Concealed Weapons Purse Tutorial
 

I was wondering if anyone could direct me on how to make a Concealed Weapons purse. I had ordered The Guardian pattern, but it was too many pieces and too confusing for me. I've checked youtube and can't seem to find anything. If anyone has made one and would like to share their knowledge, I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks.

Sarah

Looking at the pictures of concealed weapons purses, I'd say you might be better off buying one. I decided to make a copy of a Vera Bradley purse and realized it's worth paying Vera Bradley prices. It's difficult and the fabric costs also. Plus your time is valuable.

There's a lady on Etsy that has turning any purse pattern into a concealed weapon purse. I'd check this out. It looks like you can apply this tutorial to any purse. Good luck! http://www.etsy.com/listing/96298698...ial?ref=market

This is a bag that I designed and jokingly referred to as a concealed carry bag. The pocket on the front goes all the way across and can be accessed from either side. I use it for my keys.

What a lovely purse Patty.

You did a very nice job on it.

I used to have one it was apurse that had 2 fronts and 2 backs with a about a 1 inch strip sewn in between it either has a zipper or velcro all across the the added strip you store your weapon in a holster that velcross to one of the backs on the inside I hope this makes sence to you

Sarah, did you try searching the old posts here? I know that was discussed at some length and as I recall several patterns or links were shared. Good luck and if you find a good one please share it with me!
Ellen

Try this http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-101437-1.htm

Sarah,
I found a pattern for a quilted concealed weapons purse at this site: http://patternpile.com/sewing-patter...ndbag-pattern/. Don't know if this is what you are looking for but hope this helps.

Well, Kat of StudioKat Designs, who designed the Guardian purse pattern, has pictures of some of the steps in the making of the purse. I just finished sewing her Baggalista purse, and I found the extra pictures of the steps very helpful. Here is the page on which you can find photos of steps in the sewing of the Guardian purse. http://www.studiokatdesigns.com/products/guardian If you have questions, go directly to the source. Kat is very quick to respond to emails, and she will answer any question you have. It might be helpful to have your own photos to send to her so that she can identify the problem. She spends many hours in designing her purses. So, don't give up on the Guardian, don't try to find other patterns. Work with what you have. These StudioKat purses are wonderfully designed, and Kat is wonderful in helping you along the way.
Carolyn

When I have something thats looks to complicated I have found if I take 1 step and focus on that. The whole thing looks to much, but 1 step I can handle. Dont look at the whole picture. I am sure if you try it , you can handle it.

Go to her web site and she has tutorials for each step of the pattern. I have the pattern but have not tackled the pattern yet. Soon though. Will let you know if I manage to finish it. LOL!!!!

Very cute bag and really lovely fabric.

That is real cute. Hope you find a pattern from this thread.

Studio Cats Design has a pattern for one. She is on facebook and I think you can google her website or if you have facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/Studi...s/125300959908 will get you there. She has a beautiful selection of purses, kits, patterns, etc.

Sharon

Thanks for the link. I will check it out.

Thanks, I'll check it out.

Great Sharon, thanks a lot.

Thanks Patty. Cute purse.

Thank's Sassy. I'll have to try that.

I have not, but I will. Thanks Ellen.

I use a crossbody conceal carry purse. I do have a shoulder harness, but have never used it. Tallchick it right, it takes tons of practice to draw from a purse, and even then you may not be quick enough. I would carry around my waist if I could, but since having three babies so fast, I don't have a waist anymore!

I would not try making a concealed carry purse. Some handguns can be rather heavy to carry in a purse, putting a lot of stress on seams and stitches. (Ask me how I know.) The best store bought purses actually have a heavy gauge wire running through the crossbody strap, for weight distribution. If I am wearing my purse for a few hours straight, I start getting a sore back and neck.

Thanks for the replies.

I looked at that pattern, and you'd be dead by the time you got that gun out. Plus, as others have said, carrying a gun, even a small, lightweight gun can get heavy. (I quit carrying because my shoulder doctor told me to lighten my purse if I didn't want a shoulder replacement.)

There are other options than that. Consider a fanny pack that is made for this specific purpose. Another option would be to set up a system to shoot without taking the gun out. (You have to carry a revolver for it to work well, as the slide on a semi-automatic can get tangled in the purse and you can only get off one shot.)

Well, that's the only two I can think of at this time. I suggest you think about the scenarios when you might need to use a gun. My understanding is that one of the things that happens to older women is getting knocked down and your purse stolen. They usually come up behind you. A woman was killed a couple of years ago at a home depot, locally, when she wouldn't let go of her purse and somehow the truck the robbers were in ran over her. As older women, we are more vulnerable to that kind of attack than one when you have time to get out a weapon. My elderly neighbor just quit carrying a purse where she was vulnerable (like the grocery store).

That's just my thoughts on the matter. (During 10 years of carrying, I never had an occasion to pull the gun. The only time I feel vulnerable is when walking in a dark parking garage.)

bkay

NZ quilter, I also dont have a waist due to a deep love for food! I can carry on the waist, however. There are many YouTube sites that show how women of all sizes carry. I have a belly band holster that can hold my phone, id cards, as well as my semi-auto. Even with no waist I can use a soft holster, & less often with my kydex holster. A women's purse is a target for thieves, & you dont want a criminal getting a gun at your expense!

I have been on the hunt for a pattern for a conceal carry bag and have even searched on here. I did come across studiokatdesigns.com (I can't copy and paste on my tablet) and can envision how to convert many of their patterns to conceal carry. I really like their festival pocket belt for a carry bag. I have looked into many options for carry, and carrying in a bag is best for me right now. I don't wear the right clothing to carry in a waist belt or shoulder harness, and don't want extra layers due to menopause and hot flashes. Great thread on here, and those that carry have their own reasons as to why, and I will never disrespect the opinion of those who choose not to.

Well said NZ. But as to DIY carry bags, I thought of making one because some of the commercial bags are quite exspensive. Finally found mine on Amazon at a reasonable price comparable to the cost of fabrics needed for DIY.

I learned in a CC class that firearms should Not be carried in a handbag. It should always be properly holstered on the body.

Sandygirl, was that due to the possibility of getting your purse stolen, or from the thoughts that you may have trouble pulling the firearm, or the possibility of an accidental discharge if the firearm is not properly holstered?

the one is a preference issue, but the others could be possible design issues. I've been considering designing one for myself, and want to be aware of any issues that others may be having.

Yes! Your time would be better spent finding a holster that works for your body type.