How to Choose a Handmade Bag or Clutch
A handmade bag is one of the most noticeable accessories you can carry — a crochet tote that turns heads at college, a beaded clutch that finishes a wedding outfit, or an embroidered potli passed around at a mehndi. Buying one online, though, means judging size, strength and quality from photos. A bag that looks perfect can turn out too small for your phone, or have a strap that sits in the wrong place. This guide explains the main types of handmade bags, the details to check before buying, which bags suit which occasions, and how to care for them.
1. Types of handmade bags
Start with where you will use the bag most — that decides the size, strength and style you need.
| Type | Look and feel | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Crochet bags and totes | Textured, casual, colourful | College, shopping, everyday |
| Beaded clutches | Sparkly and detailed | Weddings and formal events |
| Potli bags | Drawstring pouches, often embroidered | Mehndi, weddings, festive outfits |
| Embroidered fabric bags | Traditional craft details | Everyday and festive wear |
| Fabric totes | Simple, practical, roomy | Daily use and shopping |
💡 Worth knowing
Browse Bags & Purses on dapxop.
2. Check the size against what you carry
Photos make bags look bigger or smaller than they are. Always check the measurements in the listing, and think about what you actually carry.
- Height, width and depth in inches or centimetres.
- Will your phone fit? Compare its length with the bag's inside width.
- Keys, wallet, makeup, a bottle — does a daily bag hold them all?
- For clutches, usually phone, cards, keys and a lipstick.
🔑 The key point
Hold a ruler up to your phone. If the listing's inside measurement is smaller, the bag will not work for you.
3. Strap drop and handles
Strap drop is the distance from the top of the strap to the top of the bag. It decides where the bag sits on your body.
- Ask whether the strap is adjustable or removable.
- For clutches, check if a chain strap is included.
- For heavier bags, check that handles are reinforced.
| Strap drop | Where it sits |
|---|---|
| Short | Carried by hand or on the wrist |
| Medium | Over the shoulder, under the arm |
| Long | Crossbody or lower on the hip |
4. Closures
Choose a closure that matches how and where you use the bag.
- Zip — the most secure for daily use and travel.
- Magnetic snap — quick and neat, less secure in crowds.
- Drawstring — traditional for potlis; easy but open at the top.
- Clasp or kiss lock — elegant for clutches.
- Open top — convenient for totes, but not for valuables.
5. Strength, lining and structure
Handmade bags vary a lot in how they are finished. These details decide how long a bag lasts.
- Lining — a fabric lining stops small items slipping through crochet stitches and keeps the shape.
- Stretch — crochet bags can stretch under heavy loads; a lining or firm cotton yarn helps.
- Seams and joins — neat, secure seams where handles attach.
- Base — a firm base keeps totes upright.
- Bead security — beads on clutches should be firmly stitched, not loosely glued.
💡 Worth knowing
Ask the seller for a close-up photo of the inside and the handle joins before buying a bag for daily use.
6. Match the bag to the occasion
For weddings, match the bag to one colour in your outfit rather than trying to match everything.
| Occasion | Good choices |
|---|---|
| College and work | Lined crochet or fabric totes with a zip |
| Everyday errands | Medium crossbody bags |
| Mehndi | Colourful embroidered potlis |
| Weddings and formal events | Beaded or embellished clutches |
| Gifts | Potlis, small clutches or pouches in neutral colours |
7. Questions to ask the seller
A quick message before buying avoids disappointment.
- What are the inside measurements?
- Is it lined, and what with?
- Is the strap adjustable or removable?
- What closure does it have?
- Can it be made in another colour?
8. Delivery and returns
Check the listing's return policy before ordering, especially for custom colours, which are often non-returnable for a change of mind. Open your parcel as soon as it arrives and check the bag, strap and closure.
If the bag arrives damaged, wrong or not as described, take photos straight away — on dapxop you can open a dispute within 48 hours of delivery.
9. Caring for handmade bags
With a little care, a good handmade bag lasts for years.
- Do not overload crochet bags — heavy weight stretches stitches.
- Store bags stuffed with tissue paper to keep their shape.
- Spot clean fabric and crochet bags gently; avoid soaking beaded pieces.
- Keep beaded clutches in a dust bag so beads do not catch.
- Keep bags away from damp and long direct sunlight.
10. Your bag buying checklist
Check these before you order.
- Choose the type by where you will use it.
- Check measurements against your phone and essentials.
- Check strap drop and whether it adjusts.
- Choose the right closure.
- Ask about lining and strength.
- Read the return policy.
The best bag is the one that fits your life, not just your outfit.
More buying guides
This guide is part of Handmade Buying Guides by Category, which covers how to choose products in every category.
Find handmade bags and clutches from small makers.
Browse bags →Explore on dapxop
Frequently asked
How do I know if a bag is big enough online?
Check the listing's inside measurements and compare them with your phone and the items you carry, rather than judging from photos.
What is strap drop?
The distance from the top of the strap to the top of the bag. It decides whether a bag is carried by hand, over the shoulder or crossbody.
Do crochet bags stretch?
They can stretch under heavy loads. A fabric lining, firm cotton yarn and not overloading the bag help it keep its shape.
What bag should I carry to a mehndi or wedding?
Embroidered potlis suit mehndis, while beaded or embellished clutches suit weddings and formal events.
What is a potli bag?
A drawstring pouch bag, often embroidered or embellished, popular with festive and wedding outfits.
How do I clean a handmade bag?
Spot clean gently, avoid soaking beaded bags, store bags stuffed with tissue to keep their shape and keep them away from damp.