I made a stitched purse that looks more vintage than anything I have every DIYed. I am so proud of it! I made it for an IG video (see the video here!) which I have been doing more and more of lately. So I didn’t take full step-by-step photos, but it is so simple I can still teach you do it without the photos.
I used this bag (only $14). You can use any similar woven bag, but I will say that it needs to be unlined and a thin material that will be easy to stitch through. I used colored, pearlized raffia for the flowers.
I used a needle with a larger eye (a tapestry needle) and that is all you need besides a pair of scissors, of course.
It took me two days to stitch flowers all the way around my small bag. I listened to many episodes of Young House Love Has A Podcast and watched a lot of Westworld at night (I love a good craft you can do while watching television!), but I feel like only 48 hours is pretty quick considering.
To make the flowers, start with the “petals” and stitch one big circular burst, leaving a small circle inside each flower (where the center will go). I alternated between small, medium and large flowers to fill my bag all the way around.
To add the center, start a stitch from the back and tie knots close to the base (more knots equal bigger textures). I used between 2-3 knots for each little dot.
If you have any questions, I’d be happy to answer them! It’s super easy. If you’ve ever stitched before you can probably figure out my technique just by looking.
I am probably going to add a liner to mine because the messy stitching on the inside does bother me. But that is totally optional!
I’m so pleased with the final result! It feels very authentically vintage, in my opinion. I will keep this and use it for years to come! xx – Elsie
Credits//Author: Elsie Larson, Photography: Amber Ulmer. Photos edited with A Color Story Desktop.
9 Comments
Everything you girls make look legit store-bought! The quality looks amazing!
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Gorgeous color choice! You could also use vintage bags from estate sales and thrift stores to add flowers, tassels, or Pom Pom’s. Super cheap and such a fun fresh take. Vintage and one of a kind is a great combo! ????????
This is such a simple and effective design to embroider! I love all the straw bags in fashion this summer, especially the embroidered ones, and being able to make your own makes it extra special. Raffia is such a great material as you can cover areas a lot quicker that you would with cotton thread and can mix and much some bright colours for the flowers! Only need two stitches to complete and ta-da!
http://www.ginger-muse.com | Hand Embroidery Art & Design
What a cute idea, I can imagine embroidering all kinds of flowers or fruit on such a bag!
https://www.makeandmess.com/
I’m pretty sure I had a purse just like this as a kid in the 1990s. Gotta love fashion!
I actually just finished binge listening to all of Young House Love has a podcast over the past few weeks. The activity I did was not as glamourous- mostly laundry folding and other housework, but I think I “bettered” all those chores by having something fun to listen to.
Cute purse!
This looks amazing! I love it! Basket bags and straw bags are so in this year. What an awesome 90s throwback!
Debs @ https://tiger-mint.com
cute bag, love it. my grandma often make a bag like that but i never think to make it more beautiful like that.
This is such a cute craft! I adore adding to something with a little more pattern that fosters a sustainable lifestyle. This post from Old Things Made New does a similar thing with cross-stitching a hoodie! http://oldthingsmadenew.bestonlineblogs.com/2018/10/28/how-to-cross-stitch-on-an-old-sweatshirt/