Handbag Hardware and Interfacing

Something about handbag hardware seems intimidating to sewists. Which is silly. Sure, they're metal, and heavy, and much more solid than fabric and thread, but including the hardware on your bag makes it look so much more professional and polished. Plus, using hardware is not as scary as you think.


Below is a list of hardware used for all the bag patterns in Pattern Parcel #7. I usually buy hardware in bulk from shops on Etsy (here, here, and here) and buy last minute single pieces from Joann's. Veronica at SewVery has a great post on upcycling bag hardware, too!

Betty Bowler:
(4) 1" rectangle loops (optional)

Midtown Messenger Bag:
(1) 14” metal non separating zipper
(2) 1.5" wide rectangular metal rings
(1) 1.5" wide metal slider buckle
(2) 1” wide metal tuck catches

Butterfly Sling Purse:
(1) "Almost Square" shaped turn lock (1-1/2" x 1"), or
(1) Heart shaped turn lock (1-3/16" x 1-1/8")
(2) Flat rectangular rings - 1" (25 mm) wide
(1) Flat rectangular adjustable slider - 1" (25 mm) wide
(2) Slim magnetic snaps - 9/16" (14 mm)
Full hardware kit here.

Evelyn Handbag:
(4) Bag feet
(1) 18mm (6/8”) Magnetic snap closure
(5) oval (or rectangle) rings 30mm (1 ¼”) across (inside measurement) and no more than 20mm (13/16”) deep (inside measurement)
(16) 6mm (¼”) rivets (optional)

Barcelona Bag and Wallet:
(1) 3/8" snap for wallet

Daphne Bag:
(1) 1-1/2" Slider and rectangular ring

And then there are interfacings. Interfacings give handbags their structure. They hold you up when you're feeling down. Shopping for interfacings can be overwhelming to a novice bag maker. The different names and numbers can leave your head spinning, but have no fear! Alicia of Swoon Bag Patterns has a helpful blog post about the different types of interfacings, and what to use them for. Pellon also has this downloadable PDF guide on the Top Ten Handbag Interfacings. It's a handy tool to take shopping with you.

Pellon has graciously offered to give away a collection containing the four basics you'll need for bag making: 1 pkg Shape Flex SF101, 1 pkg Fusible Fleece 987F, 1 pkg Peltex Ultra Firm Stabilizer 70, and 1 pkg Craft-Fuse 808!


To enter to win, simply leave a comment below (click the black talk bubble) and tell us what is your favorite indie pattern to sew. For an extra entry pin the contest image above to Pinterest or share this contest link with your stitchy friends online, then leave us a second comment saying you did so.

Don't forget, Parcel #7 ends this Friday at midnight EST, so don't miss out on the chance to choose your own price for this collection of digital handbag patterns from indie designers. It's our goal to raise $20,000 for the charity, Donors Choose, and we're so close! With you're help, we can meet our goal.

Parcel #7 is here: Handbags Galore!

Pattern Parcel #7 is here and we're super psyched to tell you is is all about handbags! Messengers, satchels, hobos, shoulder bags, vintage bags...Parcel #7 has something for everyone. Never sewn a bag before? Now is your change to try your hand at a new skill. Plus, handbags never make your butt look big and never need a FBA. Trying to keep the budget tight as we head into the holidays? Perfect! You can make a new bag for all the ladies in your life. (Heck, even some for the men.)

Parcel #7 includes:

Barcelona Bag and Wallet by Pat Bravo
Butterfly Sling Purse by Emmaline Patterns
Evelyn Hangbag by ChrisW Designs
Midtown Messenger Bag by Betz White
Betty Bowler by Swoon Sewing Patterns


Choose a price of $32 or greater for Parcel #7 and you will automatically also be sent the Bonus Pattern! That's just over $5 a pattern. The Bonus Pattern for this Parcel is the brand new Daphne Bag pattern from Clover & Violet. The Daphne is a slouchy satchel that can be worn cross body or as a shoulder bag. The zip top keeps your gear secure and the internal pockets keep your accessories where you need them. This is a brand new, never been seen before pattern and is an exclusive opportunity for Parcel #7 customers!



Need some inspiration? Follow the Inspiration Tour!
Parcel #4 Inspiration Tour Schedule:

Friday, November 7 Stitched || Sew Exhausted

Saturday, November 8 Made by Sara ||Oliver's Fancy || Strawberry Patch Ramblings

Sunday, November 9 from a box || Mia's Creations || MOMENTS

Monday, November 10 owen's olivia || While she was sleeping

Tuesday, November 11 Nutta || Radiant Home Studio || La Pantigana

Wednesday, November 12 Sew Fishsticks || Stacy Sews || Stitching Insane || GnomeAngel

Thursday, November 13 Needle and Ted || Patchouli Moon Studio || Sprouting JubeJube || The Crazy Tailor

Friday, November 14 Casa Crafty || A Jennuine Life || 'So, Zo... What do you know?'

Saturday, November 15 Stitches by Laura || Rebekah Sews || Serger Pepper

Sunday, November 16 Blogs Like A Mother || Vicky Myers creations || Blossom Heart Quilts

Monday, November 17 Shanni Loves || So Sew Easy || GYCT Designs || Tiger In A Tornado

Tuesday, November 18 The Nosy Pepper || Keep Calm and Carrion || There & Back || Sewing Sober

Wednesday, November 19 Sew Like My Mom || Knot Sew Normal || Stacy Sews || sewVery

Thursday, November 20 Mimi's Mom || Our Family Four || shades of BOLD || Modern Handcraft

Friday, November 21 Shawnta Sews || Lulu & Celeste || Amanda Rose || Robin's Fabric Nest || House of Pinheiro


It's our goal to raise over $20,000 for the charity Donors Choose. All Pattern Parcel profits after expenses goes to our cause, as well as part of each Parcel sale.

Amy Kindman of Peek A Book Patterns: Designer Interview

What is your idea of perfect happiness?
“I want to say taking a bath, alone, with the kids in bed, with a book and a bowl of ice cream. Did I mention alone? But....while I would like that most days, I think my kids and husband are what bring me lasting happiness. ”

What is your greatest fear?
“Spiders. No, wait - screaming, throwing up children at 2:00 am on Christmas. Then spiders. ”

What is your favorite color?
“Pink ”

What trait do you most deplore in yourself?
“I'm a bad boss. Mind you, I have no employees besides myself. But sometimes employer Amy makes employee Amy work too much:)”


My favorite photo of myself: This pic. is missing my youngest (we really need to get some family photos!) but it will have to do.

What trait do you most deplore in others?
“Rudeness. Just because you're on the internet and can't be seen doesn't mean you shouldn't be polite to everyone.”

What is your greatest extravagance?
“Designer fabric :) Serious weakness for fun knits!"

What is your favorite journey?
“Like, metaphorically? The journey of life's been pretty good so far!”

What do you consider the most overrated virtue?
“Patience. While it may not be "overrated," patience and I have never got along very well."

On what occasion do you lie?
“When reading my kids books at night, sometimes I skip pages, and pretend like I read the whole book. They'll never know.”

What do you dislike most about your appearance?
“Never thought much about that - probably shouldn't start now.”

Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
“"Don't do that!" ... "Pick up your toys!" ... "Anne, eat your food!""

What is your greatest regret?
“Regret? Long term regrets don't come to mind but we did make a fancy dinner in the Crock Pot last week and forgot to plug it in!”

What or who is the greatest love of your life?
“Easy Question - my Family!”

What talent would you most like to have?
“Cooking!"

My favorite thing I made myself: The Okey Dokey Overalls are my favorite thing I've made. It's something I never would've dreamed of sewing a few years ago and I'm so happy with how they came out!

What is your current state of mind?
“Craziness! 3 Kids + 1 Pattern Designer = Craziness”

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
“3 Arms - I could get more done that way. Maybe 4 arms.”

If you were to die and come back as a person or thing, what do you think it would be?
“Myself - I don't want someone else's life. ”

Where would you like to live?
“Somewhere with more trees!”

What is your favorite occupation?
“Mother”

What is the quality you most like in a man?
“Dependability- I like to know I can always rely on my husband to be there for me ”

What is the quality you most like in a woman?
“Confidence - women can do great things.”

What do you most value in your friends?
“Someone who really understands me. Many people relate to me as a young mom of kids but not many people even get what my job is”

My most treasured possessions: My fabric stash.

Who are your favorite artists?
“Pinterest. Well I guess that's not one artist but so many people are creating great art everyday. Many of today's best artists are disguised as moms!”

Who is your favorite hero of fiction?
“Harry Potter."

Who are your heroes in real life?
“My Mother!"

What are your favorite motto?
"Just do it."

How would you like to die?
"Um .... of old age, but not too old :)"

During each Parcel sale we ask the designers to answer the Proust Questionnaire for us and to share some images of their favorite things. You can read past interviews Right Here.

Looking for the Parcel #5 Inspiration? Head on over Right Here.
Still haven't purchased Parcel #5? You can Get It Here until Friday, October 3rd.