How to Sew a Grommet Drawstring Purse
A drawstring purse is a delightful little rectangle of fabric with three closed sides and a drawstring ribbon to hold it together. Elegant drawstring purses are useful for formal affairs where a larger bag would be impractical, while purses made from less luxurious material and a little larger, are good for a casual visit to the mall. Making a drawstring purse is easy, and can be sewn in a very short amount of time. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Fabric for the purse and lining - Approx 1/4 yard for each
- Matching thread and needle or sewing machine
- Scissors
- Ribbon or cord - 1 yard
- Package of metal grommets
- Hammer
- Hard surface that will not scratch or dent easily
- Embellishments such as fringe
Instructions
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Plan the project by deciding on the size of the bag and its purpose. If a wallet is part of the contents of a purse, the purse must be large enough and strong enough to hold it. An evening bag might be smaller and made of more delicate fabric because it is intended to contain only a mirror and lipstick. Choose fabric appropriate for the purpose of the bag.
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Cut two identical rectangles from the fabric. Each should be 5 inches wide by 9 inches long. If a lining is desired, cut two rectangles from the lining material exactly the same size. If a larger bag is desired, add two or three inches to the length and width.
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3
Place the two pieces of the bag fabric right sides together and sew the 2 sides and the bottom together with a generous 5/8 inch seam allowance. A fringe or bead trim at the bottom or sides may be added before stitching. Pin it between the two fabric layers so that when the bag is reversed, it will be on the outside.
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While the bag is wrong side out, turn the top down 3 inches. Finish the cut edge of the top with a zigzag stitch or overcast. Press and stitch the hem in place. Turn the bag right side out
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If the bag is to be lined, repeat the steps and construct the lining the same way. With the lining wrong side out, push it into the bag. The two wrong sides will be facing each other and all the seams will be hidden. Secure the lining around the top edge of the bag with hand or machine stitching.
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Stitch again about 1 and 1/2 inches below the top edge of the bag and stitch a second parallel row about 1 and 1/2 inches below the first.
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Measure and mark the top of the bag for placement of the grommets between the two rows of stitching. For a delicate evening bag, they might be only 1 inch apart. For other fabrics and uses, the grommets may be further apart. There must be an even number of openings between the two rows of parallel stitching
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Install the grommets according to the manufacturer's directions, taking care to avoid damaging furniture surfaces with hammering. If necessary, place a folded towel under the grommet before hammering in place securely. Cut the openings with scissors after installing the grommets.
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Thread the cord or ribbon through the holes and draw it up to secure the bag. Before trimming the cord, be sure it is long enough to tie securely. It is a good idea to secure the cord or ribbon inside the casing at the other side of the bag with a few stitches.
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Tips & Warnings
Remnant pieces of fabric can also be used to make a drawstring bag. For an evening bag 5 inches long and 4 inches wide, a piece of fabric only 9 inches long would be more than adequate.
