Hi all my wonderful, Incredible sewing Experts,
I need help!!
I am working on my very first hand bag!
Yes I will post pics when finished
With that said
my question
The pattern did not call for a closure of any kind however I do want to put a magnet closure.
I understand it needs to go on the lining.
My bag is sitting as is
The outside is all put together and lining is constructed as well with a turning hole. I am at a stopping point as I ordered some really cool handles from an online source out of Australia. So Help me with my magnetic closure
I have 1/2 inch seam allowance at the time I put both pieces together
Please any instruction for how to install this magnetic well be well recieved. It is not the invisible kind. it has prongs just like a brad.
How far down for placement?
I want the best way for wear and tear to secure this heavy thing to my lining!!
Thanks I know you guys won’t let me down and soon you will see my way cool spring bag I will be taking to the Sewing Expo here in WA
Connie
Replies
I think you'll want to place the closure about 1/2" down from the finished edge, perhaps more. Be sure to place some interfacing on the wrong side of the lining fabric to stabilize it. Perhaps some fusible interfacing?
I was thinking Stablizer however Becky mention in the post down from yours I will have stress too from the constent pulling so she mentioned some top stiching around it when finished....Or I read somewhere they actually put cardboard in this area too....Have you done that?Connie
Stabilizer should be satisfactory. The snaps should include washers that fit over the prongs before bending them down against the back of the snaps. This also stabilizes the opening for the prongs. I have not had a problem with magnetic snaps pulling through fabric or leather. Best of luck with your project.
Thanks Spicegirl for your input and encouragement!!I will check for those washers I didn't even notice and and if I don't have any I will get new magnets with these!!Connie
Does the bag have a flap that folds over the top? In this case one piece goes in the lining of the flap and the other goes on the outside of the front under the flap. Stuff the bag with crumpled up paper to simulate 'contents' then pick a spot on the flap (1/2 inch from the edge is good) and see where that spot hits the front of your bag (when full) and there you have your two placement spots.
Or is the top open and you want to pull the two edges together? Both pieces will go in the lining, but when closed the closure will tend to pull the lining away from the fashion fabric; so consider some way to top-stitch the lining to the fashion fabric around the spot where the closure is applied (add a design).
Be sure to reinforce both the spots where you place the prongs.
Hope this helps,
Becky
To clarify,I want to bring the two sides together. It doesn't have a flap!!Thanks for the thoughts on crumpled paper that is a great idea. Will it still work if I don't have a flap.What about Cardboard? Have you done that? What were your ideas on a design element for around the closure? I want this to look botique rather then homemade. So what do you think.Like I mention in the other post I too was thinking about Stablizer but then I read some where about Cardboard.....so that means I will be sewing over cardboard? Will that help stablize. I was planing on top stitching of course around the edge of my bag opening anyway..Now I am really confused.. This is totally getting me out of my zone but that is a good thing. I know once I do it once the next ones will be easier. Which ever pattern I choose to make. Thanks for your wonderful insightConnie
Edited 2/12/2007 1:26 pm ET by blondie2sew
Without the flap the match point is the top edge of the bag no matter how much stuff is inside.
Do use some iron-on interfacing on the inside of the lining. If your magnetic closure did not come with washers, you can get them at any hardware store; just take the pieces you do have with you to make sure the hole in the washer is just big enough to fit over the prongs as they are now and the width of the washer about the same as the length of the prong. clear as mud?? With the washers you should not use cardboard, too thick, not needed. If you did use cardboard, you could never wash it!
Top stitch... plan to topstitch below the placement of the closure, thus making the top edge that contains the closure act as one piece, say about an inch down from the edge. Would that work with the rest of the design?
Hope this helps,
Becky
Yes It is now clear!! Thanks so much for clearing the mud for me you are wonderfulI now get Cardboard yeah it would just disintegrate.I do have washers I believe they are metal. I just need to get the nerve.I so don't want to ruin this project. And yes that top stitching idea will work with my design!! Thanks a bunchConnie
I use Timtex or Peltex in place of cardboard. I cut a small rectangle, round the edges and push the prongs through and attach the washer that comes with the magnetic clasp. The Timtex or Peltex is also good to use in place of the cardboard that some patterns tell you to put into the bottom. I sew several layers together to make it stiffer. This makes the bag washable, but I have yet to wash any.
I also interface most of my lining so that it has some substance to it. If the lining I use is heavy enough, I don't have to line.
Timtex I have seen that so I might just have to try that out as wellI did fail to mention to everyone that yes I did interface my lining as well. I too wanted to make it more durable. So I was on that page with everyone. But I knew somehow that I needed more with my closure.Now let me clarify you put one layer of this Timtex with the washer for the closure? You had mentioned you layered the product sometimes however I am assuming that is when you use it for the bottom of your bag.Again this is a whole new world for me and this was one thing I wanted to embark on this new year was to add this fun dimension to my sewing!!Thanks for your tid bits too!!Connie
Hi Connie,If you ever see the Bags With Style books, they have pictures of how to place the closures.Marcy
That's right I have seen that book!! Great thought.Now I will just have to take a second glance at it.Thanks MarcyConnie
Yes, one layer of Timtex or Peltex on the closure. Put it between the back of the lining and the washer. I was afraid, at first, that it would create an unsightly bump, but it doesn't. I round the edges just to prevent a "corner" from wearing through the lining. Probably overkill.
I do the layering for the bottom of bags that require it. I just stitch along the two long edges of the rectangle. I do this on my industrial machine, but it should work on a home machine as well.
I have to laugh.......I probably over kill things too that and even maybe over think them!!Thanks for the tips and clarificationConnie
I just wanted to send a quick note to all of you who have been really gracious and posting all your wonderful knowledge and insight to my questionJust wanted all of you to know I am at a stand still with waiting on my handles to arrive in the mail. So at this point I am yet to put in my closure. However I plan on doing that in the next couple of days and hopefully not too soon after that I will have my handles and them I can finish my handbag and of course you will know I will post pics of my creationYou guys are amazing Thanks so much
Connie
Ok Everyone,I just got my handles in the mail today!! Yeah!! I was getting kinda worried that I wouldn't be able to finish my new handbag to sport for the Sewing expo!! So now I just have to breath and finish it!! You guys will see pics in the next few days!! My goal of course is by Thursday that is when the Expo starts...All I have to do is the magnetic closure and handles!!and I am tellin you now that Australia on line company Those handles I ordered are gorgeous and will just be a perfect match for my handbag!!It is all about the handles ladies!! http://www.tallpoppycraft.comAmazing selection.. I will recommend them in a heart beat..Great prices however the only kicker is here for us in the states we pay like $11.00 shipping...But in my eyes it was well worth it can't wait for you all to see my 1st handbag ever...Blondie
Edited 2/26/2007 10:49 pm ET by blondie2sew
I love the site....I don't do bags but i downloaded the freebie patterns for money purses a long time ago.
Glad to see a happy blondie online again..All systems go for the expo.
Can't wait to see the photos.
CherryP
Hey,I didn't realize they had some free downloads so I went back onto the sight and I got two of the three pdf files...The one for the basket bag wouldn't come up...If you have that one could you email me that pdf file that would be great.
I got the sunglass one and the petite bag one but the one I went for first didn't show upThanks you
Blondie
I just tried and it did not work for me either.
Hey everyone announcing my debut of my very First Handbag!! It is in the photo Gallary!! Under Pink bubble HandbagHope you can check it out!!Blondie
Perseverance does pay off! You are now the proud owner of a great looking bag.
Edited 3/2/2007 11:24 am ET by spicegirl
Thanks Spicegirl!!I was also the hit of expo!! Or should I say my handbag wasBlondie
WHAT........... You Hit someone with Your Bag at the Expo !!!!!
Which machine were you fighting over????
LOL
Oh my gosh!! That one took me a bit....ha ha ha now I get that Aussie humor of yours!! Too funnyBlondie
Sorry couldn't resist...It happens here with dress sales..utter madness!
I've had way toooo much Jam and Cream on my scones today!
I know you wouldn't hurt a fly!
Cherry
I don't know Cherrypops. I think she would hit someone with her new bag if they tried to get in front of her while she was searching the trim treasures at the Expo. You know the woman loves her trims.Marcy
Laughter is the best medicine....
blondies not reading this is she????
Yes I am reading this....you guys crack me up!I do like the part about keeping it away from people who want my trims...And I am saying that with a great smile!!I have to say now my honey is telling everyone who comments on my bag that I bought it in NY...I smile...and don't say a word...Of course later I have to say I made it..Blondie
I'd be tellin everyone it was handmade and being such a hit, you'd easily take orders, have them supply their own fabric, discuss handle types and you make it, order handles if need be and charge them. Find out what that type of bag sells for.
Blondie's Beautiful Bags Boutique
Gosh, I hope not. Marcy
Marcy,
read up post #31, blondie found us! RUN!!!
I just received the March Newsletter online from Tall Poppy.
They now have Pony Beads listed. They fit the Metal Beadbale Bag Handles. (listed in the menu under Beads)
Have a look. Would this type of handbag handle suit your daughters? Nice introduction to have them start making and creating beaded bags for themselves, if you havent' already!
Just a thought.
CherryP
Thanks I will go check it out!!Blondie
their are stablizers out there that are better then cardboard but a little nicer to work with and you get a nice stiff bag that looks pro made but that is just a thought
Thanks for your thought!! I love all the thoughts I can get. Connie
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