purse for little girls

As spring is here to stay,

it is time to wear new clothes

and with new clothes,

there are needs for new accessories,

I mean Purses!

Even little girls love purses!

So here is a tutorial for our favorite purse!

It is adapted from a "Creative needle" magazine
(August 2008)

you need 3 different fabrics (left over) and some batting.

I chose some faric left over from the daisy quilt.

The front lining is a little longer than the front.
Both back are the same.
If you are using a directional fabric,
make sure to cut the back upside down!

First make a sandwitch with the lining, the batting (cut to the front size)

and the front, aligning with the bottom. 

Fold the lining excess first to the edge of top fabric,

then again on the top of the fabric,

basically binding the top fabric.

Stitch the pseudo binding and all around the 3 layers.

Trim the excess fabric on the sides.

Using the top fabric back,

find the middle and sew an elastic to the top,

it will be used to close the purse.

I like to use hair elastic (like these ouchless)

they come in many pretty colors

and they make the purse easy to open for little fingers.

Make another sandwitch with the batting, the top fabric and

the lining fabric, both fabric right side together.

Stitch the top portion only

(where you can see my pins)

keeping the elastic between the 2 layers. 

Trim the bating to the size of the back,

and pull the fabric right side out

Press well.

 Top stitch the part you just sewed.

I also stitch all around to make sure

all the layers behave as one.

With lining together, stitch the front and back (sandwitches)

all around the botton (the unfinished edges).

To make the binding/strap, some bias must be made.

Cut the fabric at a 45 degree angle.

Stitch together a few pieces to make it long enough.

Fold the bias in half

press it well.

Starting with the middle of the bias, pin it to the bottom of the purse

(from the top) 

Stitch all around carefully, starting and stopping

at the beginning of the top layer.

Fold over the binding to the back,

 pin it and hand stich it.

Since it is a small distance it should not take too long

it will look much nicer.

The 2 ends of the bias must also be stitched,

it is a little tricky, so make sure you pin it first

making sure that the strap is not twisted!

I have learned the hard way!!

and I hate seams ripper!!

Cut the excess seam and press.

The strap is finished by folding the bias twice,

following the lines of the bottom of the purse.

Then carefully machine stitch the strap.

Final step: attach the button.

I know it is easier to attach it earlier

but it is more acurate this way!

and just enjoy!

If you are interested in making one,
email me and I can email you my pattern.
Happy sewing!