How to make a bag that looks like it’s $3,800

I’d love to own one, but I can’t justify spending more than $3,800 for a purse. So I got crafty — and made my own. You can, too. Here’s how.
Supplies
Faux-leather bag, $97 at DuneLondon.com
-Faux-leather bag, $97 at DuneLondon.com
-1 yard of 45 millimeter square-sequin tape in lavender ($7.98) and 1 yard of 20 mm square sequin tape in red ($5.98), both at M&J Trimming, 1008 Sixth Ave., near 37th Street
-1 yard of 45 mm square-sequin iridescent tape, $7.95 at Mood Fabrics, 225 W. 37th St.
-Sequin appliqués ­(flowers, fruit or whatever catches your eye), $1.50 each at B&Q Trimmings, 102 W. 38th St.
-E6000 glue, $4.99 at Michaels.com
-Two sewing needles and white thread

Step 1: Cut about 20 inches of lavender tape. Thread two needles — thread should be doubled up and knotted securely at both ends. Handstitch two rows — one at the top, one at the bottom — and gently push the trim toward the knotted ends of the thread as you sew to create small gathers, or ruffles. When you’re pleased with the size of your ruffles, knot the two ends of the thread together to secure in back.

Step 2: Align and center the ruffle on the bag’s flap, and cut off any excess fabric. Apply glue to the back of the ruffle, then secure and hold in place until the glue dries; give it about five minutes.

Step 3: No Gucci-esque bag would be complete without the iconic red stripe. Measure and cut off one strip of the red sequin tape so it aligns with the ruffle on the flap, and glue; hold in place until glue dries.

Step 4: Repeat Step 1 to make the two ruffles that line the bottom of the bag’s flap. Add a heavy strip of glue to the ruffle, and attach it to the bag; hold in place until glue dries.

Step 5: Now comes the fun part: appliqués. Map out exactly where you’d like to apply them and add a generous dollop of glue to the back of each. Place accordingly, and hold until dry. Voilà! Your one-of-a-kind, faux-Gucci bag is ready — for about $120.

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