There is something truly special about owning a piece of history, and it is even better when that history fits your personal style. We often search thrift stores and markets for that perfect, hard-to-find vintage accessory. But what if the best one has not been made yet? This article is for every creative person who loves classic style and wants to turn a scrap of forgotten fabric into a treasured, timeless accessory. Get ready to start sewing, dust off your machine, and create a Vintage Purse that is perfectly you.
1. The Key Parts of Classic Vintage Purse Styles
Before you start making your own Vintage Purse, you need to understand the classic shapes that make up the most popular eras. The word ‘vintage’ covers a long time span. A bag’s specific look can place it in an exact decade. Fabric, hardware, and shape determine this placement. Knowing these differences will help you pick a pattern and materials that match the specific look you want to achieve.
Classic Shapes to Inspire Your Vintage Purse
- The Flapper Clutch (1920s): This bag is often small. Intricate beading or rich velvet or patterned silk decorate it. It shows how the decade moved toward accessories that allowed easy movement. The structure is usually simple. You put the effort into decorating the surface. If you want a highly detailed, hand-sewn item, choose this great option.
- The Frame Purse (1930s–1950s): This may be the most famous style. The frame purse uses a stiff metal or plastic hinged frame for the opening. This gives it a clear, structured look. The fabric bodies range from small and round to large and square. This style is perfect for people who like to work with traditional sewing methods and hardware.
- The Box Bag (1950s–1960s): These bags were very stiff. Makers often used Lucite, hard plastic, or stiffened fabric or leather for them. They were the perfect example of a polished, ladylike look. They often feature a top handle and a clean, square shape. For a homemade version, you must use very stiff fabric or a strong material to maintain the sharp edges.
- The Vintage Shoulder Bag (1970s): As clothes became less formal, the Vintage shoulder bag grew in popularity. These bags usually have a longer strap. You wear them across the body or sling them casually over the shoulder. You can make them from leather, suede, or tapestry fabric. They often have a flap closure and minimal structure. This reflects the relaxed style of the era.
- The Pouch/Drawstring Bag (Various Eras): This style is simple. An elegant pouch with a tassel or drawstring closure can suggest the Victorian era or a relaxed 1970s style, depending on the fabric. This is the easiest style for a beginner. It lets them focus only on choosing a beautiful, vintage-inspired textile.
Choosing Your Project: A successful project means matching your skill level with your vision. A beaded Flapper Clutch needs patience and advanced hand-stitching skills. A confident beginner can make a simple Vintage shoulder bag using a sewing machine. Once you pick the era and style, the other steps—from choosing materials to finding hardware—will naturally follow.
2. Finding Real Materials and Hardware
The quality and authentic look of the materials you choose make the difference between a simple homemade bag and a professional-looking Vintage Purse. Avoid modern, synthetic fabrics with a very smooth, modern finish. Look instead for textiles and hardware that feel nice to touch and have a historical look.
Fabric: The Heart of Your Vintage Purse
- Brocade and Damask: These fabrics are heavy and woven. They feature raised, complex patterns. They are ideal for the 1950s Box Bag or a structured frame purse. Their rich look immediately makes the bag seem expensive.
- Tapestry and Needlepoint: These fabrics are best for the more casual Vintage shoulder bag of the 1970s. They also work for smaller 1940s clutch bags. These textiles are durable and tell a visual story. They often display pictures of flowers or geometric shapes.
- Velvet and Corduroy: Luxurious velvet makes a classic choice for an evening clutch or a 1920s-style pouch. A fine-ribbed corduroy creates a lovely, casual 1940s day bag.
- Upcycled Textiles: You should also look at vintage curtains, tablecloths, or even men’s wool suits. A high-quality wool suit jacket gives you enough fabric for a stylish 1940s envelope clutch. This gives your Vintage Purse a truly historical starting point.
Hardware and Decoration
The hardware makes the bag functional and gives it its final vintage shine.
- Purse Frames: To make a true Frame Purse, you need a hinged metal frame. You can buy these new from craft stores that focus on bag making. You can also take an old one from a broken vintage bag. New frames come in many shapes (rounded, rectangular) and colors (antique brass, silver). Always measure your frame carefully before you cut your fabric pieces.
- Chains and Straps: For a Vintage shoulder bag, a thin, antique brass chain or a well-worn leather strap will look more authentic than a modern nylon strap. Search for old belts or jewelry parts that you can reuse.
- Clasps and Closures: Besides frames, think about a simple magnetic snap for a flap bag, or a classic turn-lock closure. When you add a tassel or a simple wooden bead to a drawstring pouch, ensure the quality of the decoration matches the richness of the fabric.
Expert Tip on Interfacing: Structure is very important for most Vintage purses. Always use a strong, heavy fusible interfacing. This material irons onto the fabric. It gives your fabric body, especially if you want a structured look like the Box Bag or Frame Purse. This hidden layer makes the bag look professional and prevents it from drooping.
3. How to Make It: A Guide to the Classic Frame Purse
The frame purse is a hard but very satisfying project. It is a main technique you use in making Vintage purses. This guide focuses on the most important steps for this style.
Materials and Tools Needed
- Outer fabric (for example, velvet, brocade)
- Lining fabric (for example, satin, cotton)
- Heavyweight fusible interfacing (a stiff material you iron on)
- Metal purse frame (with a hinge and a kiss-lock closure)
- Thread that matches your fabric
- Sharp fabric scissors
- Hand-sewing needle
- Fabric glue or strong jewelry glue (optional, to secure the frame)
- Small pliers (optional, for working with the frame)
- Paper pattern (you can draft your own based on the frame size or use a store-bought pattern)
Step 1: Prepare and Cut the Fabric
Step 1: Prepare and Cut the Fabric
First, iron the fusible interfacing onto the wrong side of both outer fabric pieces. Follow the instructions that came with the interfacing. This step is key for creating structure.
- Sourcing Your Pattern: You must use a pattern specifically designed for the purse frame you purchased. Frame suppliers often include a template with the hardware. If you are making a simpler Vintage shoulder bag or clutch, search for ‘PDF sewing patterns’ for the specific style online, or draft the shapes yourself using a simple paper template.
Use your pattern to carefully cut two pieces from the outer fabric, two from the lining fabric, and two from the interfacing (if you did not iron it on already). The pattern shape will have a curved or angled top edge. This design fits the metal frame. The pattern must also include the necessary seam allowance.
Step 2: Build the Purse Body
Place the two outer fabric pieces with their right sides facing each other. Sew along the side and bottom edges. Leave the top, curved opening completely open. Do this exact same thing for the two lining pieces.
The Base and Shape: If your bag design has a square or boxy bottom, create ‘box corners’ on both the outer bag and the lining. To do this, flatten the corner. Line up the side seam with the bottom seam. This forms a triangle. Measure and sew straight across the point of the triangle. Then, cut off the extra fabric. This method gives the bag its depth. It lets the bag sit flat.
Step 3: Put Together the Outer Bag and Lining
Turn the outer fabric bag so the right side faces out. Keep the lining bag inside out.
Put the outer bag inside the lining bag. The right sides of the top edges should face each other. Pin the raw top edges together all the way around.
Sew the top edges together. Leave a 3-to-4-inch opening only in the lining side. You need this opening to turn the whole bag right side out later.
Step 4: Turn and Finish the Body
Carefully reach through the opening in the lining. Pull the entire outer bag through the hole. Once you turn it, the outer fabric should be on the outside. The lining should be neatly tucked inside.
Now, hand-sew the opening in the lining closed. Use a simple slip stitch. Push the lining down neatly inside the outer bag.
Step 5: Attach the Metal Frame
This is the most important step for your Vintage Purse. The pattern should have marks that show where the fabric edges should line up with the holes in the frame.
Start at one hinge of the frame. Thread your hand-sewing needle with a strong, matching thread. (Sometimes a strong, waxed thread works best). Start stitching the top edge of the bag to the matching holes in the frame. Use small, neat backstitches or running stitches. Pull the fabric tight. Make sure the stitches are very firm. You must spread the fabric edge evenly along the frame opening.
Do the same thing for the second side of the frame. Make sure the finished result looks even. Then, knot and trim your thread securely. Some people put a little fabric glue inside the channel of the frame before sewing. This keeps the fabric from ever pulling out. However, careful, tight stitching usually provides enough security.
Adding the Strap (If making a Vintage shoulder bag): If your frame has small rings or loops, you can attach your chain or strap now. Use small jewelry parts. If the frame has no loops, you must sew your strap securely into the top seams of the bag before you attach the frame.
4. Examples of Vintage Purse Changes
In the world of making Vintage purses, reusing old items is not just a trend. It is a real tribute to the resourcefulness people showed during past times, especially the years after the war. Projects that transform old items often result in the most unique and historically evocative bags.
Example 1: The Doily Delight Pouch (1920s/1930s Look)
- The ‘Before’: A large, intricately crocheted or tatted linen doily found at a thrift store. Maybe time stained or yellowed it in the middle.
- The Change: We carefully cut the clean, outer parts of the doily. This formed the main body of a small, simple drawstring pouch. We put a satin lining (in a soft pink color) inside to protect contents. We replaced the simple drawstring with a piece of velvet ribbon.
- The Result: A charming, delicate evening pouch that fits a 1920s or 1930s style perfectly. The lace-like edges of the doily provide all the needed decoration. This makes it a simple yet elegant sewing project.
Example 2: The Suit-to-Structured Shoulder Bag (1940s Look)
- The ‘Before’: A bulky, high-quality men’s wool suit jacket from the 1940s. (Look at local vintage markets for damaged items).
- The Change: We cut and heavily interfaced the wool. This created the sharp lines of a mid-sized envelope clutch. People used this style of Vintage shoulder bag commonly during that time. We used the original button closure and a small piece of the original lining fabric as a design element on the flap. We attached a sleek, repurposed leather belt as a long strap.
- The Result: A sophisticated, structured bag with a truly vintage fabric feel. This project shows why heavy interfacing matters. It helps copy the stiffness of bags from that decade.
Example 3: The Tapestry Tote-Turned-Purse (1970s Look)
- The ‘Before’: A large, machine-woven tapestry wall hanging or a piece of upholstery fabric with a repeating flower or geometric design.
- The Change: We cut the strong tapestry to create a large flap bag, which is the perfect Vintage shoulder bag shape. We gave the bottom of the bag a simple rounded shape. We used a long, braided leather cord for the shoulder strap.
- The Result: A large, durable, and clearly 1970s-style bag. It channels the era’s natural and folk-art style. Tapestry is a great fabric for beginners. It is stable and hides small sewing mistakes.
These examples prove that making beautiful Vintage purses is not just about buying new things. It is about seeing the promise in forgotten fabrics. You can change them into a custom accessory that starts a new chapter in their story.
5. Final Details: Decoration and Care
The small details define a Vintage Purse. Once you finish the main structure, the final decorations truly bring the bag to life. They give it that special, heirloom quality.
Beading and Embroidery
Beading is essential for any bag inspired by the 1920s or 1950s.
- Seed Beads: You can sew these tiny glass beads onto the entire fabric surface before you start construction. (This is for a very complex design). Or, you can add them as a simple border after you finish the purse. Use a special beading needle and strong beading thread.
- Fringe: A fringe made of beads or simple silk thread is a key feature of the Flapper style. Attach the fringe neatly along the bottom curve or the base of the flap.
- Embroidery: Hand-embroidered letters (monograms) or small flowers using silk or metallic threads can give a bespoke 1940s feel.
Linings and Pockets
Never forget the lining. A lining in a contrasting or complementary color makes the bag feel luxurious every time you open it. Use a smooth fabric like satin or silk twill. For modern use, add a small, interior pocket. This is not strictly vintage, but a small pocket for a phone or keys makes your custom Vintage Purse fully useful for today’s life.
Caring for Your Handmade Vintage Purse
Follow these simple rules to ensure your handmade Vintage Purse or Vintage shoulder bag lasts:
- Storage: Store the bag lightly filled with tissue paper. This helps it keep its shape. Keep it away from bright sunlight, which can fade vintage-style fabrics.
- Cleaning: Only clean spots with a damp cloth. Never put it in a washing machine. For any heavy stains on delicate fabrics like velvet or silk, use a professional dry cleaner who is skilled with delicate items.
- Hardware Check: Check the stitching that holds the frame or strap every so often. If the frame closure has small screws, tighten any that feel loose.
By following this complete guide, you have done more than just create a bag. You have brought back a piece of classic design and adapted it to your unique modern vision. Your handcrafted Vintage Purse shows your timeless style and your personal creativity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the best fabric for a beginner making a Vintage Purse?
A: The best fabrics for a beginner are those that are stable and do not slip. Heavy cotton canvas, linen, wool blends, and machine-woven tapestry fabric are great choices. Wait to use slippery silks, satin, or loosely woven materials until you have more experience.
Q: Can I use hot glue instead of sewing to attach the fabric to a metal frame?
A: Some instructions suggest using fabric glue. However, for a durable, long-lasting Vintage Purse, we highly recommend hand-stitching through the frame’s holes. The frame is constantly opened and closed, and the weight of the contents can make glued fabric pull away. Sewing gives much better strength and a more authentic finish.
Q: Where can I find patterns for specific Vintage shoulder bag styles?
A: You can find patterns in a few places: specialty bag-making supply shops often sell patterns that fit their purse frames; look for vintage sewing patterns online; or search for “free vintage purse patterns” on crafting websites. You can also figure out a pattern from an old, broken vintage bag.
Q: How do I make my Vintage Purse look less ‘new’ and more authentically old?
A: The authentic look comes from the materials. Use antique brass hardware instead of bright, shiny gold. Choose fabrics with a subtle texture instead of a sleek, synthetic finish. For a canvas or linen bag, you can gently ‘age’ the fabric before construction. Use a controlled dye bath with tea or coffee to give it a soft, worn finish.
Q: What is the right length for the strap on a Vintage shoulder bag?
A: This depends completely on the style and the time period. For a classic 1950s/60s shoulder bag, the strap is often short enough for the bag to sit neatly under the arm (about 16 to 20 inches). For a 1970s relaxed Vintage shoulder bag meant to be worn across the body, the strap should be much longer (40 to 50 inches). Measure the distance from your shoulder down to your hip to find the right length for you.
Reference Section
- Sew Sweetness – Bag Making Techniques
- Applegreen Cottage – Sewing Bags – THE Bag Sewing Tips You Should Know
- Tide – How to Read Laundry Symbols
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