How to Make Ragged Patchwork Purses

Making purses is not just for the big name designers. Many people want purses created by artisans or quilters. Fabric manufacturers have even taken notice and expanded fabric lines for sewing or quilting trendy fabric purses, totes and handbags. One such style is the rag patchwork purse, made from quilted squares, which can be designed in many sizes and can either use particular printed fabrics or use up that scrap fabric stash into a one-of-a-kind purse.

Things You'll Need

• 1/2 yard fabric (outer layer)
• 1/2 yard fabric (inner layer)
• 2/3 yard 36-inch wide quilt batting
• Scissors
• Ruler or yard stick
• Sewing machine
• Thread
• Pins

Instructions

Preparing the Fabric

1. Cut 18 5-inch squares out of the fabric for the outer layer and 18 5-inch squares from the fabric for the inner layer. Cut 18 4-inch squares from the quilt batting.

2. With the inner layer fabric squares lying right side down, center a batting square on each. Lay an outer layer fabric on top with the right side up. Pin "sandwiches" together to prevent shifting.

3. Sew the three layers together by stitching an “x” across the square from corner edge to corner edge. This keeps the layers and batting in place. Remove all the pins.

4. Cut two 2 ½- by 26-inch strips of fabric from the outer layer fabric and one 1-inch by 26-inch piece of batting for a strap.

Assembling the Purse

1. Use a ½-inch seam allowance to sew two quilted squares with the inner layers facing each other. Add another square in the same manner creating a strip of three quilted squares. Make a total of six strips.

2. Sew two strips together, keeping the inner layers together so the seams will keep facing outward.

3. Add a third strip to the piece of quilted squares, creating one side of the purse. Repeat with the remaining strips to make the second side of the purse.

4. Line up the two side panels together with inner layers facing one another and pin together. Sew down one side, across the bottom, and up the other side with a ½-inch seam allowance. Remove the pins.

5. Layer the strap fabric, right side facing out, with the batting centered. Sew a ½ inch seam around the fabric edge, then an “x” across the center from seam corner to seam corner.

Finishing the Purse

1. Clip all the seams around the squares, purse sides, and strap every ¼ inch or so. Don’t clip into the seam stitches, or the purse will come apart.

2. Pin the strap in place on the purse's inner sides, centered across the seam and about 1 to 1 ½ inches from the top. Sew in place by stitching lines up each side of the strap. Sew these lines twice to give the strap more strength.

3. Wash purse in a gentle cycle and dry in low heat. Shake the purse outside to remove all the loose fibers and give the seams a ragged look.

Tips & Warnings

• Change the size by adding or decreasing the number of squares on the sides.

• Change the shape by including a strip of squares that goes down the side and across the bottom to make a wider purse.

• Use a piece of plastic canvas covered with batting and fabric to make the bottom sturdier.

• Create two straps for bigger bags and attach them to the front and back if desired.

References

• Henrietta’s Handbags & Purse Patterns: “Reversible Rag Bag Tote Pattern”