If you love those finishing touches that make a handmade bag feel truly complete, you’re going to fall for this project. Our Bag Charm series is all about taking small pieces of fabric and turning them into something special. These quick, creative projects are perfect for using up scraps, trying new techniques, and adding personality to every bag you make.
Bag charms are delightful and useful accessories. You can use them as purely decorative accents on your latest bespoke bag or let them work a little harder as a keychain you carry every day. The Nautical Star Bag Charm, designed by Renee Kapitanski, was inspired by visits to coastal places and the timeless charm of nautical motifs. It is a wonderful way to bring a bit of seaside inspiration into your sewing space, no matter where you live. All you need are a few small pieces of nonwoven fabrics you’ve saved from other projects and a bit of hardware to create your own little souvenir.
supplies needed
You’ll need a few supplies to get started:
40wt polyester sewing thread
Washi tape, Basting tape, glue or basting spray (such as Sulky KK2000)
Removable pen or chalk
Zipper foot, Teflon foot, or very narrow foot,
Edge kote paint and roller pen for optional edge finishing
Permanent craft glue or hot glue and hot glue gun
Pliers
Sew along with us
1. Prepare your applique pieces
Place the paper pattern pieces, printed side up on the wrong side of your selected fabrics.
Trace along the outer edge of each pattern piece. Then cut out the pieces following the lines.
2. Create the charm front
With right sides up, center Piece C on the Bag Charm Front, holding the pieces together with basting tape, glue, or sewing clips.
Topstitch an 1/8" from the raw edge of Piece C. Or, permanently glue Piece C in place.
With right sides up, center Piece D on Piece A Front, positioning Piece D points between the Piece C points. Hold in place, then topstitch an 1/8" from the raw edge of Piece D. Or, permanently glue Piece D in place.
3. Create the charm back
If you’d like a reversible Charm, cut another Piece C and Piece D from your Contrast Fabrics 1 and 2, then repeat steps 1-2 to create the charm back.
4. Add a swivel hook connector (skip this step is you prefer a chain)
Thread Connector Piece B through a swivel hook, folding the wrong sides together, meeting the short ends. Hold the ends together with basting tape, then position the Connector on the wrong side of Piece A Back.
5. Assemble your project
With wrong sides together, align the outer curved edges of the Front and Back. Hold the layers together with basting tape or spray, glue, or sewing clips. Topstitch 1/8" from raw edge. Or, permanently glue the pieces together.
To add an optional sealed, professional finish to the outer edges of your Bag Charm, visit sallietomato.com/blogs/blog/creating-polished-bag-finishes-with-edge-kote for a step-by-step tutorial and video on how to apply Gum Tragacanth and Edge Kote paint with a Roller Pen.
6. Add an optional chain
Punch a 2mm hole above one star point and insert a jump ring.
Unlink desired length of chain, then link the chain to the attached jump ring. Attach another jump ring to the opposite end of the chain.
7. Attach the charm to your bag hardware or key fob.
There is something so satisfying about a project that comes together quickly but still feels thoughtful and polished. The Nautical Star Bag Charm is exactly that kind of make. Whether you stitch one to match your favorite bag or create a whole collection to gift, each charm becomes a small reflection of your creativity and style. Do not forget to explore the pattern, kits, and hardware options to make your project even easier from start to finish. We cannot wait to see how you bring your own twist to this design.
Share your finished charm by tagging @sallietomatopatterns and using #sallietomato so we can celebrate your work and inspire others in the community.
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