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Making bag charms

 

AppletonDance ginko charm in faux leather and quilted cotton
with Tilda brand button accent and twill ribbon attachment

by Linda Theil

From the Hermes pony to the Tiffany posey, bag charms are the cherry on top of every equipage confection. Create your own signature charm following this process.

Choose a symbol of your own preference. Examples include:

  • Geometric: circle, square, triangle, etc
  • Symbol: star, penant/flag, heart, etc
  • Natural: leaf, flower, tree, etc
  • Animal: horse, dog, cat, etc
  • Personal/Individual
Draw your symbol and make several patterns in various sizes, none smaller than three-inches in at least one direction -- preferably larger. You can make smaller charms, but larger is easier -- at least to begin with. 

Choose your materials -- preferably double-sided materials that are finished on front and back. Or sew, or glue materials wrong sides together to make a double-faced material to use for your charm. Note: Don't forget to reverse your pattern when cutting your backing out of non-reversable materials. 

Materials include:
  • leather
  • faux leather
  • vinyl
  • quilted fabrics
  • fused fabrics
  • paper fabric
  • metal
  • wood
Process
Cut various sizes and/or various shapes of your chosen symble.
Layer the symbols and fasten with rivets, buttons, stitches, or any other secure fastening system.
Choose embellishments such as stickers, beads, fringe, rivets, etc; and add to charm.

Cut or punch a hole through all layers to use a method of securing the charm to your bag. Add a grommet if appropriate/desired.
Choose a material to secure your charm to your bag:
  • metal ring
  • lobster clasp
  • chain
  • rivet
  • leather cord
  • braided cord
  • keyring hardware
  • ribbon
  • twill
  • pin back
  • etc
Attach to bag strap, hardware, or zip pull using a slip knot.


Bag charm inspiration:
How to make leather flower charms
Tiffany leather flower charms



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