Things You'll Need:
- Sweater
- Scissors
- Half circle purse handles found at the craft store
- Yarn that is a contrasting color to the fabric
- Embellishments
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Step 1
Choose a wool sweater from which to make your purse. For best results, use a wool sweater. Avoid using a synthetic sweater, as the fabric is difficult to work with.
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Step 2
Wash your sweater in hot water, then dry several times in a dryer. The sweater will shrink and the weaving will tighten. This process is called felting. This will give you a sturdy fabric from which to make the purse.
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Step 3
Cut the top portion from the sweater. (Use the illustration as a pictorial guide.) From under the armpit you will cut upwards and diagonally on each side, then across the top.
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Step 4
Turn the sweater inside out and sew the bottom of the sweater closed. Turn the sweater right side out and sew across the top of the previous stitch. Turn the sweater inside out and sew right above the last stitch line again. This will reinforce the bottom of your purse. Turn your purse right side out and you will see that you have a very strong seam.
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Step 5
Fold over and pin down the top edges of the sweater bag ½ inch and do a blanket stitch around the top with your yarn.
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Step 6
Attach the top of the sweaters to the handles by folding the top of the sweater over the flat part of the handles. Make two or three lines of stitches to make sure your purse is secure.
