How to Make a Hobo Purse

A hobo purse has been a popular purse for years and for good reason. It is a casual purse that comfortably holds your essentials and a lot more. You can find them in high end designer boutiques, crafted from the finest leathers or at your local discount stores at very affordable prices. The construction of this purse is not very complicated. This hobo purse pattern makes it easy enough for a novice to make because it uses a pair of jeans.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 1 pair of ladies blue jeans Matching thread Scissors Ruler Sewing machine Pins 1 bandana Black Velcro Iron Household cement

1. Turn the jeans inside out and lay them flat on a table.

2. Cut across the blue jeans, removing the legs right above the crotch.

3. Trim the cut edge of the jeans in a curve to resemble a broad smile. Pin the cut edge together.

4. Sew a 1/2 inch seam allowance, along the bottom of the jeans, using thread to match the jeans.

5. Match the side seam with the bottom seam on each side of the hobo purse and pin.

6. Sew across the points 2 inches from the corners, creating a triangle, on each side of the purse. Cut the triangles off a 1/4 inch from the stitched seam. Turn the hobo purse right side out.

7. Cut a piece of the jean leg 5 inches wide by 32 inches long. If the legs are not that long, sew two pieces together to achieve the length.

8. Fold the strip in half lengthwise, with the right sides together, matching the long edges.

9. Sew a 1/4-inch seam allowance along the raw edges. Turn the tube right side out. Press the strip with the seam centered on one side.

10. Pin 1 inch of one end of the strip to the inside side seam of the hobo purse. Sew the strip to the purse for the handle.

11. Repeat Step 10 on the other side of the hobo purse.

12. Fold the bandana diagonally. Fold the diagonal in 2-inch folds to form a belt. Thread the bandana belt through the belt loops of the hobo purse and tie.

13. Cut 1-inch long piece of black Velcro. Apply the household cement to one back side of the Velcro and press it on the inside top of the button fly snap. Place the other Velcro piece on top of its mate and apply household cement to the back. Press the opposite side of the hobo purse into the glue. Pin the purse together until the glue dries, then remove the pins.

Tips & Warnings

• For more personality, use fabric or a fun belt instead of the bandana. Decorate your hobo purse any way you choose. Try painting, adding rhinestones, sewing on buttons or attaching a flashy vintage brooch.