Vinyl Purse Straps
One of the reasons I bought my Industrial Sewing Machine is to have the ability to sew very thick material. Don’t get me wrong – you can certainly sew vinyl on a domestic sewing machine. I have done that many times! Sewing with Vinyl on my Industrial Sewing Machine is super duper easy! I wanted to make an easy purse, but instead of simply using cotton fabric, I decided to switch up some of the materials for vinyl. I started with the purse straps. Let me show you how I enjoy Sewing with Vinyl on my Industrial Sewing Machine. Let’s make some Vinyl Purse Straps!
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I chose the Ethel bag pattern, by Swoon patterns, because it is a simple and free pattern. Since it is a basic pattern, I wanted to change it up with adding some vinyl elements in lieu of some of the cotton pieces. I am also planning to add purse feet and a magnetic closure. I will discuss those in future posts. If you would like to make one too, here is what you will need and please note that I am providing some altered cutting measurements and additional materials below:
SUPPLY LIST
- Swoon Pattern – Ethel
- (please note that I am providing some altered cutting measurements below)
- 1/2 yard 44″ wide Quilting weight exterior fabric (I chose this one)
- 1 yard 44″ side quilting weight lining fabric (I had this in my stash)
- Qty (1) piece of black vinyl (This shop has a great selection of vinyl)
- Qty (1) yard of foam interfacing (either Soft n Stable or Pellon Flex-Foam)
- Qty (3) yards of 20″ wide Pellon Shapeflex (SF101)
- 1/4 yard of fusible stabilizer (Pellon Peltex 71F)
- Qty (1) 9″ zipper (I get all my zippers here)
- Qty (4) purse feet (I have these in my hardware stash)
- Qty (1) magnetic clasp closure (I get this kind)
Basic Sewing Supplies Needed
- Sewing Machine
- I use my Industrial Sewing Machine
- Bonded Nylon #69 Thread – This is the thread I use for my Industrial Sewing Machine.
- For Domestic Sewing Machines, I would recommend this thread
- Rotary Cutter with sharp blade (I use this brand – 45mm)
- Acrylic Ruler (I like this brand)
- Rotary Cutting Mat (I recommend this rotating mat – it’s amazing!)
- Clover Wonder Clips
- Iron & Ironing Board (this one is on my wish list)
Sewing with Vinyl – Making the Purse Straps
The following directions are in lieu of the Swoon Pattern instructions for step #3 (Handles). Please note that these handles are cut different than the original pattern states. These handles are cut as follows:
Alternate cutting measurements
- Exterior Fabric: Qty (2) 2″ x 20″
- Fusible Interfacing for exterior fabric: Qty (2) 2″ x 20″
- Vinyl: Qty (2) 2.25″ x 20″
Step 1: Fuse interfacing onto the wrong side of your exterior handle fabric. Fold the handle in half, wrong sides together and matching the long edges and press to make a center crease. Open and fold each long edge to the center crease, so that the long raw edges are gutting up agains each other at the center and press. Do this for both exterior handle pieces. Set aside.
Step 2: Mark a middle line at 1.125″ (1 1/8″).
Step 3: Fold one side of the vinyl towards the marked line and sew down the entire length of the strap.
Step 4: Fold down the other side of the vinyl to the center and sew down the length of the strap. Repeat for the second vinyl strap.
Step 5: Place the Exterior fabrics on top of the vinyl straps, wrong sides together. Clip in place along one side.
Step 6: Using clips to keep the exterior and vinyl fabric in place, sew along the edge of strap. I recommend sewing about an eighth inch from the edge of the strap.
Step 7: Sew along the last edge of the strap. Repeat for the second strap.
Your vinyl purse straps are finished and should look fantastic! I hope you try this fun and easy technique and incorporate it into your next bag project! Fun and easy!!
Sewing with Vinyl – Purse Strap VIDEO TUTORIAL
I don’t know about you, but I LOVE a video tutorial as well! Check out my YouTube video which shows you how to make a Vinyl Purse Strap!
This is the fifth and final post in this series. Be sure to subscribe to my Newsletter so you can be the first to know when my next blog post becomes available!
- Industrial Sewing Machine – Intro to my Juki DU-1181N
- Industrial Sewing Machine Maintenance
- Industrial Sewing Machine Tools, Supplies and Notions
- Industrial Sewing Machine Sewing with Cotton
- Industrial Sewing Machine Sewing with Vinyl
- Industrial Sewing Machine Sewing with Cork
Because I made (3) straps and only need (2) for my bag, I made the extra strap into a fancy key fob!
Thanks to all that entered this giveaway! The lucky winner has been contacted! Yay!
Happy Sewing!
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I tried sewing with vinyl on my regular sewing machine. It was kinda slippery and my presser foot didn’t like it too much! I think I need to get a different presser foot for this…
Hi Becky! Thanks for your comment. Have you tried using a Non-stick sewing foot? There are so many choices, depending on your brand and shank. You can start here and let me know if you have questions! https://amzn.to/2IGg4FJ
Happy Sewing!
I love sewing with vinyl. I have a Juki 8700 and it handles this with no problems! I haven’t tried the Ethel pattern yet. I will have to give it a try! Thanks for the great video and the chance to win this cute key fob!
I use vinyl when I make small zipper pouches. It adds a nice touch. Loved your video!
I have used vinyl a few times. Mostly when making zipper pouches.
I am hoping to order a semi-industrial Juki soon. Love the tutorial, thanks for sharing.
I’ve made several bags/purses with vinyl.
Been a while since I have seen on vinyl but love the Teflon foot on the Bernina
I have not tried sewing with vinyl yet, so I think I would try something easy first, maybe a simple summer bag.
I haven’t tried vinyl on my 1181 yet but will this weekend! You are so inspiring!!! Thanks for the tips and tricks!!
Thank you for this! I’ve been wanting to try vinyl and cork but afraid of it. This looks doable for me. And hoping to get an industrial someday!
I’ve not tried sewing with vinyl, but might give it a try now. Loving your series on your industrial machine.
I love this! I tried sewing vinyl on mine. It required my walking food and leather needles for my machine to handle it. I do a lot of bags and clothing so considering an industrial machine that’ll handle both. Just have to find the space for one haha! So many machines I “need” great tutorial! Will definitely be trying this for a wallet I’m currently making my mom. And I love your blog posts and videos, very helpful! Plus your cat is adorable
This is super helpful! I don’t have an industrial machine, but having the supplies denoted (eg nylon string) is really nice and makes it seem like something that I could realistically do. I’d be interested in seeing a list of your suppliers too — I have a hard time purchasing any of this stuff locally.
Hello Kim and thanks for your question. Check out my supply list above. I have linked the words to my suppliers ??
I just love this!!! Thank you so much for sharing how you make your beautiful projects ❤️ I have never tried sewing with vinyl. I’ll have to give it a try! You make it seem so easy!!
I’ve tried sewing with clear vinyl when making storage bags and didn’t have any trouble. I may have to try handles next. Yours are neat!
I have not sewn vinyl but would like to try. Thank you for the tutorial. The instructions were clear and easy to understand. What size needle would you recommend?
If you use a domestic sewing machine, I would recommend a denim or jeans Needle. If you use an industrial machine, I have used a size 17 ??
Love the tutorial! Cant wait to try sewing vinyl!
Wow, Nicole, those straps are beautiful! I’ve not tried sewing with vinyl, but I’m inspired. Sure adds options over purchased handles. I have three sewing machines (and a serger)–none are industrial, but I think at least one that I have could handle this. The video was helpful–too bad we can’t sew that fast in real life! 😀 Thanks for sharing!
Now I will have to try this!
I have not tried sewing with vinyl. Need to look into where to buy.
Hello Holly, I have linked an excellent source for vinyl in the supplies section of the blog post. I hope you enjoy sewing with vinyl! Happy Sewing!
I first sewed with vinyl to make a purse using the Sydney crossbody pattern by Swoon. I made a second one just a couple of weeks ago for my Mom’s Mother’s Day gift. I used a non-stick foot on the second one and it made a HUGE difference! I made my straps using the same technique as you except I didn’t sew down the center of the vinyl layers. I love that idea and will do that with my next one. Thanks for the inspiration!