Kids Makes
Pretty Drawstring Purse
This drawstring purse is quick and easy to make and would make an ideal stocking filler for Christmas. Make in a larger size and use as an evening bag or why not make one of each to match your outfit!
Requirements
* 30 cm square of main fabric (12” square)
* 30 cm square of contrasting satin for the lining (12”)
* 60 cm of 6 mm (1/4”) wide ribbon
* Matching thread
* 3 beads to decorate
To make
1. Cut two circles approximately 26.5 cm (10”) diameter from both the main fabric and the satin lining. Use a plate or dish to draw as a guide.
2. Allowing a 6 mm (1/4”) seam allowance and with right sides together pin and stitch the main fabric and lining together around the whole circumference leaving a gap of 4 cm (1 ½”) to allow for turning through.
3. Turn through to the right side and neatly slip stitch the gap closed and then press carefully the seamed edge.
HANDY TIP: Use a pressing cloth and a cool heat to avoid marking the fabric.
4. To make the channel for the ribbon - baste from the bag edge 2 cm (3/4”) in to hold the two fabrics in place and then topstitch two rows round the edge of the bag; the first approximately 15 mm (5/8”) from the edge and the second about 2.5 cm (1”) from the edge. Remove basting.
5. Using a pair of scissors to cut a small oblong hole between the two lines of stitching in the main fabric only, then overstitch round the edge of this small hole to neaten and prevent fraying. Attach a small safety pin to the ribbon end and carefully thread this in the casing channel and pull through until the ends of the ribbon are the same length.
6. Take one bead and thread both of the ends of the ribbon through and gather up the sides evenly. Make sure to push the beads up towards the gathers as far as they will go as this will form the purse closure and needs to be a snug fit. Thread the other two beads on each end of the ribbons and then tie a knot in the ribbon to hold in place.
To form a handle, thread one of these beads through BOTH of the ribbons and then tied in a knot, this will form a loop handle.
HANDY TIP: You can make this purse/bag to any size you require by just using a bigger circle but stick to a lightweight fabric or the edge will not gather up securely.
Stockist Information
Fabric and lining came from the Portsmouth branch of Fabricland. Find details about their stores in the Suppliers Directory of this website.
Ribbon and beads available from all good craft and haberdashery stores.
This project was created by Jackie Gulliver who writes the Young and Fun projects for Sewing World magazine. Contact: JACKGULLIVER@aol.com
