How to Add Fringe to any Purse Pattern

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I had a customer ask recently if I could add some fringe to one of the purses I make a lot, the Bella Bag (Pattern by ChrisW Designs).  I was hesitant at first, but I just had to yes!  I make at least one of these bags every week, so to have a chance to mix things up a bit sounded exciting.  

The first step was figuring out if I had to actually make the fringe or if I could simply buy the fringe already ready to sew in.  I was relieved to find some at Fabric.com.  It was a faux suede black fringe, exactly what I was looking for.  It has a 1/2" header, which was perfect to sew into my 1/4" seam.

I'm sorry I did not take pictures, but it is easy enough to do.  Where ever you want to place the fringe, you just sandwich it in between the fabric.  For example, I wanted to add the fringe to the front pocket of this bag.  The front pocket is normally made by sewing right sides together on the top edge, and then the material is then folded over at the seam and pressed so that the wrong sides are now together and the pocket is then basted to the front body panel.  So, I simple pinned the top edge of the fringe (the 1/2" header) to the top edge of the right side of one of the pocket panels and basted in place.  I then placed the 2nd pocket panel right side down onto of the piece you just sewed and then sew all three pieces together.  Flip like normal and you then have a pocket with fringe!  I hope that is easy enough to understand.  If not, you can leave a comment below and ask me to explain further.

If you have made the Bella Bag before, you know that the front panel pocket usually opens all the way to the sides.  However, I was afraid that the front pocket would sag with the extra weight of the fringe, so I sewed it a little on either side, but still left a small pocket to throw in you phone or keys.

I did the same on the bottom.  I considered just adding the fringe only to the pocket, but it seamed like it wasn't enough.  I thought I either needed to add another row to the pocket, or I needed to add some fringe to the bottom seam.  I went with the bottom seam.  

Here is one of the zipper openings for the gun pocket.  There is a zipper on both sides in case the wearer is left or right handed.

JoAnn's has the cutest pull tabs now.  Well, maybe they have always had them.  I just noticed them, so I grab them when they are 1/2 off.

Not the best picture, but IT WAS FREEZING OUTSIDE!  I had my daughter take the picture with her standing inside so she wouldn't freeze to death.  (LOL!)

Thanks so much for stopping by.  I would love to see any of your projects with fringe!

Blessings,

I'll be linking up to THESE great LINKY PARTIES!