floral handbag

I love making this pattern as it comes together relatively quickly and I have completed it a number of times now in polka dot and floral material like this one.

The biggest challenge is the rouleau loop (the button loop) and the pattern suggests using string to pull the tiny tube of fabric through to the right side. It took me hours of trial and error using this method and I cut the hem so close to the stitch to get it to pull through without the string breaking, that it frayed within a could of days! The secret is a loop turner, a really simple metal rod with a hook on the end that costs a couple of quid (you could probably make something similar with craft wire). These tubes of fabric can be used for other things too, like strappy dresses and tops! Genius!