Beaded Handbag

 

Beaded Handbag Tutorial

This is a clutch-type bag that can hold a few tiny things. It is envelope-shaped and opens and closes with a loop and bead closure.

Knowledge of right-angle weave would be useful for making this pattern.

 

 

 

Materials

• 4mm beads
• 2mm seed beads
• 80cm fishing line or other thread
• Finer thread or fishing line

Techniques

• Right-angle weave
• Stringing

 

Difficulty

Challenging

 

Diagram Key

• Bold outlines mean the bead is already there, but needs to be used again.
• Greyed-out sections are parts that have already been worked but aren't needed in that step.
• ★ means tie off thread.

 

Step 1

Thread five 2mm beads and a 4mm bead. With the other end of the thread, go back through the very last bead. Centre the thread.

On the top thread, add five seed beads, then cross the other thread through the last bead.

Diagram 1

 

 

 

 

Step 2

You now have both threads facing downwards, coming out of a small bead marked a.

Add 1 large bead and 5 seed beads. With the same thread, go back through the large bead, forming a circle.

On the top thread, add 1 seed bead. Add 3 seed beads to the bottom thread, then cross the top thread through the last bead.

Add 1 seed bead to the top thread, then pass through the bead marked b.

On the bottom thread, add 2 seed beads and a large bead, then cross the top thread through the last bead.

On the top thread, add 5 seed beads. Cross the bottom thread through the last seed bead.

Diagram 2 

 

 

 

 

 Step 3

Add 1 large bead and 5 seed beads to the right thread. Go back through the large bead to form a circle.

Add 2 more seed beads. Add 2 seed beads to the upper thread, and cross the other thread through.

Continue in this manner across the row, following the arrows and reusing the highlighted beads as marked.

Diagram 3

 

 

 

 

 

Step 4

Continue in the same manner for the next 3 rows. This time, each row is longer.

The first part will have some beads already woven into the piece, but the next part has all new beads added. Follow the diagram, taking note that beads already woven in have a bold outline, as well as a letter.

Leave the thread unknotted at this stage.

Diagram 4 

 

 

 

 

Step 5

You should now have a strange-looking “L” shaped piece, with the top of the “L” being pointed. The bottom section becomes the pouch. Fold it in half, with the loose threads on the right.

Add 2 seed beads to the lower thread, then thread through the seed bead b on the other side.

Add 2 more seed beads, and cross the right thread through.

Pass the left thread through bead d.

Add 2 seed beads on the right thread, pass through seed bead c, add another 2 seed beads, and cross the left thread through.

Add 2 seed beads on the left thread, pass through seed bead f, add 2 more seed beads, then pass through the other side of the bag at bead e.

Tie the threads off.

Diagram 5 

 

 

 

  

Step 6

Now to fix the upper edge of the pouch section.

Using thin thread and a needle, go back through all the beads along the outer edge of the top of the bag, adding 1 extra bead where the large beads' holes are.

This step won't look exactly like the diagram. It will actually smooth out the edge much more.

Diagram 6

 

 

 

 

 

Step 7

Now work the sides of the flap. The image above shows where all the previous threads were; you just need to add the beads shown in the diagram that haven't already been added.

At the top point of the flap, you will need to add a loop of beads. Make this loop with enough beads to go around one of the larger beads.

Run through this loop several times.

Diagram 7 

 

 

 

 

Step 8

Now the bottom of the bag needs to be joined.

You will see there are 2 beads together followed by a space all the way along. Go through the 2 beads already there, then add a new bead. Go to the other side of the bag and go through those 2 beads.

Continue in this manner all the way across the bottom of the bag, following the diagram.

Diagram 8

 

 

 

 

 

 

Step 9

You can now work your way to the centre of the bag, in an appropriate place to add the bead for the closure.

Add a seed bead, then the large bead, then go back through the seed bead.

Work through some beads nearby, then come back and thread through these beads again. Do the same one or two more times.

Diagram 9 

 

 

 

 

 

Step 10

Move the thread into an appropriate area for the strap. Add beads to get to the length you require, then thread through some beads to anchor it and go back through the strap several more times.

About this pattern

Created by Augenia (Jenny) Lawson.

All of the patterns on this blog were created by me from my own original designs.

These tutorials are free for you to use. You are welcome to sell finished items made from these patterns, but please do not mass produce items made with them.

Please do not copy, sell or distribute the patterns themselves.

If you have any questions about this tutorial, you're welcome to contact me at hello@craftcove.au.