Summary

• Mrs H's favourite everyday bag!
• Easy-to-read instructions, colour photographs, and pattern pieces
• YouTube sew along

Bag Features

The Classic Handbag sewing pattern was designed especially for our March Bag Retreaters, and is Mrs H's new favourite everyday bag!

The Classic Handbag has a timeless style, with its softly curved shape just right for tucking under your arm, and a top zipper closure to keep your belongings secure. It has an exterior slip pocket on each panel that you can divide to best suit your needs, an interior zip pocket, and an interior slip pocket as well as the central bag space.

In typical Mrs H fashion, The Classic Handbag has a LOT of skillbuilding techniques, including side gussets, top boxed corners, installing a bag base and bag feet, and using zippers as piping.

In not-so-typical Mrs H fashion, The Classic Handbag is very low on hardware. Only two rivets? What was Mrs H thinking? Of course, as is always the case with our designs, you can easily add more rivets or extra bag bling to help your super sew sparkle!

Please note: We do not recommend using vinyl for The Classic Handbag as you will be sewing through 8 layers in total during the final stages.

Pattern Features

The Classic Handbag is classified as a confident beginner bag sewing pattern. It is written in UK English and has been thoroughly tested by a team of expert pattern testers

The Classic Handbag PDF sewing pattern features comprehensive instructions, pattern pieces, and colour photographs, as well as a text-only section to save on ink and paper costs. After completing checkout, visit My Downloadable Products in your account to download your PDF sewing pattern. Find out more about how to download and print PDF sewing patterns here: How to download and print your PDF sewing pattern.

Pattern FAQs

What difficulty is this sewing pattern?

The Classic Handbag sewing pattern is a skillbuilder for confident beginners. If you do get stuck along the way or are unsure of anything at all, then please add a question to our Facebook group and we'll help to get you back on track: Facebook Support Group for Sewing Patterns by Mrs H.

How big is the finished bag?

The Classic Handbag measures 11.5" x 7" x 3 1/4" ( 29cm x 18cm x 8.25cm).  

What materials do I need?

Fabrics:

Please note that vinyl is not recommended except for very strong machines. You will be sewing through 8 layers in total during the final stages.

• 3/4 yd (0.75m) exterior
• 3/4 yd (0.75m) lining

Interfacing & Stabilisers:

• 24" x 24" (61cm x 61cm) foam stabiliser
• 3” x 12 1/2” (7.5cm x 32cm) fusible fleece
• 2 1/4 yd (2m) medium weight fusible interfacing 1yd (90cm) wide, narrower will need more.
• 7 1/2" x 3" (19cm x 7.5cm) bag base or thin cutting mat

Hardware & Zippers:

• 2 x 1 1/2" (3.8cm) rectangle rings
• 5 x 1/2" (12mm) purse feet
• 2 x 14" (35.5cm) #5 zip (cut continuous zip 14" (35.5cm)) – One forms the pocket ‘piping’
• 1 x 7" (18cm) #3 zip (cut continuous zip 9" (23cm))

Optional Hardware:

• 2 x Small rivets : 5/16″ Caps x 1/4″ Post (8mm x 6mm)
• 1 x Bag Label

You will also need the following:

• Double sided basting tape
• Zip foot & walking foot
• Wonder clips
• Fray Check
• Pressing Cloth
• Pinking Shears
• Duct Tape
• Chalk marker/erasable pen

What's the tag for social media?

#MrsHClassicHandbag

Where can I find more inspiration?

For more information or inspiration, pop over to our Facebook group.

Is there a sew along for The Classic Handbag?

There is! Sew with Mrs H on YouTube: The Classic Handbag Sew Along with Sewing Patterns by Mrs H. You'll also want to watch Mrs H's Masterclass video on how to use piping in bagmaking: How to use piping in bagmaking

I've found a mistake!

Known Errata: At step 36, the instructions call for you to repeat steps 33-34. The tapered seam allowance in steps 33-34 is for the lining ONLY. At step 36 please sew the exterior at 3/8ths all around. The exterior does not need to be tapered.

Have you found an error not mentioned here?. Please let us know by sending an email to mrsh@mrs-h.com so we can add it to our list to correct when the pattern is next updated.

I have a question not answered here

Send us an email to mrsh@mrs-h.com or pop over to the Sewing Patterns by Mrs H Facebook Support Group and we'll do our best to help!