How To Make A Handbag Organizer

Introduction

When it comes to traveling, having the right travel essentials and accessories can make a world of difference. One item that often gets overlooked but is incredibly useful is a handbag organizer. This handy accessory helps keep your bag neat and organized, making it easy to find and access your belongings while on the go. In this article, we will guide you through the process of creating your very own handbag organizer.

Whether you’re a frequent traveler or simply enjoy staying organized in your day-to-day life, a handbag organizer is a must-have accessory. It provides designated pockets and compartments for your essentials such as your phone, keys, wallet, makeup, and more, eliminating the hassle of rummaging through a cluttered bag.

Creating your own handbag organizer not only allows you to customize it to suit your specific needs but can also be a fun and fulfilling DIY project. Plus, it’s a great way to repurpose fabric scraps or old clothing, making it an eco-friendly choice.

In this step-by-step guide, we will walk you through the process of making a handbag organizer from scratch. You don’t need to be an expert seamstress to tackle this project. With a few basic sewing skills and some creativity, you’ll have a functional and stylish organizer in no time.

So, let’s gather our materials and get started on creating the perfect handbag organizer for your next travel adventure or everyday use.

Materials Needed

Before you begin creating your handbag organizer, gather the following materials:

• Fabric of your choice – Choose a sturdy and durable fabric that will hold its shape. You can use cotton, linen, or even upholstery fabric.
• Scissors – Make sure you have a sharp pair of fabric scissors to cut through the material with precision.
• Thread – Select a thread color that complements your fabric choice.
• Sewing machine or needle and thread – Depending on your sewing skills and preferences, you can either use a sewing machine or sew by hand.
• Measuring tape or ruler – Accurate measurements are essential for creating pockets of the right size.
• Pins – Use pins to hold your fabric together before sewing.
• Variety of fasteners – Consider using hook and loop fasteners (such as Velcro) or snap buttons to secure your organizer.
• Hanging hook – If you want your organizer to hang inside your bag, choose a small hook that can easily attach to one of the handles or straps.
• Optional: Decorative elements – If you want to add a personal touch to your organizer, gather embellishments like buttons, ribbons, or patches.

Having these materials on hand will ensure that you have everything you need to create a functional and stylish handbag organizer that meets your specific needs.

Step 1: Measure and Cut the Fabric

The first step in creating your handbag organizer is to measure and cut the fabric pieces. Start by determining the dimensions you want for your organizer. Consider the size of your handbag and the items you plan to store in the organizer.

1. Measure the length, width, and depth of your handbag. Add an extra inch to each measurement to account for seam allowances.
2. Using these measurements, cut two identical rectangular pieces of fabric for the front and back panels of the organizer.
3. Next, decide how many pockets you want in your organizer. Measure the desired width and height of each pocket and add seam allowances.
4. Cut rectangular fabric pieces for each pocket, making sure to leave enough space between them to allow for sewing.
5. If you want to create dividers within the pockets, cut additional fabric strips that are the same height as the pockets and slightly narrower than the pocket width.

Once all the fabric pieces are cut, double-check that they are all the correct size and shape. This step is crucial to ensure that your handbag organizer will come together smoothly in the following steps.

Now that you have your fabric pieces ready, you can move on to the next step: sewing the pockets.

Step 2: Sew the Pockets

Now that you have your fabric pieces cut to the desired size, it’s time to sew the pockets for your handbag organizer. The pockets will provide designated spaces for your belongings, keeping them organized and easily accessible.

1. Take one of the rectangular fabric pieces that will serve as the front panel of your organizer. Place it right side up on your work surface.
2. Position the pocket fabric pieces on top of the front panel, aligning them as desired. You can create pockets of various sizes to accommodate different items.
3. Pin the pocket fabric pieces in place to secure them to the front panel.
4. Using a sewing machine or needle and thread, stitch along the edges of each pocket, leaving the top open. Ensure that you backstitch at the beginning and end of each pocket to reinforce the seams.
5. If you want to include dividers within the pockets, sew the fabric strips vertically onto the front panel, dividing the pockets into smaller compartments.
6. Repeat the process for the back panel of your organizer, creating pockets that match the ones on the front panel.

Once you have finished sewing all the pockets, trim any excess fabric and thread. Remove the pins and give the fabric panels a final press with an iron to smooth out any wrinkles.

With the pockets in place, your handbag organizer is starting to take shape. The next step is to attach fasteners for closure and convenience.

Step 3: Attach the Velcro Fasteners

The next step in creating your handbag organizer is to attach the Velcro fasteners. These will help secure your organizer and keep it in place within your handbag.

1. Take the front panel of your organizer and place it right side up on your work surface.
2. Measure and mark the desired placement for the Velcro fasteners. Typically, you will want to position them near the top edge of the organizer, ensuring that they align properly when the organizer is folded.
3. Take one half of the Velcro fastener and sew it onto the marked spot on the front panel. Ensure that it is securely attached by sewing around the edges of the Velcro piece.
4. Next, take the back panel of the organizer and position it on top of the front panel with the right sides facing each other.
5. Align the corresponding half of the Velcro fastener with the stitched Velcro piece on the front panel. Pin it in place.
6. Using a sewing machine or needle and thread, sew the second half of the Velcro fastener onto the back panel, aligning it with the stitched Velcro piece on the front panel. Make sure to sew around the edges to secure it.

Attaching Velcro fasteners will provide a simple and effective closure mechanism for your handbag organizer. You can easily open and close the organizer, keeping your belongings safe and secure while on the move.

Now that the Velcro fasteners are in place, it’s time to move on to sewing the bottom and sides of the organizer.

Step 4: Sew the Bottom and Sides

With the pockets and Velcro fasteners in place, it’s time to sew the bottom and sides of your handbag organizer. This step will give your organizer structure and shape.

1. Take the front and back panels of your organizer and align them with the right sides facing each other.
2. Secure the panels together by pinning the bottom and sides.
3. Using a sewing machine or needle and thread, sew along the pinned edges, leaving the top open. Be sure to backstitch at the beginning and end of each seam for added reinforcement.
4. Trim any excess fabric or threads and remove the pins.
5. If desired, you can reinforce the bottom corners of the organizer by sewing a diagonal line across each corner.

Once you have finished sewing the bottom and sides, turn the organizer right side out and check that all the seams are secure. Give the organizer a gentle press with an iron to smooth out any wrinkles and creases.

Your handbag organizer is now taking shape and is ready for the final steps: adding the hanging hook and optional decorations.

Step 5: Add the Hanging Hook

Adding a hanging hook to your handbag organizer will allow you to conveniently attach it to the handles or straps of your handbag, keeping it suspended and easily accessible.

1. Decide where you want to attach the hanging hook on your organizer. This is typically near the top edge, on the back panel.
2. Using a small piece of fabric or ribbon, create a loop by folding the fabric over and stitching the ends together.
3. Position the loop on the back panel of your organizer and securely sew it in place. Make sure to reinforce the stitching to ensure the loop can support the weight of the organizer.
4. Once the loop is attached, insert the hanging hook through the loop and secure it.

The hanging hook will allow you to hang your handbag organizer inside your handbag, maximizing space and keeping it easily accessible. You can now move on to the final step: adding any optional decorations to personalize your organizer.

Step 6: Decorate the Organizer (optional)

If you want to add a personal touch to your handbag organizer, you can choose to decorate it with various embellishments. This step is entirely optional but can add a unique and stylish element to your organizer.

1. Consider adding decorative elements such as buttons, patches, ribbons, or embroidery.
2. If you’re using buttons, sew them onto the front panel or pockets of the organizer. You can create a pattern or arrange them randomly based on your preferences.
3. If you have patches or embroidered designs, carefully sew them onto the fabric, ensuring that they are securely attached.
4. For a touch of elegance, you can add a satin ribbon trim along the edges of the organizer or create a bow on the front panel.
5. Get creative and personalize your organizer with unique embellishments that reflect your style and personality.

Adding decorations to your handbag organizer allows you to make it truly your own. Whether you prefer a minimalist design or something more vibrant and eye-catching, let your imagination guide you in adding those special finishing touches.

With the decorating step complete, your handbag organizer is ready to be filled with your essentials and placed in your handbag. Enjoy the convenience and organization it provides whether you’re traveling or going about your daily activities.

Congratulations on creating your very own handbag organizer!

Conclusion

Creating your own handbag organizer is a rewarding and practical DIY project that allows you to customize your storage solution to fit your specific needs. With just a few materials and some basic sewing skills, you can make a functional and stylish organizer that keeps your handbag neat and organized while on the go.

By following the step-by-step guide outlined in this article, you’ve learned how to measure and cut the fabric, sew the pockets, attach the Velcro fasteners, sew the bottom and sides, add the hanging hook, and even decorate your organizer for a personalized touch. With your new handbag organizer, you’ll never have to worry about rummaging through a cluttered bag to find your belongings again.

Remember, the key to an effective handbag organizer is to design it according to your own preferences and requirements. Consider the size and layout of your handbag, the items you typically carry, and any specific organization needs you may have. This way, you can create an organizer that perfectly suits your lifestyle.

Now that you have the knowledge and skills to make a handbag organizer, you can enjoy the benefits of a well-organized bag, whether you’re embarking on a travel adventure or simply going about your daily activities. So gather your materials, let your creativity shine, and create a handbag organizer that will elevate your organizational game to new heights!