How to Make a Simple Purse

by CrystalClutch / Friday, 20 May 2022 / Published in Blog

A purse is more than just an accessory—it’s a practical item that complements your style and serves as a functional holder for your essentials. Crafting your own simple purse can be a rewarding experience, allowing you to add a personal touch to your wardrobe. Whether you’re a beginner or someone with crafting experience, this guide will walk you through the steps to make a basic purse that is stylish and durable.

1. Gather Your Materials and Tools

Before you start, it’s essential to have all the necessary materials and tools. Here’s a list to guide you:

Materials	Tools
Fabric (cotton, canvas, or faux leather)	Sewing Machine
Interfacing (optional, for structure)	Fabric Scissors
Thread (matching or contrasting color)	Pins or Clips
A Zipper (optional)	Measuring Tape
Needle (hand-sewing for details)	Tailor’s Chalk or Fabric Marker
Decorative Elements (buttons, beads, etc.)	Iron (for pressing fabric)

Choose the fabric based on your needs. For a sturdy everyday purse, canvas or faux leather works well, while lightweight cotton is excellent for a casual, easy-to-carry design.

2. Cut the Fabric to Size

Decide on the size of your purse. A standard small purse is about 9 inches wide by 6 inches high. For more clarity, here’s a simple breakdown:

Purse Component	Dimensions
Front and Back Panels	Two pieces, 9 inches x 6 inches each
Lining Panels (optional)	Two pieces, same size as above
Zipper or Flap Cover (optional)	Length matches the width of the purse

Use tailor’s chalk or a fabric marker to trace these dimensions onto your fabric. Ensure clean, straight cuts using fabric scissors or a rotary cutter.

3. Add Interfacing for Structure (Optional)

If you’d like your purse to hold its shape better, consider adding interfacing. Interfacing is a stiff material you can iron or sew onto your fabric to give it structure. Cut the interfacing to match the size of your panels and attach it to the back of your fabric pieces using an iron or by sewing it in place.

4. Sew the Main Panels Together

Take the two outer panels and place them with the "right sides" (the sides you want visible) facing each other. Pin or clip the edges to secure them. Using a sewing machine, sew along three sides of the panel, leaving the top edge open. Ensure your stitches are about 1/4 inch away from the edge for a clean finish.

If you’re using lining fabric, repeat this step to sew the lining panels together.

5. Create a Boxed Bottom (Optional for Depth)

If you’d like your purse to have a flat bottom for more storage capacity, follow these steps:

Flatten one of the bottom corners of your sewn fabric panels so that it forms a triangle.
Measure about 1.5 inches from the tip of the triangle and draw a straight line across.
Sew along this line.
Repeat for the other corner.
Cut off the excess fabric beyond the seam.

This step gives your purse a three-dimensional shape, making it more functional.

6. Attach the Zipper or Closure

If you’re adding a zipper, follow these steps:

Place the zipper face down along the top edge of one panel.
Pin it in place, ensuring the zipper teeth align with the edge of the fabric.
Using a zipper foot on your sewing machine, sew along the edge to attach the zipper to the fabric.
Repeat this step with the other side of the zipper and the second panel.

If you prefer a simple flap closure, cut a rectangular piece of fabric, fold and hem the edges, and sew it to the back panel. Add a button or Velcro for secure fastening.

7. Insert the Lining

Turn the outer purse fabric right side out but keep the lining inside out. Place the lining inside the outer fabric, making sure the seams align. Fold the raw edges of both the lining and outer fabric inward, then sew them together along the top edge for a clean finish.

8. Add a Strap or Handle

Decide on the type of strap you’d like for your purse. You can sew a simple fabric strap, use a pre-made chain, or repurpose an old belt. Attach the strap securely to the sides of the purse by sewing or using metal D-rings for added durability.

9. Decorate Your Purse

Personalize your purse with embellishments to make it uniquely yours. You can sew on buttons, beads, or appliqués, or even paint designs using fabric paint. For a touch of luxury, consider adding crystals or rhinestones. If you’re inspired by crystal clutches, check out options at CrystalClutch.com for design ideas or high-quality embellishments.

10. Final Touches

Once all elements are in place, inspect your purse for loose threads or uneven seams. Give it a final press with an iron (if the fabric permits) to smooth out wrinkles and ensure a polished look.

Conclusion

Making a simple purse is an enjoyable and creative project that allows you to produce a functional and stylish accessory tailored to your needs. With just a few materials and basic sewing skills, you can craft a purse that is both practical and unique. Whether you’re carrying it to the store or gifting it to a loved one, your handmade purse is sure to be appreciated for its charm and personal touch. So gather your supplies and start sewing today—your perfect purse awaits!