Learn How to Sew: Sewing a Purse

When you first learn how to sew, practice and perfect your technique with easy projects. Below are simple instructions for a stylish and functional across-the-body purse that is spacious.

Step 1: Buy the Fabric

When purchasing the purse fabric choose a medium weight material such as cotton blends or light weight denim. You will need to purchase ¾ yard fabric for the outside of the purse. Choose fabric of a similar weight for the lining of the purse. You will also need 3/4 yard for this part of the project as well. For the outside pocket and the strap choose a contrasting fabric that adds a unique touch to the purse. Again, you will need ¾ yard.

Step 2: Zipper and Closures

For this purse, you will need a 12 inch zipper for the top of the bag. Buy a dress or pant zipper. This type of zipper will not come apart at the bottom. For an industrial look to the bag, try a chunky or a metal zipper.

The closure for the pocket are sticky Velcro dots. You can find these in any craft store or retail craft department. These dots typically come in black or white. You will want to buy black for darker fabrics and white for lighter fabrics.

Step 3: Cut the Fabric

Lay the fabric out on a flat surface. Cut 2 pieces of both the outside purse fabric and lining that are 14x16 inches. Cut a pocket piece that measures 5x7-inches. Finally, cut one strip of lining and one strip of contrasting fabric that are 3 inches wide by 20 inches long.

Step 4: Sewing the Purse

To begin fold down a ½-inch hem on the top of both pieces of outer bag fabric. To make the pocket, lay the 5x7-inch piece upside down and iron a ¼-inch hem around the entire piece. Sew across the hem. Sew the pocket to the center of the front piece of the bag. With the pattern sides facing one another, sew a 1-inch seam around the sides and bottom of both the lining and purse fabric. Leave the top edge open.

Step 5: Sewing in the Zipper

Fold in a 1-inch piece of the top of the lining. Pin the top side of the zipper onto the fold. Sew across the zipper edge. Open the zipper and repeat for the other side.

Step 6: Sewing the Strap

With the pattern sides of both the lining fabric and contrasting fabric strips touching sew the sides of the fabric together to form a tube. Turn the piece right side out.

Step 7: Completing the Purse

Center one end of the strap on the side seam sandwiched between the purse fabric and lining fabric. Repeat for the other side. Sew around the edge of both the lining and purse fabric. Put a hook and loop dot on the inside and outside of the pocket and close.