Coin Purse Tutorial

 So, today I have a tutorial for these fun little coin purses…so exciting!

Okay, so there are two shapes you can make from this pattern…

So, one is sort of a little more poofy and the other one is more flat with a flared out bottom.  You choose!  There is just one more step to the poofy one than the other one.  Nothing crazy!

So, let’s get started, shall we?

Let’s first talk about the purse frame.  This pattern is for THIS frame.  I’m going to show you a little bit about how to change the pattern if you can’t find this frame, but I got the frame at Joann’s, so you should be able to find it fairly easily, I would think.

Next print out the pattern.

I like to trace mine onto freezer paper so I can then press it onto the fabric and have it stick while I cut it out.  Just make sure to trace the side marks onto your freezer paper pattern.

Now, here is the trick if you have a different frame.  First trace around the outside of the frame.

Now, add about a 1/4″ seam allowance around that and then I just free handed the shape from that.  The further out you go on the sides the more poofy it will be.  Does that make sense?  You also have to mark your hinge marks like in the picture below.  Mark where they are and then mark about 3/8″ down from that for seam allowance.

Alright.  Now that you have your pattern, press it onto the wrong side of your fabric shinny side down.

If you aren’t using freezer paper, just cut out 2 pieces from your main fabric, 2 pieces from your lining fabric and 2 pieces from fusible fleece.  Now, a word on interfacing.  On the plaid one above, I used fusible fleece and on the other one I used medium weight fusible interfacing.  I think I prefer the fusible fleece because it adds a little bulk to the purse which helps when attaching the frame, but either one works!  Fuse your interfacing onto the OUTSIDE fabric.

Make sure to transfer your markings onto the wrong side of your fabric.  Using a 1/4″ seam allowance and right sides facing, sew from each of your two marks backstitching at each end.

Add notches to the curved edges

Now, if you want the flatter and flared out purse, skip this step.  Pinch the corners of the purse, lining up the bottom seam with the side seam and mark and sew a 1 1/2″ line.  Do this to all four sides (2 on the outside purse, 2 on the lining)

Turn the outside of the purse right side out and you should now have this.

Place the outside of the purse inside the lining of the purse with right sides of the fabric facing

Using a 1/4″ seam allowance, sew all around the top leaving a 2″ opening on one side of the top

Notch around the curves

Turn right side out and press well.  Press the opening closed and top stitch it closed.  This doesn’t have to look perfect because the frame with hide any imperfections.  Yay!

You now have this

Now on to the glue.  I used E6000 and it worked great!  You can probably use something else.  I found this at Walmart, so it should be easy to find.  I did try super glue craft formula first with an epic fail.  It seems to me that the gel type glue works better.  So, get your glue and lay down some plastic (I used a ziplock bag) just for a place to work.

Working one side at a time, add a line of glue to the inside of the frame

Then, using your fingers and then something sharp (like a pair of scissors), manipulate the purse into the frame

Make sure it looks good on both sides and that you push it as far into the frame as it will go

Do the same to the other side and voila!

You really need to let it sit for a few hours or over night before it will have a firm hold.  On the first one I made, I took some flat head pliers and crimped it closed.  If you do that, make sure you use a piece of felt or other type of thick cloth between the pliers and the frame so you don’t leave marks on the frame.  I didn’t find it necessary on this purse since I let it sit a few hours before testing its hold.

Look what you just did!  Way to go!!  Another fun purse!