I thought my bag-making mania might be slowing down after three Noodlehead 2-4-1 totes, four Noodlehead Trail Totes, origami bags versions 1, 2, and 3, a panel tote, and a foldover bag, but then I discovered the completely adorable ring handle bags, and I am obsessed again!!!
There are a few different options for shapes for this bag, and I look forward to trying more, but for my first version, I followed the directions in this video from kcoton. Below, I described the steps in the video and have provided the dimensions for different sizes.
Here’s what you’ll need:
I’ve included a table below based on the proportions of the bag in the video. You can vary the dimensions and get great-looking bags of different shapes – for example, for the pink and daisy bags, I used 6″ handles with the dimensions listed for the 5″ handles. The dark green-blue cherry blossom print bags are a bit longer (taller) than these proportions, because I was trying to make the most of the fabric, which is cut from an old kimono.
- Pair of ring handles. I found many cute options on Etsy and eBay
- Fabric for the exterior
- Fabric for the lining
- Basic sewing supplies
Here’s how to make it:
- If you are using a lightweight fabric, like a quilting cotton, fuse interfacing to the back of the exterior fabric, except for the last 4″ on the two short ends
- If you want to add a slip pocket, sew it place 5″ from a short end, with the opening facing the end of the fabric
- Line up exterior and lining fabrics, right sides together
- Sew along short ends with 3/8″ seam allowance
- Press seams open
- Shift the tube you have created to line up the seams, right sides still facing and pin in place
- Measure 7.5″ out from the center seams towards the four corners and mark with pins – see picture below
- Sew from corners to the 7.5″ mark – see blue lines marked on picture above – with a 5/8″ seam allowance and backstitch
- In the center unfinished section, press the edges wrong sides together to make 5/8″ seam allowance
- Sew box corners (see dimensions above) in all four corners and trim
- Turn the bag right side out and push the lining inside the exterior
- Topstitch the open sections where you had pressed seams
- On the inside of the bag, mark a line 3.5″ from top of opening
- One small section at a time, fold the top of the opening down over the handle to line up with the 3.5″ marking and stitch
- Repeat on the other side
Last step: get sooo excited to see your adorable new bag!
These first two bags are for my nieces. I hope they make it through the shipping lanes all the way to Hong Kong!
I made two of these bags from a vintage kimono, so Marta and I can be matching!
These ones have pockets!
More pics – Swooning!
I can’t wait to make more of these soon!!
Julie aka “Jewels”