How To Make A Beaded Bag (Free Pattern and Video!) (2024)

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Follow along with this DIY tutorial to learn how to make beaded bag from scratch. It’s really not hard to make a bag with beads, it just takes time and patience.

Is the beaded bag trend still happening? Thanks to British brandShrimpsand New York based indie designerSusan Alexandra, the beaded bag trend is a chic and a fashionable accessory to showcase with any outfit.

This DIY beaded purse uses crystal glass beads in chic box shape design. The handbag allows you to carry necessary items and is also totally Instagram worthy.

Once you understand how to make a beaded handbags, you will find that it is easy to do. Bag makingis also a fun hobby. Explore the basic principles and different designs so that you are able to complete a desirable project with ease.

Lets start by covering the required materials, hand beading tools and basic techniques to make bag with beads. By the end of this post, you will understand how to make your own DIY beaded bag by hand.

Get your beaded bag making materials ready, and let’s make a bag with beads!

Handmade Beaded Bags

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The retail price of beaded bags ranges from $250 to $1000. As a result, I was persuaded to make my very own handmade beaded bags. Using hand craft skills and a bit of intuition, I was able to construct my very own DIY beaded bags by hand.

The DIY beaded bag trend has sparked because they are a perfect accessory to elevate any outfit. From a simple t-shirt and jeans to a statement piece with your date night outfit, a DIY beaded bag can work for every occasion.

The best part of all, no matter how you wear it, you can pair with any outfit and instantly look chic. And that is why the beaded bag trend will continue for a long time!

You may feel like your bead bags are only summer season friendly. However, in reality this unique 90’s style nostalgic bead bagtrend is season-less.

You can even pair it with your spring dress or even a fuzzy sweater on a chilly winter day. From a pearl shades to clear glass and also colorful candy like beads, it’s no wonder the handmade beaded bag trend has made its ways into the fashion scene.

Beaded Bag Tutorial For Beginners

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Learning how to make a beaded bag from scratch will update your wardrobe collection. Beaded bag making is so much easier than you think if you follow this beaded bag tutorial for beginners.

Feel free to ask any questions in the comments below; especially if you have any questions about this free beaded bag pattern or the bead bag making by hand. I will be sure to help out as best as I can.

Master these basic skills to make bag with beads. As a result, you are all set to create unique beaded bag designs on your own.

Turn on your favorite podcast and enjoy some craft time by practicing how to make a beaded bag from scratch. With this beaded bag DIY tutorial, you will be surprised how different beaded bag designs you can easily create.

How to make bag with beads?

How To Make A Beaded Bag From Scratch (Includes Free Pattern!) | Fashion Wanderer

Start by deciding whether you will use a bead loom, bead needle or simply thread by hand. Organize the basic materials and gathering the number of beads necessary to make the bag with beads.

Because hand beading is a lengthy process, you want to maximize efficiency. The beads arrived in small bag of random assortment. Therefore, I started by separating the colors and counting the individual pieces.

In addition, I used a large bead tray to help secure all the project materials in one place. Throughout the process, beads would escape my fingertips, and the tray also help to gather falling pieces. In addition, the tray allowed me to put the handmade bead bag aside, and at anytime I could pickup right where I left off.

Overall, I really enjoyed making this handbag with beads. The repetitive task was relaxing, and the free beaded handbag pattern works with a variety of outfit ideas.

How To Make A Beaded Bag (Free Pattern and Video!) (3)

What thread do you use for beading a bag?

Clear beading threadis the recommended material of choice for this handmade bead bag project. There are many reliable brands like Nymo, FireLine, KO, and TOHO One-G on the market.

However, thread diameter is an important factor when it comes to bead bag making. Beading thread can range from thin filaments to thick strands for heavier bead projects

What is the strongest beading thread to make bag with beads?

For this handmade beaded bag, I recommend a 100% polyethylene clear beading threadthat is both strong and flexible. Thin thread will no support the weight of the bag, and the thread needs to be flexible to achieve the intricate weaving.

Based on my experience with this DIY beaded handbag, between .3mm-.45mm thread works best. With a thinner thread, there is a chance the line will break. Thick thread is harder to fasten tightly and secure the knots.

Important factors to consider are that the thread does not stretch, knots easily and also that the beads do not cut the thread.

How do you easily thread beads?

Bead holes are often very small to work with. Hand coordination and good eyesight help the process. In the end, the goal is to accomplish the project.

I recommend using .3mm-.45mm gauge thread to easily string beads along in an efficient manner. Take care that the thread is small enough for the hole, but large enough to effectively work with. Do not to force the thread through the small holes because you risk breaking the beads or even cutting the thread with the beads.

Expedite the process with a couple simple tools when learning how tomake a beaded bag by hand. When it comes to easily threading beads by hand, here are a few tools to consider:

How do you thread a small beading needle?

Remember that the needle will get bigger at the end, which will allow you to identify the eye of the needle more easily.In addition, keep in mind the thread size as well as the needle size because the thread must be able to fit through the eye of the needle.

Grab the end of the thread between you fingertips. Gracefully move closer to the eye, and use a wiggling motion to work the thread through the small hole.

Free Beaded Handbag Pattern

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There are countless bead bag designs and inspirations for you to admire. I have included a free beaded handbag pattern for you to copy.

This free bead bag pattern includes the exact instructions to execute this handbag. The DIY beaded purse instructions detail the required materials list, precise bead count per strand and also the finished measurements for the handbag.

The handbag design follows an intricate pattern of colorful bead rows. Count the beads in each row to achieve the desired bag width and height. Construct four side panels and attach the bag bottom to complete to project.

To finish this beaded purse design, copy the pattern for the handle straps and fasten tightly to the bag.Follow the step-by-step instructions and you will be amazed at how gorgeous your beaded handbag pattern turns out.

How To Make A Beaded Bag (Free Pattern and Video!) (5)

Yield: 1 Beaded Bag

How To Make A Beaded Handbag

Prep Time: 1 hour

Active Time: 10 hours

Total Time: 11 hours

Difficulty: Beginner

Estimated Cost: $45.00

In this DIY beaded bag tutorial, I want to show you how to make a beaded handbag using the free pattern. I also included photos of each step of the bead bag making process. Follow the simple step-by-step video and written instructions.

In addition, this DIY beaded bag tutorial demonstrates how to make a bag with beads, shares the correct bead thread tension and also includes a free pattern for you to copy.

If you are up for the challenge, then follow along and learn how to make a beaded handbag from scratch. Grab some crystal glass beads, clear beading thread, and then let’s start bead bag making!

Tools

  • Measuring Tape
  • Scissors

Instructions

  1. For this beaded bag tutorial, I assembled 9” bead straps ahead of time that included rows of 3. Each 9” strap had 55 beads total.
  2. In addition, I also assembled 3” bead straps for the sides that included 13 beads total.
  3. I used 9 straps of 9” and 6 straps of 3” clear beads.
  4. For the colorful stripe patterned straps, you need the same size long and short bead straps. Decide on your own personal pattern, and then assemble 10 colorful 9” bead straps and also 10 matching 3” bead straps
  5. In the end, you will attach all of the bead straps together using a connector row.
  6. To make a 3” bead strap, cut a piece of beading thread that is about 12” long and begin by sliding 3 beads through the thread.
  7. Next, grab another bead and slide each end of the thread through the opposite bead holes to make a crisscross. Pull the ends of the thread tight so that the bead lands in the center of the bead cluster.
  8. Again, place one bead on each end of the thread and finish with a third bead crisscross threading. Continue this beading pattern to make your long and short clear straps.
  9. To make colorful stripe patterned straps, cut the beading thread and slide through your colored beads. You will crisscross thread the center colored bead. Then repeat the same outside pattern,
  10. After you finish making long and short clear straps and colored stripe long and short straps, its time to connect them!

Free Bead Bag Pattern

  1. To connect bead straps together for this free beaded bag pattern, grab the colored beads for the row and a 24” piece of beading thread.
    Helpful hint: For this step in the beaded bag tutorial, I used green colored beads to connect the rows together.
  2. First, thread one bead and place it in the center. Next, thread one end of the thread through the first bead hole of the top strap, and the other end of the thread through the first bead hole of the bottom strap.
  3. Then, cross thread a connector bead by sliding each end of the thread through opposite bead holes to make a crisscross.
  4. Again, thread one end of the thread through the second bead hole of the top strap, and the other end of the thread through the second bead hole of the bottom strap.
  5. Continue by cross threading a connector bead and then repeat this pattern until you meet the end of the bead strap.
  6. Simply tie 3-4 knots to end the thread and cut with scissors.
  7. To join the front and side panels together for this beaded bag pattern, use the same connector bead and cross threading technique to follow the stripe pattern down the side of the bag.
  8. My pattern includes 3 clear bead rows, followed by 3 colored bead rows in a single stripe pattern. The beaded handbag pattern repeats from top to bottom.
  9. Again, finish by tying 3-4 knots and remove any extra thread with scissors.
  10. To make the bag base, construct 3 separate 9” bead straps using clear beads. The bead straps were connected using clear beads to make a large rectangular base.
  11. Attach the base of the bag by cross threading clear connector beads and joining the sides of the bag to the base.

Beaded Bag Handles

  1. To make beaded bag handles, start by finding the center point of the bag opening. Count an equal distance away from the center and this will be your handles starting points on each side of the bag.
  2. Thread through a single bead from the bag opening to start the beaded bag handles. Then, add one clear bead to each end of the thread and finish by cross threading a colored bead.
  3. For this DIY beaded handbag tutorial, I used the remaining colored beads for the beaded bag handle. I interchanged between the colorful beads and clear beads.
    Helpful hint: You can make the beaded bag handle all clear, or even use double colored beads and single clear beads in the center.
  4. Finish this beaded bag tutorial by securing the handle with 3-4 knots. Then, enjoy your fun new colorful beaded handbag!

Notes

To make this bag with beads pattern you need:

  • 50 yard roll of .45mm clear beading thread.
  • 1000 pieces of clear 8mm rondelle crystal beads.
  • 1000 pieces of assorted colorful 8mm rondelle crystal beads. The colored beads came in an assorted bag of 300 pieces. Therefore, I highly recommend organizing the beads by color before you start beaded bag making.
  • 110 pieces green color beads,
  • 110 pieces red color beads
  • 110 pieces aqua color beads
  • 110 pieces dark blue color beads
  • 110 pieces light blue color beads
  • 110 pieces dark purple color beads
  • 110 pieces light pink color beads
  • 110 pieces yellow color beads
  • 55 pieces dark pink colorbeads

Did you make this DIY clothing project?

Share your DIY clothing with me on Instagram!

Have you ever done beaded bag making before?
Share your super cute beaded bag designs with me at #MakeWithFashionWanderer!
XOXO

How To Make A Beaded Bag (Free Pattern and Video!) (2024)

FAQs

Are beaded bags in fashion 2022? ›

Fast forward to 2022 and the beaded bag movement is still going strong, with an increasing number of high street favourites putting their spin on the look – with Mango in particular offering a number of eye-catching beaded bags to suit all your summer needs.

How do they make mother of pearl beads? ›

When making mother of pearl, beads are cut from natural sea shells then dipped in a solution containing their iridescent mother of pearl powder along with coloring agents and binders. Once dry, the mother of pearl is strung together in sets.

What is the bag color of 2022? ›

In step with last year's focus on rich, bold hues, colors like cerulean blue and Barbie pink are superseding delicate pastels as the dominant handbag colors of 2022.

What type of bag goes with every outfit? ›

Nude colors go with every color. You can pair a nude color handbag with an all-black, all-white, or metallic color outfit. They go with everything.

What is the latest trend in bags? ›

Then you'll need to look out for the best designer crossbody bags - and while this isn't spotlighted as a key trend, don't worry there are still plenty to choose from.
...
9 handbag trends 2022
  1. Furry Textures. Fendi / Loewe. ...
  2. Luxe Backpacks. ...
  3. Graphic Prints. ...
  4. 4. Box Bags. ...
  5. Slouchy Tote. ...
  6. Party bag. ...
  7. Studded detail. ...
  8. Puffy Pouch.
5 days ago

What is a Japanese knot bag? ›

A Japanese knot bag is an open tote bag with one handle longer than the other. It's designed so that you can put the long handle through the short one to close the top of the bag. You can then hook the bag over your wrist so that you can carry it easily.

What is a Japanese bag? ›

A randoseru (ランドセル) is a firm-sided backpack made of stitched firm leather or leather-like synthetic material, most commonly used in Japan by elementary schoolchildren. Traditionally it is given to a child upon beginning their first year of school, whereupon the child uses the same bag until grade 6.

How long does it take to make a beaded bag? ›

It takes 6-7 hours for me to bead this beautiful and timeless pearl bag. Hope you feel the love and passion while wearing this bag!

What era are beaded purses from? ›

Late 1800s. In the late nineteenth century, beaded purses became hugely popular. This is due to the world becoming more mobile with the Industrial Revolution. Women needed a way to carry their possessions around with them.

What is mother of pearl worth? ›

Excellent examples of mother of pearl have recently sold for thousands of dollars, with some of the most exquisite antique pieces fetching upwards of $10,000.

How are the Japanese beads made? ›

Arikamedu glassmakers created beads using the drawn glass process, later adopted by European glass makers. In this process, approximately one hundred pounds of molten glass was drawn into a "cane"--a thin hollow tube, then cut into tiny pieces and tumbled.

Why are my pearls yellow? ›

If there is no air circulation and moisture where pearls are kept, their organic composition begins to change, which results in that yellowing. Typically, the way pearls are stored can lead to them becoming dried out, which in turn leads to yellowed pearls.

What is the hot fashion color for 2022? ›

Pantone revealed in December that Very Peri, a blue-purple hue, is its color of 2022. The shade is described as a “warm and friendly blue hue with a carefree confidence and joyful attitude.” Very Peri is just one shade of blue Pantone predicts will be big in 2022.

What is the most fashionable color 2022? ›

Royal purple, jewel-tone teal, and burning red are all trending hues incorporated on the Fall/Winter 2022 runways, each with its glamorous style.

What is the most popular color right now 2022? ›

Gray-Green. Leading paint companies Benjamin Moore, PPG, and Sherwin-Williams all agree: 2022 is the year for gray-green. The sophisticated hue symbolizes balance and harmony often seen in the natural world.

What color purses should every woman own? ›

Find one in a neutral color (black and nude are always safe) in a size that's big enough to hold your essentials, and keep your hands free by purchasing a style that comes with a removable shoulder strap. “Investing in a classic black medium-size bag with or without a logo will be worth every penny.

What color goes with anything? ›

Whether your design tastes veer toward traditional or contemporary, green just works. Different hues of green give a room depth and vitality, while they introduce both oomph and whimsy. My third premise is that — because it's a neutral — green goes with any and all colors.

What color handbags are lucky? ›

Which color bag is lucky? According to feng shui, red is the colour that brings luck and fortune. It represents the fire element.

What is the hottest bags right now? ›

Below, we round up the most popular designer bags of 2022.
  • Balenciaga Le Cagole. ...
  • Chanel 22. ...
  • Hermes Kelly. ...
  • Bottega Veneta Mini Jodie. ...
  • Coperni Swipe. ...
  • Gucci Jackie 1961. ...
  • Miu Miu Wander Matelassé Hobo. ...
  • Prada Cleo.
Oct 12, 2022

What bags will be popular in 2023? ›

From Paco Rabanne-inspired sequined bags to heart-shaped totes, 2023 is the perfect time to get creative with your handbag pick. On the other hand, you can take a more minimalist approach and opt for a classic black leather bag. While these bags are minimal, they certainly aren't boring.

What is the winter bags trend for 2022? ›

“Trends will shift from the rattans to mixed media, chunkier hardware, faux furs and shearlings, and more substantial sizing and architecture.” Handbag trends tend to move a little slower, making them great investment pieces.

What is the PLUR handshake? ›

PLUR Handshake

Yes, rave culture has its own secret handshake, and learning it is kandi-essential! To perform the PLUR handshake, you'll draw out the symbols of the motto with your fingers to spell out P (peace), L (love), U (unity), and R (respect).

How do you make a big pony bead bracelet? ›

How to Make a Pony Bead Bracelet
  1. 1 Measure the length of your wrist.
  2. 2 Pick the pattern of your bracelet.
  3. 3 Layout the pattern of your bracelet.
  4. 4 Stretch out the stretch cord.
  5. 5 String the pony beads onto the stretch cord.
  6. 6 Cut the string from the roll.
  7. 7 Tie the ends of the bracelet together.

What thread do you use for beaded bags? ›

Clear beading thread is the recommended material of choice for this handmade bead bag project. There are many reliable brands like Nymo, FireLine, KO, and TOHO One-G on the market.

How do you make a water bead sensory bag? ›

Once you have plump water beads, get some ziploc bags, any size will do. Add a scoop of whatever color you choose to the ziploc and fill it about halfway with water. Add a splash of food coloring or liquid watercolor to the water. Seal the bag and duct tape it closed.

What are love beads made of? ›

Traditionally, love beads were macramé of natural stringing materials such as cotton cord, jute and hemp. Small organic-style brightly colored beads of glass, shell, wood and bone were strung tightly spaced and embellished with peace symbol, flower and heart charms.

What is the strongest cord for beading? ›

The gel-spun, polyethylene braided thread is recognized as the strongest fiber, per diameter, ever created. The advanced technology used to make FireLine interknitted thread, makes it ultra-thin in diameter but three times stronger than regular monofilament.

What is the strongest beading wire? ›

Wire composition also dictates the strength of the wire; stainless steel and plated stainless steel are the strongest, while sterling silver is the least sturdy wire. Color is an important factor in choosing beading wire, especially when you are beading with translucent beads.

What is the best string for bead weaving? ›

Silamide Nylon Thread is a good all-around nylon thread, popular for its range of colors. It is used primarily for bead weaving. Nymo Waxed Nylon Thread is another good all-around thread for bead weaving. It is lightly waxed, is easy to thread and resists twisting and knotting.

What liquid do you put in sensory bags? ›

You can use canola oil, vegetable oil or baby oil. It really doesn't matter. Next stir several drops of food coloring into a half cup of water. Pour the water and food coloring into the bag.

How do you make big water beads? ›

The little beads are made from a water-absorbing polymer and as the beads absorb water, they will grow and grow. If they absorb all the water in your bin, add more water. It can take up to 8 hours or so to grow to full size.

How do you put a charm on a clasp? ›

Slide the lobster clasp onto the jump or split ring, and then slide the charm ring onto the jump/split ring and close it. Once the charm is secured to the lobster clasp, you can easily open the clasp and connect it to one of the bracelet's links. Repeat this for all charms.

What is Miracle beads? ›

Miracle beads (also known as magic or illusion beads) are great for making bright and colourful jewellery. Miracle beads are great on elastic, tiger tail or used in beadwork designs – make earrings, bracelets and necklaces. The generous 1.5mm hole size means that they can also be strung on cotton or macrame cords.

What are hippy beads? ›

Love beads are one of the traditional accessories of hippies. They consist of one or more long strings of beads, frequently handmade, worn around the neck by both sexes.

What color beads are for love? ›

Red or ruby beads, for example, are believed to promote love and passion.

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