I are always fighting over the paper bags with jute handles, so I figured I would make one. :) It was my second project since 7th grade home ec and it turned out great. Thanks for the explicit directions. I just used the fabric to make tote like handles and it worked great.
February 18, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterKatie Lou
Thank you for this pattern! I have a fabric stash that I've been looking for an excuse to use. I hate that all of the stores have their name plastered all over their fabric shopping bags, but know what a difference it makes to use a reusable! I will be making several of these to take with me to the department store, farmer's market, etc. Thank you!!
April 24, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterMLC2boys
WHERE can I get those handles?? I love them? do you have them in your shop on line? can you send me a link?? thank you so much for this I love this!! can not wait to make am going to try one tonight!!
May 8, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterJanice
Hi Janice-
We are out of this specific color and size of this handle but any of the synthetic leather handles on the link below would work just as well:

http://purlsoho.com/purl/products/accessories_notions_list/99

The length I used was 19 5/8" but you could use something longer or shorter depending on your preference.

Thanks for your comment- Molly
May 8, 2008 | Registered Commenterpurl bee
I love this bag! I have already made three in the last month.
June 3, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterNicole
Thank you so much for these instructions. I made the bag all in one go, this morning! I loved the fabric and the handles I ordered from your site. What a happy project!
December 31, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterHillary
Beautiful bag!! I love it! Do you think it would work to sew the handles before putting in the lining?
April 12, 2009 | Unregistered CommenterMichelle
Hi there!

i have link ur tutorial in http://diybaglover.blogspot.com/.

Hope u dont mind :)
June 18, 2009 | Unregistered CommenterDIYBagLover

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