Elevate Your Me-Made Bags with Embroidery

When combining me-made bags and embroidery, there are an incredible number of ways to put them together for different effects. Bags come in a large range of different styles, but most patterns have some sort of flat section. In our opinion, that spot calls out for embroidery!

The most basic way to add embroidery is the main body of the bag. This is especially good for large bags and tote styles. Look for patterns that don’t have a lot of additional features to distract from the embroidery.

Consider an embroidered or appliquéd monogram, which is always in style.

Combine embroidery with other effects to create a truly stunning statement piece. The Leather Petals Tote from the Spring 2020 issue of Creative Machine Embroidery combines embroidered stems and leaves with leather petals held in place with rivets.

While the main body of a bag is often a good place for embroidery, you have other options. Look for different features on your bag pattern that create a good canvas for embroidery. Does the bag have a large flap? That’s an easy choice. A small, interesting-shaped flap like that on the Totes Adorbs pattern can also feature embroidery; look for designs that echo the shape of the flap or adjust the flap to fit the desired design.

Pockets are another great place to add embroidery; use the same philosophy of looking for shapes that echo the pocket and work with the aesthetic of the bag.

Embroidery should always be applied mindfully, of course, but there are ways to combine embellishment on the body and the flap into a coherent whole.

Take, for example, the Meow Pouch from CME Jan/Feb 2019, which uses embroidered elements to create an adorable cat face when closed.

If you’re looking for a way to use your favorite border design, why not embroider it on a bag strap? This works especially well when the straps extend down onto the bag body.

If you’re not into me-made bags, or you want to add an embroidered element to something you’ve already made, consider attaching a 3D lace design or patch. There are plenty of lace flower designs available for purchase, which are fun and easy to stitch up, construct and add to your bag. You can even put them onto pin backs so they can be switched out seasonally or to match your outfit.

If you love in-the-hoop projects but are not confident in your bag-making skills, there are a range of designs available to stitch bags or bag elements in the hoop. We love our elegant Mini Purse design, which is perfect for a holiday party where all you need is your phone and some lipstick.

Of course, you’re not just limited to the ideas listed here — your imagination is the only limit for embroidering me-made bags.

How will you elevate your bags?

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