How to Sew a Purse Frame

Sewing on an old-fashioned purse frame can be tricky.

Making your own clutch purse or wallet can be a fun project. However, the part that often gives crafters the most trouble is attaching the purse frame to the bag. Though this step can be completed with glue, sewing the purse frame onto the bag ensures that the material won't be damaged and that the frame won't tear away from the cloth as easily. This method requires some basic hand-sewing skills.

Things You'll Need

• Metal purse frame Cloth body of purse Scissors Thread Needle

Instructions

1. Take a good look at the metal purse frame. There should either be small holes or small metal loops on the edge of the frame that faces outward. These are the areas where the thread will attach the purse body to the purse frame.

2. Smooth the purse body and make sure it's turned right-side-out. Fit the top edges of the cloth body into the slit of the purse frame, between the two metal strips. Try to make sure that all visible stitches are concealed beneath the metal.

3. Thread the needle. Starting on the inside of the purse, pass the needle through the material of the body and then through the hole or loop that lines up with that spot on the cloth. Pull tight, then pass the needle through the next hole or loop in the frame. Push it through the material and pull it tight. Repeat this all the way around the purse and tie it off on the inside.

4. Locate the small grommet at the hinge on each side of the purse frame. Starting on the inside of the purse, loop the thread through the grommet several times. Pull the stitches tight and tie off on the inside. Repeat on the other side of the purse.

Tips & Warnings

• If keeping the stitches from showing is too difficult, try adding some trim below the edge of the purse frame after the body of the purse is attached.