Bead Your Own Bag! Learn to Make an Easy Everyday Accessory



There's nothing wrong with a plain purse. But some occasions call for a bit more sparkle. Add beads, sequins, and pretty fabric to a simple bag -- and suddenly it's a dazzling clutch, ready for a night out. These DIY beaded bags from Martha Stewart Living will have everyone asking, "Where did you get that?!" Use these pouches to hold cash, credit cards, keys, a phone, or makeup. Cut fabrics to fit, stitch on beads, sew fabrics together, glue to bag -- and you're good to go.

The How-To

1. Cut Fabrics

Using a pencil, lightly trace the shape of the bag onto the fabric you plan to bead. Cut that piece 1/2 inch to 1 inch smaller than the trace line. Trace again onto a contrasting piece of fabric, and cut 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch smaller than the trace line.

Related: Sewing Basics 101

2. Sew Beads and Trim

Stitch seed beads, bugle beads, and sequins onto smaller piece of fabric, or glue beaded trim directly onto bag. If the fabric has a pattern, accentuate it -- outline a polka dot with sequins, echo stripes or plaids with bugle beads, or dot seed beads onto flowers.

3. Attach to Bag

Fold the edges of the beaded piece under, and stitch to larger bottom piece; spray adhesive to the back of bottom piece, and press to bag.

Related: Easy Clothing and Accessory Projects

4. Additional Ideas

* Cut your bag large enough to fit an iPad, or even a laptop computer.
* Customize these for your friends, using fabric and embellishments in their favorite colors.


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