How to Make a Loop Purse

A length of ribbon will form the handle of the loop purse.

A loop purse is a type of accessory designed to hold small personal items, such as money, a cell phone and lipstick. A loop purse features a fabric, string or ribbon loop, so it can be conveniently worn around the wrist or shoulder. Store-bought loop purses can be costly, but you can create your own stylish loop purse for a fraction of the price. All the materials required to create a loop purse can be purchased from craft stores or online retailers.

Things You'll Need

• Ribbon
• Felt
• Scissors
• Tape measure
• Sewing pins
• Sewing machine
• Needle
• Thread
• Button

Instructions

1. Measure and cut a piece of felt that is 13 inches long and 6 inches wide.

2. Lie the felt vertically on your work desk, with the side that you want to be on the outside of the purse facing towards you. Fold the bottom edge up by 5 inches. Pin both the edges of the felt together with the sewing pins.

3. Insert the bottom left side of the felt into the sewing machine. Sew a single stitch along the edge of the purse, leaving a 1/2 inch seam. Remove the sewing pins as you go along. Repeat with the right side. Push the bottom of the felt upwards to turn the entire purse inside-out.

4. Fold the top flap down over the body of the purse. Make a small slit, large enough to fit your button through, by pinching a small fold in the felt flap and making a tiny cut. Make a small mark with the Sharpie through the hole onto the felt underneath. Unfold the top of the purse.

5. Cut a 10-inch piece of cotton thread. Insert the thread through the eye of the needle, and tie the bottom of the thread in a double knot. Insert the needle through the underside of the front of the purse, where you made the mark with the Sharpie in Step 4. Pull all of the cotton through and insert the button onto the thread. Sew around the felt and through the button several times until it is securely fastened to the purse. Tie the cotton in a double knot, and trim off any excess thread with the scissors.

6. Measure the circumference of your wrist. Cut a piece of ribbon that is double the circumference of your wrist. Fold the piece of ribbon in half. Open the purse and insert the ribbon into the top right side of the base of the purse. Hand-sew the ribbon into the felt with several small stitches. Tie the end of the thread in a double knot, and trim off any excess thread with the scissors.

Tips & Warnings

• Increase the length of the ribbon loop to create a shoulder purse.

• Felt does not fray so it does not require hemming.

• You can further customize your loop purse with beads, sequins, lace and applique.

• Use a colored cotton that matches the color of your purse and ribbon.

• Scissors and the sewing machine should only be used under the supervision of an adult.

References

• BHG: Easy to make Felt Purse
• Jane Easton; Crafts Expert; London: UK