I want to make a carpetbag. I got some valances free. Need pattern...

Darleen Hyatt
by Darleen Hyatt
These scream carpetbag to me. Did the bags of the early 1900's have zippers, latches?
Tapestry Valances
  7 answers
  • Mar11489709 Mar11489709 on Apr 22, 2017

    Great idea! To answer your question, no there were no zippers in use then. There were some latches. And they usually had a sturdy metal frame around the upper rim that snapped open and shut a bit like a coin purse. That kind of hardware would likely be difficult to find. However, often they were held closed using tabs (often leather) and buckles. Unless you love spending hours searching for specialized hardware, that might be your best bet. Good luck with your project.

    • Deb4912057 Deb4912057 on Apr 23, 2017

      You can find all the supplies you need on the internet. Just search for "purse frames & findings" they have frames, clasps, chains, everything you could need in all price ranges.

  • Susan Bechamp Susan Bechamp on Apr 23, 2017

    That fabric would look good as a cover on existing luggage that has seen better days but is still functional. I once used a remnant pieces of tapestry upholstery fabric to make a duffel bag for my son's camping gear. We recycled old jeans on the inside and used a plastic mesh (rug making jute) as interlining. He eventually wore it out after years of use . (I remember teasing my husband that I might recover his golf bag with it too).

  • Lyn Buerger Lyn Buerger on Apr 23, 2017

    I have in my junk pile, lots of these purse closure springs . Going at a great closeout price . let me know if anyone is interested in them. I had hundreds at one time but I do know how many I have left.

  • Carlene Pittman Carlene Pittman on Apr 23, 2017

    My Bag was an earlier version. Think mine was from the 60's. From my grandmother and it had a zipper.

  • 17335038 17335038 on Aug 10, 2018

    Keep in mind that this type of woven fabric frays like crazy after being cut, especially the pieces that have been cut against the grain, or on the bias.

    If you have a serger, be sure to serge the circumferences of your pattern pieces before beginning to assemble your bag. If you do not have a serger, then secure the circumferences by spraying first with spray starch. After the starch has dried, bind with either interfacing or with bias nylon binding.

    These extra steps will make for much less frustration, and for much sturdier seams.