Recognize this sparkly pleather fabric?  I had a bit left over from my purse, so I used it to make a new laptop bag that matches.  I am all about being matchy-matchy!

Unfortunately, I made a few mistakes while I was constructing this purse.  First off, I thought I had a black lining fabric.  Turns out it was dark brown.  I figured this out about the time I was going to attach the lining fabric to the main body.  🙁  Then, I had to rip apart the flap, and I literally ripped the pleather fabric.  Good thing I had enough to cut another piece.  That is what frustration gets you…ripping apart your fabric like the Hulk!

I used a brown bag that I got for free at Coldwater Creek many years ago for the basic outside measurements of this purse.  It is a nice size and is serviceable.  I wear a lot of black/gray tones, though, so I wanted a new bag.

I used a hard Peltex interfacing in three pieces on the inside, so it will be able to stand up on it’s own and not be floppy.  I cut it in three pieces, so that it bends easily at the bottom.  I also left a good inch or so at the edges.  This ensures it won’t be in the seam, adding unnecessary bulk.  I stitched it on, and for this pleather it really didn’t show at all.

Basic construction:

1. Sew the interfacing onto the main body fabric.
2. Attach feet if you are going to put them on.
3. Attach your rings to the side fabric.  For this one I used webbing and D-rings. I also added rivets.   Make sure they are far enough away from the top edge, so they will not get caught into the top seam.
4. Pin the sides in the middle of the main body fabric.  Sew the bottom seam with 1/2″ on each side.
5. Pin the sides into the sides of the main body fabric.  Sew up the side seam.  The bottom corner is the hardest part.  I usually start at the bottom and then sew up to the top seam.
6. Do the same for the lining piece.  If you want a pocket – sew to the inside before attaching the side seams.
7. Sew the side seams and one end seam of the flap, right sides together, lining and main body fabric. If you want to do what I did here, I used webbing and a snap closure.  I put that into the middle of the bottom seam before sewing it up.  I also make sure that I heat seal the edges of all the webbing so it doesn’t fray.  Also…make sure yours is centered better than mine.
8. Attach the flap to the main body fabric.
9. Attach the bottom ring with rivets for the snap on the flap.  I put this on late to make sure I had it in the right spot.
10. Put the lining into the main body, wrong sides together.
11. Fold over the seam and pin/clip together.  Sew all the way around.

I forsee this bag getting LOTS of use carrying audited financial statement drafts and tax returns to review.

Yay.