Do You Know How Easy It Is to Sew Straw Bags at Home?

There is no great mystique about sewing straw bags at home. If you want to make a beautiful straw bag then you basically need to follow a few simple instructions in applying the straw.  Once you learn how to sew the straw you can apply it to your clutch or structured purses. For this technique, I use a local straw that’s sold throughout the islands. It’s grown, harvested, dyed and plaited in the islands of the Bahamas by independent artisans. You may have a similar straw in your country so you can use that if you wish. Using the narrow millinery straw may be a little too tedious to make an entire purse using this method. Though I’m sure a few inserts here and there could be quite effective.

We’re Keeping it Simple – Sweetheart (KISS)

So, begin with an easy design, choose a neatly plaited straw; they come in so many colors or in natural. Invest in simple but nice looking hardware. Purchase or bead a set of handles for a nice looking finish. It’s important to have good looking handles, turn locks, and a neat sewing job so your purse doesn’t end up looking like a mama cut and papa stitch rush job. Always go for a professional finish even if your purse is hand-made.

There are traditional materials for making straw bags but I find that they warp very quickly and are destroyed if they get wet. I’ve developed a unique method of making bags with my painted purse technique which I’ve applied to my straw bags. This gives a sturdier, longer lasting bag that will last for years. You can find the entire list of my purse materials as well as suppliers in my book.

Another note in making your handbag is to have the proper tools for the job. A sharp pair of scissors is essential and of course a straight edge ruler. Remember your handbag is going to be as neat as your template/pattern. So if your pattern is wonky and twisted…then your purse is going to look the same. My purse making DVD will teach you how to make patterns.

Home or Commercial Sewing Machine?

People often ask whether or not an industrial sewing machine is required for sewing straw. The short answer is no. But if you want speed/power and you think you are going to professionally sew handbags then you should seriously consider investing in an industrial sewing machine. 

The bottom line is the process is very simple especially if you have the benefit of following a DVD. You can use the techniques I share to make a straw or sisal handbag or combine the two as I did in the bag on the left.