When I created an inside divider for my anti dividing handbag it took care of the spaciousness, the lack of dividers, and gave the handbag a solid base to a weak bottom. How did I do it? With needle, thread, cardboard, scissors, an old coat, and a little time.
In the closet hung a coat I hardly wore. The coat was made of soft fake leather with two pockets I adored. I had a Kim Rogers handbag that was as large as a small well with no dividers. I had cardboard from empty shoe boxes, a pair of scissors, and I had a dream. I wanted to make my own inner divider with soft leather pockets for my Kim Rogers handbag.
How did I begin making my own inner handbag divider?
I measured four pieces of cardboard by cutting them to fit inside of the handbag from edge to edge. I formed an upside down “T” with the three of the pieces of cardboard (two against each other centered on one). Once it appeared fitting it was time to keep the upside down “T” balanced and standing. How? Glue gun.
I cut the extra long rectangle piece in half creating two squares and put them aside.
I glued the two long pieces of cardboard together then lined them up to form the upside down “T.” I glued one square at one “L” section of the upside down “T” with the bottom length of the cardboard measuring the length of the (cardboard) base and less against the upright line. I did the same for the other side. Checked the size by tucking the completed cardboard inside of the handbag. I trimmed corners that needed to be trimmed. Now that I had an upside down “T” that fits inside of the handbag what was next?
Cutting the coat was not easy! You need a good pair of scissors to get the job done right. But if you only have half decent scissors then use them. You will not regret trying this project either way.
I fit the coat over the cardboard upside down “T” to see where I needed to cut. I placed it whereas the pockets were set just right. I penciled a line to show areas to be cut. Cut on the lines. I fit the coat over the cardboard again to see the edges after tucking them inside. Then I cut out two large rectangles from the coat to fit over the large rectangle cut cardboard base pieces. Now, for some sewing!
The idea is to make large covers for the cardboard then to connect a wrapping cover for the bottom. It is easier than it sounds.
I turned the coat around (inside out) and did sew one of the sides of the upright portion on the upside down “T.” Did the same for the other side. A nice large pocket created when turning it outside in. Placed the “cover” on the upright portion of the “T.”
I took one large rectangle I had already cut and place it under the upside down “T” cardboard formation (centered). The leather side (display side) was against the table. I worked the leather upward and cut it so that I had at least one inch of slack when I touched both sides at the upright line of the “T.” I folded the leather under and did sew where the leather did meet with the upright “T.”
Since it is cardboard you can sew through it. I finished sewing the rest of the sides after tucking in the excess areas.
I fit the divider inside of the handbag. Made final touch-ups and presto! I now have a handbag with a removable double-pocket divider (as seen in above photo).
A good use of time and a great way to recycle a coat. When something is missing from your handbag, give your bag a hand!