Here’s a random fact about me: before I had kids, I owned a purse/accessories business called Gerbera Designs. I made purses and covers for a brand new technology innovation back then called the “iPod.” Eventually, my two crazy little monkeys took over any free time and I shifted my attention from designing/sewing accessories to sharing free craft tutorials on a personal blog called Tried & True. It’s crazy where the road leads you, right? Annnnyway…this Fat Quarter Purse Tutorial & Pattern is a flashback to the old days of pattern making. It’s an easy project for a beginner sewer or a great jumping-off-point for someone more advanced. Enjoy!
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Fat Quarter Purse Tutorial
Materials:
Pack of Fabric Fat Quarters (you’ll need two coordinating fabrics)
Stiffen Interfacing (highly suggest buying a roll if you plan on making more purses!)
Faux Wooden Purse Handles
Magnetic Purse Snaps
Slotted Long Nose Pliers
Free Fat Quarter Purse Pattern
Step 1. First things first, you’re going to have to print out the free Fat Quarter Purse pattern. It’ll print out on two pages that you’ll have to tape one portion together. Don’t worry, it’s super easy! Just match up the AB lines and tape.
Step 2. Use the pattern to cut out pieces from the fabric, interfacing, and lining. Notice that you only need to cut 1 pocket piece and 2 straps. Don’t forget to place the body and pocket on the fold!
Step 3. Begin by folding the pocket panel right sides facing and sew around the edge with 1/4″ seam. Leave a small opening so that you can turn it right side out. Iron flat and pin in place in the center of one side of your lining. Sew around the three edges, making sure to close up the open seam.
Step 4. Iron the strap edges inward 1/4″ and then again in half. Sew along the edges to finish strap. Repeat with second strap panel.
Step 5. Fold lining in half, right sides facing, and sew along the edges. Pinch the bottom corners to create gusset and sew.
Step 6. Iron interfacing to back of fabric, fold right sides facing, and sew along the edges. Again, pinch the edges to create gusset and sew to secure.
Step 7. Use a hobby knife to cut small openings for the magnetic snap and fold prongs with pliers to secure. I used a scrap piece of interfacing on the back of the lining to make it a bit more sturdy.
Step 8. Insert the outer shell into the lining (right sides facing), pin in place, and sew along the top edge.
Step 9. Use a seam ripper to open one side of the lining and pull the outer shell through. Sew opening closed with a careful stitch right along the edge. Push lining inside of purse and iron the top seam flat. Stitch carefully around the top edge and you’re done!
Easy Peasy
Super easy, right? This Fat Quarter Purse Tutorial & Pattern is a great way to dip your toes in the wonderful world of purse making! It’s easy to wrap your brain around and even if it turns out to be a complete disaster, you’re only out a tiny bit of fabric. Hope you enjoyed this tutorial and let me know if you have any questions!
This project originally appeared on Crafts Unleashed.