Purse Frame Tutorial

Purse frames can be as small as change purses and as large as totes.

Framed purses are as varied as simple sacks with clasp closures to tiny, stream-lined clutches. Purse designers get hundreds, or even thousands of dollars for their original creations. But you can make your own original creations for a fraction of that cost. Purse frames can be found on line or in craft stores. Some purse frames attach to the fabric or leather body with metal rods that are inserted through a shirred tunnel. Other frames are sewn or glued into the top of the purse.

Things You'll Need

• Purse frame
• Paper
• Pencil
• Tape measure
• Exterior fabric
• Lining fabric
• Scissors
• Sewing machine
• Iron
• Needle
• Thread
• Fabric glue
• Clips

Instructions

1. Lay the purse frame on a piece of paper. Trace the bottom edge on the paper. This is the edge that will attach to the fabric. Measure the distance from the top of the frame to the hinge and double the measurement. This is the maximum width of the purse.

2. Design the exterior of the purse. The purse can be as deep as you wish. The top can be flat or shirred depending on the look you desire. The top of the fabric must fit the bottom edge of the purse frame.

3. Cut the lining of the purse. The lining must be as wide as the bottom of the frame and as deep as the outside. The lining will lie flat inside the purse. Cut a pocket that is half the width of the purse. Fold the edges over and stitch the pocket to the center of one side of the lining. Stitch the sides of the lining with right sides together.

4. Fold the top edges of both the exterior and the lining toward the wrong side and press. Tuck the lining inside the exterior and stitch in place by hand. If the frame has a rod attachment, stitch a half inch below the seam between the exterior and lining, creating a tunnel. Unscrew the end of the rod and insert the rod into the tunnel. Replace the end of the rod.

5. Hand stitch the exterior to the frame in pierced frames. These frames have holes along the edge for stitching. Consider using a contrasting thread to hand-stitch the purse to this type of frame.

6. Place a bead of glue in the ditch of a solid frame. Gently press the top, finished edge into the ditch. Wipe away any glue that has spread to the purse fabric. Hold the purse and the frame together with the clips until the glue dries.

Tips & Warnings

• Old or worn out clothes can make beautiful purses. Worn denim makes a strong, fashionable bag.

References

• Craft Passion: Monkey Frame Purse Tutorial
• Serious Craft: Rectangular Purse Frame Tutorial