How to Sew a Change Purse

A change purse is one of the easiest projects you can create on a sewing machine. It's a great first project and one you can even do with a kids. It takes just an hour or so and can even be done with some scrap fabric.

Things You'll Need

• Sewing machine with zipper foot
• Thread
• Pins
• Two pieces of fabric (6 inches wide and 4 inches tall)
• 6-inch zipper
• Seam ripper

Instructions

1. Pin together the pieces of fabric on one side, and sew them together, leaving a 1/2-inch seam allowance.

2. Pin the zipper teeth side down onto the center of the seam allowance. Make sure that the teeth fall right on the seam before you pin.

3. Put on the zipper foot, and sew your zipper on, backstitching at both ends.

4. Seam-rip the center seam to expose the zipper's teeth. Open the zipper, and leave it open.

5. Pin the other three sides of your fabric together, and sew around the edge, leaving a 1/2-inch seam allowance. Pivot at each corner as you go.

6. Trim your corners close to the corner seam, but not through it. Trim the rest of your seam allowance to about 1/4 inch.

7. Flip your bag right side out, and fill it with change.

Tips & Warnings

• This basic bag pattern can be adapted to be bigger or smaller. Simply adjust the size of your materials. If you adjust the size, try to find a zipper about the same size as your materials. It can also be made bigger and into a pencil or makeup case.