So these bags are my new favorite thing! And today I’m going to show you how to make a custom flex frame bag that suits your unique style. Let’s elevate your crafting skills and make a statement with a bag that’s as unique as you are!
Supplies
Optional Supplies – Bag Bottom
Where to Purchase Your Materials – How to Make a Flex Frame Bag
I bought the flex frames for this bag a while ago. These are great because the frame gives you an option to add a strap. You can purchase frames without the strap option, but they are roughly the same price so I recommend buying the frame with them.
I found these flex frames on Etsy. They come in two sizes a 10″ and a 12″. I bought one of each, and like out they turned out so I bought two more. You can see the other bags in the posts below.
- Olive Green Wool Skirt
- Pink and Silver Brocade Skirt
- Faux Snakeskin Skirt
- Black and White Houndstooth Dress
I purchased the suede fabric at Mood Fabrics in NY. I was actually there looking for silver fabric for my silver bias cut skirt. While I was searching I came across this gorgeous suede and fell in love with the color. Unfortunately, they don’t sell it online but you can buy similar pink suede here. You can also buy really nice reasonably priced suede here on Amazon. They don’t have a hot pink option, but there is a good selection to choose from. I purchased the navy blue and it’s really good quality.
Additional Bag Tutorials
If you are interested in seeing more bag projects check out the posts below.
Body of the Bag – Cutting Your Suede
For this bag I used the smaller 10″ frame and cut my suede using the dimensions in the photo below. When cutting suede and leather I always recommend using a rotary cutter.
Once you cut your suede measure down 2″ from the top and draw a line 3/8″ long on each side. Cut along the line and fold inward and secure with clips. Stitch using a 1/8″ Sean allowance. I recommend using a leather needle in your machine and a walking foot.
Clip the sides and bottom and sew with a 3/8″ seam allowance.
Pinch the corners together and stitch again with a 3/8″ seam allowance. Due to the thickness of the leather you won’t be able to sew over where all four seams meet. Sew are far as you can then secure the center seam with super glue.
Putting it all Together – Installing the Flex Frame
Now it’s time to insert the flex frame. Unscrew the small washer on the bottom of one side of the frame. The two halves of the frame will separate. Slide one side of the frame into each of the channels you sewed on the top of the bag.
Once the frame is all the way through insert the pin and tighten the screw. You want you give it a twist with a pair of pliers just to be sure its secure.
Attach a strap and you’re all set.
Note: I chose to make my bag wider at the top then the length of the frame, so it would have that ruched look. You don’t have to make yours the same way. You can change the size of your pattern along the top edge to match the length of your chosen frame.
Now you can fill you bag up and hit the town, but you might notice the bottom looks a little saggy. This might not be a big for some people. If you’re one of those people have at it. However, if you would like to make a “bag bottom” that will keep your bag from sagging keep reading.
Creating a Bag Bottom
Listed at the top of the post are the items you need to make your bag bottom.
Measure the bottom gf your bag from side seam to side seam. If you used the same pattern as I did it should measure 13′ x 4″.
Mark and cut this measurement on one of your cutting boards. Then wrap a piece of your fleece fabric around the cutting mat and sew in place. I recommend using a leather needle for this.
Now do the same thing and wrap the coordinating fabric around the fleece covered cutting board and fold the edges to one side. Clip the coordinating fabric in place. Using a 1/4″ seam allowance and sew all the way around.
Insert the bag bottom into your and you will no longer have a saggy bag.