If you're someone who loves handcrafting bags, you know that attention to detail can make a significant difference in the final product. One way to elevate your handmade bag is by installing purse feet, which not only add a touch of elegance but also protect the bottom of your bag from wear and tear. In this blog post, we'll guide you through the process of installing purse feet, step by step
Choose the Right Purse Feet:
You need to select the appropriate purse feet for your bag. Consider the style, size, and colour that will complement your design. Purse feet come in various materials, such as metal or plastic. Metal purse feet tend to be more durable and aesthetically pleasing. Ensure that the feet you choose are compatible with the thickness of your bag's bottom.
Mark the Placement:
To determine the ideal placement of your purse feet, measure the distance from each corner of the bag's bottom, ensuring that they are evenly spaced. Mark these spots using a pen or chalk. A lot of bag pattern designers will give you instructions on where to place bag feet on their patterns.
Create Holes:
Using an awl, craft knife or hole punch, carefully create small holes at the marked spots. These holes should be just wide enough to accommodate the purse feet. Be cautious not to make the holes too large, as this may compromise the stability of the feet. A bag making stabiliser such as decovil light, decovil heavy or tie back weight interfacing, should be used behind each purse foot to give added strength and durabilty.
Insert the Purse Feet:
Insert the post/prongs of each purse foot through the hole from the inside of the bag. Position the decorative head of the feet on the exterior, ensuring that they sit flush against the bag's bottom. If necessary, you can apply a small amount of strong adhesive to the shank of the feet to secure them in place. If you find the post is too long for the thickness of your bag add some extra decovil light or decovil heavy to give a snug fit.
Secure the Purse Feet:
With the purse feet in position, gently screw the back in place or if using a prong type purse foot, place the washer over the prongs and push them apart and flat to the bag. I always use a piece of duck tape over the back of the fixing to ensure that the hardware does rub against the lining of the bag once its in use.
Check Stability:
Once all the purse feet are secured, turn the bag right-side-out and place it on a flat surface. Gently press down on each foot to ensure it is firmly attached and stable. If any feet feel loose, remove them and repeat steps 3-5 to reinforce the attachment.
Installing purse feet into your handmade bag is a simple yet effective way to add a touch of sophistication while protecting the bag's bottom from wear and tear. By following these step-by-step instructions, you can elevate your bag-making skills and create stunning accessories that are both functional and fashionable. Don't be afraid to experiment with different styles and colours of purse feet to match your unique designs. Get ready to receive compliments on your beautifully crafted bags with the added elegance of bag feet!
I hope you have found this blog helpful.
Until next time happy sewing
Deb x
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