Meet Julia Cunningham | Handmade Scottish Bags & Accessories Since 2006
Welcome to my wee corner of the Scottish Borders. I'm Julia Cunningham — a handbag designer and maker based in the village of St Boswells, where I design and handcraft bags, scarves, purses and accessories from my garden studio. Everything you'll find here has been made by me, by hand, with fabrics I love and customers I care about.
From St Boswells to Japan | A Scottish Maker with a Global Following
Over the years my bags have found their way to some rather wonderful places — homes in France, Sweden, America and Japan among them. But the highlight of my making life so far has to be being invited to Japan to showcase my work at the prestigious British Fairs hosted by the Hankyu Department Stores in Hakata and Osaka.
It was an extraordinary experience. I filmed a TV commercial in my studio and village, demonstrated my sewing skills to Japanese audiences, and spent ten unforgettable days in Japan. It's a trip I'll never forget and one that changed my business in the most wonderful way.
Since then I've welcomed Japanese customers to my studio when they visit Scotland — a connection I treasure and one that speaks to the universal appeal of beautifully made things.
Handmade in the Scottish Borders | Bags, Scarves & Accessories with a Story
My studio sits in the heart of the Scottish Borders — a part of Scotland with a long and proud tradition of producing some of the finest textiles in the world. It's the perfect place to make things that matter. I work with traditional fine Scottish tartans and tweeds alongside beautiful printed linens and contemporary weaves, all locally sourced and chosen because I genuinely love them.
"I am inspired by the amazing fabrics that are produced locally here in the Scottish Borders. The textures, colour and quality are outstanding and a delight to work with."
Whether you're looking for something for yourself or searching for a truly special gift, you'll find pieces here that are practical, beautiful and a little bit fun — designs that reflect your personality and tell a story every time you carry them.
Extra Large shoulder bag i purple and yellow tweeds with an oversized Orange button (fabrics were all chosen by my customer during a studio visit
Scottish Tweeds, Tartans & Textiles | Fabrics with Heritage
I work primarily with fabrics sourced from textile mills in and around the Scottish and English Borderlands — and over the years I've built a beautiful collection of cloths that I'm genuinely proud of. My tweeds come from some of the most respected names in British textile making:
Anthony Haines · Hinnigan · Lochcarron · Elliot · Linton Tweed · Harris Tweed · Bute Fabrics · Marton Mills · Porter and Harding
Each of these mills has its own story, its own character and its own place in the history of British textiles. When you carry one of my bags, you're carrying a piece of that heritage with you.
Scotland and England share a rich tradition of producing high quality woven and printed textiles, sought after by designers worldwide. Although fewer mills remain today, the fabrics they create are all the more special for it — a reflection of a long and storied history in textile craftsmanship that I'm privileged to be part of.
You're also very welcome to visit my studio in St Boswells to choose a fabric yourself, and I'll create a bespoke bag tailored to your preferences. You can commission a bag in a tartan of your choice, or bring your own fabric to create something truly unique.
The Julia Cunningham Collection | Handbags, Scarves, Purses & Scottish Gifts
My range of handcrafted accessories includes handbags, scarves, purses, corsages and brooches, alongside my whimsical gift collection featuring Frumpy Fairies, Cannie Men and keyrings — all designed to complement each other and bring a little joy into everyday life.
Each handbag design is inspired by traditional Scottish words, giving every piece a unique, playful and descriptive character. Here are a few favourites:
Muckle Fantoosh — my signature bag. Muckle means large, Fantoosh means fancy. Large and fancy — exactly what it is.
Peerie Poak — Peerie means small, Poak means bag or pocket. Small but perfectly formed.
Many designs are available in two sizes — Wee or Muckle — so there's something for everyone whatever you like to carry.
Ju-C Rucksack
"Thought this rucksack deserved some travelling and the colours suited being in France" Nicola
About Julia Cunningham | Scottish Handbag Designer & Maker
Julia
I'm based in the village of St Boswells in the heart of the Scottish Borders — a place with a charming village green, a cricket club, an award winning bookshop and wonderful local shops and restaurants. It's where I live with my family and two cats, and it's where everything I make begins.
From a Tiny Room to a Garden Studio
Creativity has been part of my life from an early age. I grew up watching my mum sew my clothes by hand and my granny knitting intricate dresses for my dolls. When I received a sewing machine as a teenager it felt like the most natural thing in the world to carry on their legacy.
After school I trained as a Home Economist and spent many years working with adults with learning difficulties — work I'm proud of and that taught me a great deal. In 2006 I decided to follow my passion for textiles and launched my own business from a tiny room in my home. By 2015, with my husband's help, I moved into a custom built garden studio — a proper space where my creativity could really flourish.
Inspired by Scottish Borders Landscapes & Textiles
The Scottish Borders is a deeply inspiring place to live and work. Rolling hills, historic landmarks, world class textiles and a real sense of community — it feeds into everything I make. The colours, textures and rhythms of this landscape find their way into my designs whether I intend them to or not.
Life Beyond the Studio
When I'm not making, you'll often find me out on my bike exploring the stunning landscapes of the Scottish Borders — camera in hand, capturing the beauty of the area. Those walks inspire my designs more than I sometimes realise.
Every bag, scarf and accessory here has been lovingly designed and made by me in my garden studio in St Boswells. If you have any questions, would like to visit the studio, or want to discuss a commission — please get in touch. I'd love to hear from you.
