Album Cover Purse Instructions

Turn an old record cover into a handy purse.

Craft a kitschy purse out of an old LP album cover. Head to a thrift store and sift through the used vinyl bin until you find an record cover that catches your eye and isn't too worn out or torn. You'll only need the cover, so what you do with the record is up to you. Look for a gatefold cover (the kind that opens up like a book) so that your purse will be more durable.

Things You'll Need

• LP album cover, 12 inch by 12 inch
• 3 Strips of canvas or other durable fabric, 13 inch by 6 inch
• Scissors
• Decoupage or laminate glue
• Sponge or paintbrush
• Sewing machine
• 4 grommets, 1/2 inch
• Grommet setting tool
• Hammer
• Cording
• Medium size awl
• Bookbinding thread
• Bookbinding needle

Instructions

1. Cut the album cover in half so you have the front of the cover separate from the back of the cover. Use the sponge or paintbrush to apply a layer of laminate or decoupage glue to the outside of each cover half. Let dry for a few hours or overnight.

2. Fold each strip of canvas in half lengthwise, with the correct side facing in. Sew along the long side of each strip and then turn it right side out. Sew the short side of one strip to the short side of another strip. Sew the other short side of one strip to the short side of the remaining strip, so that all three strips are joined together.

3. Position two grommets on the top side of the front record cover. Mark where the grommets are, then cut a small hole. Place the bottom half of the grommet under the hole and the top half of the grommet above. Place the grommet setting tool on the top grommet and hammer the grommet in place. Repeat with the other grommet. Position the other two grommets on the back cover so they line up with the grommets on the front of the record cover and hammer in place.

4. Poke holes along the sides and bottom of the front and back album cover using an awl. The holes should be about 1/2-inch apart and about 1/4-inch away from the edge.

5. Align one long side of the canvas strip with the side of the front album cover. The right side of the canvas and the cover should face out. Thread the needle and knot the other end of the thread. Stitch the canvas to the cover with a straight stitch, starting on the inside of the cover, pushing the needle through the holes in the album cover and into the canvas.

6. When you reach the end of the first side of the album cover, bend the canvas strip so that it forms an "L" shape and align the long edge with the bottom of the album cover. Stitch the canvas to the bottom of the cover using a straight stitch. When you reach the end of the bottom, fold the canvas strip again and align its edge with the other side of the cover. Repeat, sewing the back cover to the other side of the canvas strip.

7. Cut the cording into two 15-inch lengths for the handles. Knot one end of the cording and thread through a grommet on the front cover. Thread cording through the other grommet on the front cover to form a loop and then knot the end. Repeat with the second length of cording and the back cover.

References

• Web Goddess: Album Cover Tote
• Craft Bits: Revamped Retro LP Album Tote