How to Make a Simple Tulip Handbag

This simple tulip handbag is a great beginner bag making project. It is a fun bag to make and can be nice and colorful depending on the fabrics that you choose. The beauty of this bag is that it only requires two colors of quilting cotton to make. Just about anyone with beginner sewing skills can make this simple tulip handbag by following there instructions in this tutorial. There is no pattern required. there are just measurements, cutting and sewing so let’s get started. If you would like more handbag making projects head over to my handbag page for more handbag tutorials.

I chose a sunflower quilting cotton and a solid Kona cotton for my tulip handbag that I purchased from JOANN Fabric & Craft Stores online and picked up in store. Of course, you could head to Amazon Fabrics or onlinefabricstore.net to get exactly what you need for your tulip handbag. This post contains affiliate links that I you click on them and make a purchase I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

What you will Need: How to Make a Simple Tulip Handbag

  • 1/2 yd patterned fabric
  • 1/2 yd solid fabric
  • Sewing machine
  • Needle and thread
What you will need

Step 1: Cut Out your fabrics

Cut out one patterned and one solid piece that measure 18″ x 18″. Fold each in quarters. From the folded corner, measure a 9″ arc from side to side through the center and make marks as you go. Draw the arc. Cut along the arc line to create a large circle. Do this for both pieces. Mark the sides by clipping a notch on the upper corners through all layers. This will mark the center of all sides of the circle. Cut two patterned pieces and two solid pieces that measure 13 3/4″ x 4″ for the straps.

Fold in quarters

draw arc
Two circles

Step 2: Stitch the Separate Circles

Fold the circle in half right sides together. Stitch the circle using a 3/8″ seam allowance around the arc raw edge leaving the top open for turning. Repeat for the second circle. Clip the corners and turn right sides out. Press.

Turn right sides out and press

Step 3: Join the Two Circles

Place the patterned circle on top of the solid circle with the arc of the patterned piece facing the bottom of the solid piece making sure the centers are alined. Leave a distance of 1 1/2″ from the top of the arch of the patterned piece to the bottom of the solid piece. Stitch around the arc joining the two pieces using a 1/8″ seam allowance.

Join the two circles

Step 4: Turn the Piece Over and Stitch

Turn the piece over. Find the center and stitch the opening closed through all layers. Stitch down the center from the top of the arc to the top of the bottom arc.

Step 5: Sew the Sides of the Tulip Handbag

Fold the bag in half so that the patterned side matches and the solid side matches. Clip. Stitch the sides using a 1/8″ seam allowance.

Fold the bag

Step 6: Box the Corners

Place the side seam and the bottom seam together and clip. Do this for both sides. Measure down 3/4″ and stitch across the point you have created. Fold up the points to the sides. Hand stitch the points to the bag.

Box the corners
Turn up the corners

Step 7: Create the Straps

Stitch one patterned strap piece to one solid strap piece on the short ends right sides together using a 3/8′ seam allowance. Do this of the other pair of strap pieces. Turn the short ends under 1/4″. For the long edges to the center and press. Fold in half to encase the raw edges and press again. Stitch all the way around the straps.

Create the straps

Step 8: Add the Straps to the Tulip Handbag

Make sure that the bag is wrong sides out. Measure in 1″ from each side and place the straps on the corresponding patterned or solid side so that it extends 2″ down from the top and pin. Stitch a box with an X in the center to join the straps to the bag. Do this for all four strap pieces. You have now finished your simple tulip handbag.

Add the straps

I hope you enjoyed this simple tulip handbag project. Iff you would like more sewing and crafting projects subscribe to our newsletter and receive your free handbag eBook of 15 handbag patterns taken from the blog

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