How to Make an Upholstery Purse

Upholstery fabric can be turned into a purse with a difference.

An upholstery purse looks far different from the usual designer purses in stores. It lets you express yourself. It also lets you use those pieces of upholstery fabric that you have sitting around and which are too small for other uses. An upholstery purse works best with a strap, rather than as a clutch, as that allows you to show off the design of the fabric when it’s hanging from your shoulder, not covered by your hand.

Things You'll Need

• Upholstery fabric
• Tape measure
• Scissors
• Pins
• Sewing machine
• Lightweight lining fabric

Instructions

Making the Shell

1. Measure and cut a piece of upholstery fabric so it’s 24-by-11 inches.

2. Fold in half with the pattern on the inside.

3. Pin a line about one-half inch in from the edge along two opposite sides of the fabric and sew a seam on both these sides; this will leave you with a bag that has one open end at the top and the fold in the material at the bottom of the purse.

Making the Lining

1. Measure and cut a piece of lining fabric 23 1/2 inches long by 10 1/2 inches wide and fold in half.

2. Pin a line one-half inch in from each of the opposite sides and sew along the lines so you’ve created another bag.

3. Fit the lining bag over the other bag, keeping the pattern side of the upholstery fabric on the inside. Work the lining over the other bag and be careful to align the seams on either side.

The Strap

1. Cut a piece of the upholstery fabric that’s 24 inches long and 4 1/2 inches wide to make the purse strap.

2. Fold in half lengthwise, then fold over each of the long edges one-quarter inch and pin together. Sew along this line to make a seam.

3. Tuck 1 inch of each end of the strap between the lining and the upholstery fabric in the purse and pin in place.

4. Fold the top half inch of the purse and the lining over to the inside, and pin in place. Sew all around to give a clean look to the top of the purse, making a double seam where the strap meets the purse.

5. Double stitch the ends of the strap through the lining and upholstery fabric. Pull lightly on each end of the strap after completion to test the tightness of the stitches. Turn the purse right-side out and push down the lining into the corners so your purse is now ready to fill and use.

Resources

• Better Homes And Gardens: 10 Simple-To-Sew Totes, Purses, and Bags
• Martha Stewart: Sewing Projects; Tote Bags And Purses -- Patterned Circle Tote