This felt handbag is an adorable, easy-to-make accessory.
Tools and Materials
Wool felt
Rotary cutter and mat
Double-sided iron-on adhesive
Decorative quilting cotton
Sewing machine
Coordinating thread
Pins
Iron
Magnetic-snap closures
Heart template
Scissors
Fabric glue
Heart Felt Bag How-To
1. Cut a piece of 11-by-17-inch felt. Cut a piece of double-sided iron-on adhesive slightly larger.
2. Iron adhesive onto decorative quilting cotton and trim around the paper-backed adhesive. Peel the paper backing away and iron the cotton onto the felt piece, following the adhesive manufacturer's instructions. Trim around the felt piece.
3. Cut four 1/2-inch-wide 6-inch strips of felt. Match two together, pin, and sew down the center lengthwise with a zigzag stitch to create half of the bag handle. Repeat to create the other half.
4. Lay the cotton-backed felt with the cotton side facing up. Fold 1 inch down on both short sides and press.
5. Attach a magnet closure to the flap on each side. Pin a handle piece in place at the center of each short side.
6. Using a zipper foot and less than a 1/8-inch seam allowance, stitch the folded sides down to create a hem at each short end, being sure to catch the strap piece in the seam.
7. Fold the piece in half with felt sides facing. Using a 1/4-inch seam allowance, sew up the sides of the bag. Create a 2-inch gusset at the bottom of each corner.
8. Turn the bag right-side out and sew the bag handle pieces together in the center to form a heart shape.
9. Print template and trace hearts onto different colors of felt. Cut hearts from felt and use fabric glue to attach to bag.
Resources
Martha used wool felt from Magic Cabin. Heat-N-Bond "Lite" iron-on adhesive is available from crafts or sewing-supply stores or at joann.com. Fabri-tac fabric glue is from Beacon Adhesives. Magnetic-snap closures are fromtallpoppycraft.com.
This is so cool and sweet. I'm making all my Christmas presents at the mo. so more ideas are great. Thanks
This is so cute! However, I am reading this on March 4 so I will try to make it in green and glue on shamrock shapes instead.
I made a bag after seeing this segment but changed it to a tote style. I made a stencil by printing the hearts template on cover stock and then cutting the hearts out so I could quickly trace the entire page quickly. Another tip is to trace the hearts onto freezer paper and then iron the wax side of the paper to the felt. After you cut the hearts out the paper easily peels off. This has given an idea for making a summer bag.
Absolutely loved Joan Rivers and the heart-felt bag. Had a good laugh.
nice bag..very romantic..its good idea for my valentine goody party..the bag look like LOVE STORY BAG from Marc jacobs..so irresistible to make
Is there any way at all to enlarge the video screen? I am currently using Adobe Flash Player 10; Vista, and Firefox 3.
Martha is great...just soooo tiny on screen.
Love this little bag!
Doesn't look to hard to made!
a pictures needs to be added and a short video
Another vote for a pic. :) Such a cute craft.
I tape Martha's show everyday. That way if the instructions aren't
too clear I can watch the show again.
I would LOVE to make this bag I saw on your show. I have 4 granddaughters who would love it! Please post a picture for some of us who are more visual. Or better a video clip?
Would LOVE to see a picture OR video of this Heart-Felt bag.... but can't seem to find one : (
Joann's-Magnetic closures $1.49 for 4, Heat n' Bond @ $5.99 yd. I wanted to see a video here before I made it butttt no picture or video. Bummer because some of the instructions posted here are different than was stated on the show. Oh well, I think I will try and give it a go anyway.
Heat n' Bond @ $5.99 yd. I wanted to see a video here before I made it butttt no picture or video. Bummer because some of the instructions posted here are different than was stated on the show. Oh well, I think I will try and give it a go anyway.
After viewing the recording of todays show tonite I went straight to Joann's where I found the magnetic closures for $1.49 for 4 in silver, pewter, gold
After viewing the recording of todays show tonite I went straight to Joann's where I found the magnetic closures for $1.49 for 4 in silver, pewter, gold
If you Google "Marc Jabos Big Heart Tote" you will see what Martha's bag looked like. She showed this purse at the beginning of the segment.
debalou99- the template is for the hearts that are afixed to the bag, there is no template for the actual bag. For that you just follow the instructions and cut the felt to the proper size.
Ladies, how about using the magnetic snaps by Basic Grey? They don't "snap" closed, but the magnetic closure holds great unless you intended to put very, very heavy items in the bag. And, at 6 sets for $5, you can't beat the price! Each side already has adhesive, making so easy to apply, but you could even use a little Crystal Effects for a tighter hold, if you want. These can be found at many craft outlets. You may even find them at joann.com.
has anyone besides me have a problem opening the template for this bag?
I figured out that there it was probably alot of magnetic-snap closures aftere I posted. I just hate to pay for all those when I only need two. I wonder if there is something maybe at Michaels or JoAnns that will do for alot less. Thanks
The magnetic snap closures are $21 on the site FOR A PACK OF 20 OF THEM, so they end up being just a bit over a dollar each! I thought the same when I first saw the listing on the site, then I decided to read the item description :o)
After seeing this craft done, I have to say MARTHA YOU ARE MY HERO!!! I have been playing around with making purses and the like, and have had a few failed attempts with written instructions, but Martha made it look easy! THANK YOU!!!
The magnetic snap closures are $21 on the site FOR A PACK OF 20 OF THEM, so they end up being just a bit over a dollar each! I thought the same when I first saw the listing on the site, then I decided to read the item description :o)
After seeing this craft done, I have to say MARTHA YOU ARE MY HERO!!! I have been playing around with making purses and the like, and have had a few failed attempts with written instructions, but Martha made it look easy! THANK YOU!!!
I looked for the magnetic-snap closures on tailpoppycraft.com and they ranged from $22-$28. By the time you buy the rest of the stuff you are better off buying a bag and just glueing hearts on it. Also I am not able to pull up the template. HELP??
I too, would like to see a picture of the bag. I missed seeing it on the show and was told how adorable and easy it is. Please put a picture on the site, so we can see what it looks like. Thanks. Barbara, KY.
I too, would like to see a picture of the bag. I missed seeing it on the show and was told how adorable and easy it is. Please put a picture on the site, so we can see what it looks like. Thanks. Barbara, KY.
This is cute project. Pictures do help some of us to complete this process.
I love pictures too ~ it helps! Thank you!!!
I really would like to have a picture of the finished project. Everyone needs
a reference point. Could you please put a good sized picture of finished
felt bag on the internet tomorrow? Thanks. Kay Gawek, Ok.
hello Martha,
I did watch your show this morning so was able to watch you and Joan Rivers as you assembled this bag....I will try this project as well. who needs pictures???? give it a try before being so demanding
This is similar to the tote bag Martha made with staples and duct tape. But now with a sewing machine. Very cute. I will try this.
I agree, where is the picture. This would be a perfect craft for me to do with my 14 year old granddaughter, but a picture of the finished Heart-Felt-Bag would be nice to show her.
how about a video about making it?
I agree. A picture means thousands of words. Someone elses directions aren't always easily understood.
Please put pictures with your directions!!