How To Make Your Own Shoulder Bag

As promised, here's how to make your very own, limited edition, handmade shoulder bag!

And all you'll need is three different felts^^

And some material long enough to use for the shoulder strap.

 Oh, and a sewing machine and some scissors. But if you don't have a sewing machine, you can easily hand-stitch it, it will just take a tad longer.

First up, you'll need to sew your two favourite felts together down three sides. You'll need one of the two longest sides left unsewn, so you can do this...

...with it. As you can see, three sides are sewn up (mine's sewn quite badly because I had a sudden attack of flies, and Carson (my sewing machine buddy(: ) took a swerve for the worst.

Cut off most of the excess felt, so you're left with the stitches quite close to the edge.

And the turn it inside out, so you can't see the stitching. The reason you cut it so close to the edge is so that the felt doesn't automatically crease itself; I learnt that the hard way *sob*

Now, with your third felt you measure just how much you'll need, then cut off whats left. I have no idea if what I'm saying makes sense, so just judge by the pictures if you're too totally confuddled.

Then you'll need to sew that felt onto your bag. This bit is quite hard, and you'll need to try and get it even, otherwise your whole bag will be On The Wonk. Sew it onto the back when the bag's turned inside out, and then cut off the excess (again) once you've finished sewing. (And yes, you can see my DiceDotted nails... Just look a few posts back if you have no idea as to what I'm on about..)

You should then be left with something like this (cut quite badly. I have no excuse for this though.. #BadFashionDesignerDreamer).

Decorate your bag any way you choose; it is YOUR bag! (I attempted to sew it on, but then Carson went berserk and I pulled it off and undid all the stitches. So, lesson to be learnt, TRY TO GET IT RIGHT FIRST TIME!)

Trying out some other camera settings on my rubbish little camera... Sorry, I got distracted...

Then you just cut out a slice of fabric as long as you like (your choice!) and sew that onto the INSIDE of your bag, so you can't see the stitches.

You should then be left with something like this. Mine's TRES uneven, but you can do much better than me!

Then you can add some Velcro to the inside of the flap, and can even make a purse to match if you like! TRAA-DAA!!

Did that make ANY SENSE WHATSOEVER? Do you fancy making one? I want PICTURES, people! I'll add them to my blog if you send some in! (See 'Contact Me' page(: )

AAWAD(: