Oxblood Red Faux Aligator Leather Purse

Ooops, second sentence, I left out an important word "center". Should read: A zig-zag stitch down the center is a simple technique.

Lewisport - you are exactly right. The faux leather is thicker, and it would be impossible to sew and turn inside out. A zig-zag stitch down the a simple technique. No turning required. Begin: I cut the faux leather with rotary cutter. 2" to 2-1/4" strip of faux leather will create a 1" width handle. As I sew, I turn the edges toward the center and start a zig-zag stitch. Wouldn't it be great to have three hands? Tip #1 Practice zig-zag first with a scrap of faux leather to find just the right size of zig-zag width and especially the length of stitch. One minute of cablirating the zig-zag stitch will give you perfect results. Tip#2 Use thread that matches the faux leather. Part of the "look" of flawless zig-zagging and top stitching is to have thread match the faux leather exactly. Finish: Top stitch edges with a scant 1/4 the full length of the handle strap. Tip# 3 When zig-zagging or top stitching I always start sewing about 1/2" into the strap. That means the pressure foot straddles the center of the strap where I'm going to zig-zag and it acts like a third hand holding down the folded fabric edges in the center. If I were to start at the end and not use the pressure foot to hold the center stitch, I might cause the bobbin to foul, and create a big ball of thread underneath. Ever have that happen? Best wishes, Mrs. D (Shoestring)

Would you mind sharing how you make your handles? I love how you zigzag down the center, it adds such nice touch. I'm wondering if you sew the right sides together and then turn the handles inside out. Or do you have an easier way of doing it? It would be so helpful to know because I can't help but to think that turning the handles inside out would be difficult to do with faux leather. Thank you so much. ~ Debra

This handbag is amazing. I would *love* a photo tutorial, please. Thank you for sharing.

Hi Trailbugz. Thanks for your note. Please pass along this important tip: THERE IS A DIFFERENCE from one faux leather to another. Some faux leathers have a rubbery sticky "feel" and when you sew them--they stick to the sewing plastic and/or metal plate machine surfaces, instead of gliding through as you sew. You can tell by "feel" which faux leather fabrics will be too sticky. TEST: rub a corner of the faux leather fabric against itself, or on plastic or metal surface, Be sure to apply some downward pressure when rubbing it. If it doesn't glide, then don't bother with it. This particular Hancock red faux alligator I used is 100% polyester and is wonderful to cut and sew. It glides beautifully.

Love this look! The color is perfect for this time of year! Thanks for sharing your wonderful project!

Thanks Alena de Candia, Charlottecansew, and Lebec Egirl for your kind words. This purse is my own pattern. It is quite a simple purse to make. This purse is already sold, but I have enough fabric leftover to make another purse just like it--and could photograph steps to make a tutorial. Tip for the Trim: I made 3 carrying straps, and used the 3rd strap as trim around the perimeter of the bag.

Job well done !!! What pattern did you use? Also, thank you for letting us know where you purchased the fabric.

beautiful bag! Looks like real leather. Interior detailing very nice!

Very classy. Thanks for the advice.