How to Make Cute Purses for Cheap Prices

Designer handbags and purses are generally expensive, often times not fitting into the monthly household budget. Creating a simplified version of these chic bags can cut down on cost significantly and give the new designer or crafter the opportunity to express her artistic flair and style. Designing and constructing cute purses, such as the clutch, can be affordable and enjoyable.

Things You'll Need

• Sketch pad
• Colored pencils or markers
• Premade decorative purse handles (optional)
• Pattern paper
• Premade purse pattern (optional)
• Ruler
• 1 yard lining
• Scissors
• 1 yard fabric
• Trim (optional)
• Straight pins
• Fabric scissors
• Sewing machine
• Iron
• Heavy-weight fusible interfacing
• Zipper
• Zipper foot sewing machine attachment
• Decorative zipper pull (optional)

Instructions

1. Design and draft your purse shape in your sketch pad. Use colored pencils or markers to depict items such as handles, appliqués, embroidery or contrast fabric inserts. You can also add a fringe border finish or braiding. Purchase decorative purse handles or make your own fabric strap handle. Avoid inserting expensive purse frames, purse feet or clasps. You can use a drawstring, button or Velcro as your purse’s closure.

2. Draft your purse on your pattern paper. You can purchase a premade purse pattern that resembles your design. Trace a duplicate of the premade pattern and keep the original for future use and reference. You can also make your own pattern. For a mini zippered fabric clutch purse, measure 5 inches in width by 9 inches in length with your ruler to make a rectangle shape. This includes your seam allowance. Most purses include a lining. Use the same pattern for your lining. Cut out your pattern with your scissors.

3. Draft your purse handle’s pattern. If you are adding premade purse handles, measure the width of the attachment bar located at the ends of the handle. You will have to make a fabric loop pattern in the bar’s width to insert into the bar and stitch the loop to your purse. If you are making fabric straps, measure your clutch strap’s length and width. For example, you can make a 1-by-12-inch strap for a mini clutch style. Cut out your pattern.

4. Choose your purse’s fabric and trim. You can select a decorative pattern, such as printed canvas or brocade. You can also select a textured fabric, such as a heavy faille and add a geometric- or abstract- printed lining.

5. Pin your pattern and cut out your fabric parts with your fabric scissors. You will need to cut two pieces for your clutch’s outer shell and two pieces for your lining .

6. Add your trims. If you are adding an appliqué or embroidery to your clutch’s shell, it is best to add these trims on the individual fabric part prior to construction. For example, if you are adding a fringe insert, pin it in between your purse layers.

7. Stitch your purse handle’s fabric loops. It is best to stitch slowly. These pieces are small and often measure 3/8 inch wide. It can easily jam into your sewing machine. If you are working with fabric handles, iron on a piece of heavy-weight fusible interfacing to the strap’s wrong side. You will need to remove the protective backing. Read your fusible’s instructions for application. Most fusibles require a high cotton iron setting. Keep pressing until it has adhered. Stitch the two fabric straps together, wrong sides facing out. Turn it inside out to hide the raw-edge seams and interfacing.

8. Stitch your clutch’s outer shell and lining separately with your sewing machine. Turn the outer shell inside out. The right side of the fabric will be facing out. Insert your lining. Do not stitch the top closed. You will be inserting the zipper in a later step.

9. Position your handles. If you are adding purse handle loops or straps, it is best to pin them in place and remove the pins while stitching to avoid shifting during construction. Insert your straps and machine stitch. You can add a reverse bar-tack stitch to secure the handles in place at each end.

10. Insert the zipper taping in between the shell and lining. Pin it in place. You can turn in the shell and lining’s raw edge and press it for a clean hem border along the zipper taping. Make sure the zipper teeth are aligned properly.

11. Place your zipper foot attachment onto your sewing machine. Stitch slowly along the zipper taping on both sides. You can add a decorative zipper pull to your completed fabric clutch purse.

References

• "Chic Bags: 22 Handbags, Purses, Totes, and Accessories to Make"; Marie Enderlen-Debuisson and Caroline Laisne; 2007
• "The Sewing Book"; Alison Smith; 2009
• "Designer Style Handbags: Techniques and Projects for Unique, Fun and Elegant Designs From Classic to Retro"; Sherri Haab; 2005