How to make a bag charm

Bag charms are our favourite trend for summer so we've put together this easy bag charm tutorial.

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Holly Spanner

Published: July 5, 2024 at 12:21 pm

Felt is synonymous with folk style and the addition of simple embroidery stitches transforms a simple shape into something very luxurious (and sellable if you're after a side hustle!).

This chunky keyring makes an attractive embellishment hanging from the front door key but really comes into its own when displayed as a trendy bag charm.

The embroidered felt heart is quick to make, but if you want to start with an easier shape, then try making a pillow with two sides instead.

A simple bird is another option that will work well and allow you to expand your range for wider appeal. Tiny pom-poms, tassels and beads complete the design, which takes just a couple of hours to make. Here's a top tip: use scraps of wool and embroidery cotton instead of polyester stuffing to keep making costs down.

If you want to go the whole hog and make your own bag to hang your DIY bag charm from, how about this free tote bag pattern, or this quilted bag, we love this gorgeous free backpack sewing pattern! Looking for more cute accessories to sew? Try our how to make a scrunchie tutorial.

We love seeing what you make, so don’t forget to share your upcycling or craft projects with us on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter, too!

How to make a bag charm

Step 1

Use the how to make a bag charm – heart template to cut three large hearts from red felt, three small hearts from pale blue felt and three circles from lemon felt. Sew around the edge of the lemon and pale blue pieces with buttonhole stitch, then add embroidery using basic stitches such as lazy daisy and French knots.

How to make a bag charm – step 1

Step 2

Hold two of the finished hearts together with right sides facing outwards. Work buttonhole stitch around half of the heart shape starting at the pointy bit at the bottom and working up to the ‘v’. Open the unstitched sides and slot in the third heart. Sew around half of the heart, as before.

How to make a bag charm – step 2

Step 3

On the third edge of the heart shape, only work buttonhole stitch around the top rounded edge. Fill the heart with stuffing using a chopstick or similar tool to push the stuffing in until the shape is quite firm. Sew the last seam closed with a buttonhole stitch.

How to make a bag charm – step 3

Step 4

Use a fine tapestry needle to thread a brass bead, round bead, then brass bead onto two different lengths of ribbon, then tie a knot in the end. Wrap embroidery cotton around three fingers 20 times and then cut one end. Lay the bundle under the ribbon and tie a length of matching colour thread around the middle.

How to make a bag charm – step 4

Step 5

Make sure the knot is in the middle of the bundle and then let the top threads drop down to create the tassel. Wrap another piece of matching colour embroidery thread around the top of the tassel to create the neck. Use a tapestry needle to sew the ends under the wrapping in opposite directions. Trim the ends neatly.

How to make a bag charm – step 5

Step 6

Make two mini pom-poms: wrap red yarn around three fingers approximately 70 times. Tie a length of embroidery cotton very tightly around the middle of the bundle and then cut both ends to create the fringed bundle. Trim each side into a slight curve to take the strands to about 1cm (½in). Fluff up and trim slightly to make a round shape.

How to make a bag charm – step 6

Step 7

Use the bodkin to thread the remaining length of ribbon through the heart shape, then add beads as shown, tying a knot underneath. Use the bodkin to sew through the middle of the pom-pom and add a round bead, then a brass bead. Tie a knot at the end and trim neatly. Thread all three ribbons through a large wooden bead, through the keyring loop and back through the bead.

How to make a bag charm – step 7

Step 8

Adjust the lengths of the ribbons and then tie one ribbon around the others to secure them under the top wooden bead. Add a variety of beads and the second pom-pom to the tails as shown. Once you are happy with the lengths, then trim the ends of the ribbon, to finish.

How to make a bag charm – step 8

We hope you’ve enjoyed this DIY bag charm tutorial. We have plenty of other inspiration for bag charms here on Gathered, too. Why not try your hand at this easy needle felted cherry bag charm, or this adorable knitted racoon bag charm?

How to make a bag charm

Staff Writer, BBC Science Focus

Holly is the Staff Writer for BBC Science Focus and looks after the popular Q&A section. She holds an MSc (distinction) in Geoscience (Space and Climate Physics) from UCL, and specialises in astronomy and earth sciences. Before joining Our Media, she worked as a geoenvironmental consultant and engineer, informing on ground risk and remediation in the north of England, while hunting for exoplanets in her spare time. Alongside this, she was regional editor of a popular theatre website for nine years, and has a solid background in curating and developing content for the digital space. Holly is also an artist and illustrator, and regular contributor to the craft website, Gathered. She has previously worked with the RSPB, English Heritage, Disney, Pilot and Brother, as well as on BBC Good Food magazine, Home Style magazine, and Papercraft inspirations magazine. She enjoys photography and has a sustained interest in antiques.