Time for a fun round-up! I thought I’d share some patterns for framed purses, since there’s such a range and I find they turn out looking like you put more effort into them than you really did. I won’t tell if you don’t! There are several different types of frames, so I’ve broken up the post by type of frame.

Psst! Keep reading for discount details.

These purses and clutches remind me of dress-up as a little girl, with my “click-clack” shoes, long gloves, and mom’s old dresses. I still get a kick out of opening and closing them. 

This pattern from U-Handbag is true to its name. I found the sewing to be lemon squeezy, but I was a little nervous when it came time to glue the fabric into the frame. Thankfully I didn’t mess up and get glue all over, and it turned out beautifully! You can also find this pattern as part of the online Craftsy class Sewing Structured Bags with Lisa Lam.

Inside is simple, and the purse opens up quite wide.

You can also find an adorable mini frame with chain that works to hold a few coins or as a lipstick holder at Emmaline Bags; there are even pattern pieces to download for free to make 2 different minis. 

If you have the Sizzix die cutting machine, this Sew Sweetness coin purse will be a breeze with her coin purse die. You can also find the frames in 2 different sizes and 2 different finishes on the Sew Sweetness site.

These frames open up wide and snap shut with irresistible fun- really, once you install them in a bag, I dare you. You won’t be able to resist opening and closing the bag just for the sake of opening and closing the bag! This style of frame really helps give the shape of carpet bags or doctor bags. You can see how to install them in myvideo found here.

The Companion Carpet Bag from Sewing Patterns by Mrs. H is the first framed bag I made and I really fell in love with it. This bag will make you look like a genius! Once you pop that frame on, the wow factor is unavoidable.

This Craftsy Class features video lessons and downloadable resources, including the patterns for the Easy Purse (as mentioned above) and the Carpet Bag pattern by Lisa Lam.

Internal Wire Frames are inexpensive and relatively easy to incorporate. You can find them Emmaline Bags, and they come in 3 different styles: A, B & C.

This pattern from Little Moo Designs uses the Style A Internal Wire Frames from Emmaline. The Race Day Bag is insulated and tall enough to hold a bottle of wine! 

This FREE pattern from Emmaline Bags comes in 2 sizes and uses either Style A  for small or Style B for large. Download the pattern here.

This is one of my favourite patterns ever! I’ve made more of this pattern than most others. I love to use it as a lunch bag by insulating it and using a wipeable material for the lining. The pattern calls for the Style B internal wire frames and the bag opens up really wide so there’s plenty of room for your lunch in containers. Get the pattern here.

Here’s another free pattern for you! This pattern from Mrs. H uses the style C internal wire frames from Emmaline Bags. The large rounded top gives the bag a luxurious shape and is perfect for tall brushes and toiletries. It’s larger than it looks, and could even work as an evening clutch. Check it out here.

This large bag works as a day trip bag or even as an overnight bag. You’ll need the style C frames for this one. I hosted a sew along this summer so if you need some extra help check it out here.  To get the pattern, click here.

These ones don’t have frames but look like they do!

This bag, like a traditional doctor bag is structured and opens up nice and wide, but doesn’t require a frame. Instead, the pattern calls for boning at the top, in place of a more expensive frame. See the pattern here.

Now that you’ve learned about the different types of frames, get started on your own framed bag! Emmaline Bags is offering a 15% discount on any of their frames found at this link. Use code OKAPIFRAME15 at checkout. No minimum order required, offer expires October 31, 2017.