I had so much fun with this project, and it turned out beautifully!

I had been exploring different tool bag ideas and really wanted to work with a framed purse, but purse frames are so expensive! And…you are usually very limited in the sizes you can find.

In an effort to find an affordable way to make a framed purse I decided to make a mini sized tool bag. Since it is small the frames would not need to be as sturdy as on a full sized bag.

I found an EXCELLENT tutorial by sewingtimes on Youtube and absolutely fell in love with the bag construction and wanted to test it out right away. I would highly recommend it.

I changed the size a bit.

I also didn’t want to have to worry about using a lot of interfacing, so I used a heavy weight denim.

I also added embroidery and top stitching to decorate the front and add a jeans look.

I really love how much the bag opens! It provides such a great amount of space.

The tool bag fit basic sewing supplies, scissors and small dollar tree containers perfectly.

Instead of purse frames I used two pieces of heavy gauge wire taped together with electrical tape and bent the ends.

 

I played with several different ways to wrap the wire. In the end I preferred the option where the wire was completely covered, just in case of tarnishing, etc. What I love about using the wire instead of the purchased purse frames is that you can make them any size you want! It’s also significantly cheaper.

It worked better than expected and I hope to make a framed bag again in the future.