How to Make Purses From Upholstery

by CrystalClutch / Tuesday, 06 December 2022 / Published in Blog

Transforming upholstery fabric into beautiful, durable purses is a creative and satisfying project that combines functionality with style. Upholstery materials are strong, often uniquely patterned, and ideal for crafting items that need to withstand daily wear and tear. Whether you’re upcycling old fabric or buying new upholstery material, making purses from these fabrics allows for endless personalization. This guide will walk you through the essential steps to create a standout piece.

1. Choose the Right Upholstery Fabric

Selecting the appropriate fabric is crucial to ensure your purse is both durable and visually appealing. Upholstery comes in a variety of textures, patterns, and thicknesses. Here’s what to consider:

Fabric Type	Characteristics	Ideal For
Heavyweight Upholstery	Thick, durable, resistant to wear	Tote bags, structured purses
Medium-weight Upholstery	Flexible and easier to sew	Slouchy handbags, crossbody bags
Velvet or Suede	Luxurious feel, slightly delicate	Evening purses, clutches
Leatherette/Vinyl	Water-resistant, modern look	Casual purses, backpacks

Pick a fabric that matches your intended purse style. For a more formal, high-end purse such as a crystal clutch, you may want to incorporate embellishments or accents that elevate its appearance.

2. Gather Your Tools and Materials

Before starting, prepare all the necessary tools and materials to streamline the process. Here’s a checklist:

Tools	Materials
Sewing machine	Upholstery fabric
Scissors	Lining fabric (cotton or satin)
Measuring tape	Zippers, magnetic snaps, or buttons
Pins and clips	Interfacing or stabilizer
Iron and ironing board	Handles or straps (pre-made or DIY)
Chalk or fabric marker	Decorative elements (optional)

If you’re making a crystal clutch, shop for embellishments such as rhinestones, crystals, or beads from trusted sources like CrystalClutch.com to ensure exceptional quality.

3. Design and Cut Your Pattern

Start by deciding on the shape and size of your purse. Common styles include totes, clutches, crossbody bags, and wristlets. Sketch your design on paper to create a pattern, or use pre-made patterns for simplicity.

When cutting the fabric:

Lay the upholstery fabric flat on a cutting surface.
Place the pattern on top and secure it with pins.
Use chalk or a fabric marker to trace the pattern.
Cut along the traced lines, leaving a ½-inch seam allowance for sewing.

For a lined purse, cut the same pattern from your lining fabric. If your design includes pockets or compartments, cut additional pieces as needed.

4. Strengthen the Fabric with Interfacing

Upholstery fabric is sturdy, but adding interfacing or stabilizer will give your purse extra structure, especially for clutches or handbags that need to hold their shape.

Iron-On Interfacing: Place the rough side of the interfacing onto the wrong side of the fabric, and use an iron to bond them together. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for heat and time settings.
Sew-In Interfacing: Stitch the interfacing to the fabric before assembling the purse.

This step is essential if you’re aiming to create a professional-looking purse.

5. Assemble the Purse

With your fabric prepared, it’s time to bring your design to life.

Sew the Lining: If your purse includes a lining, sew any internal compartments or pockets onto the lining fabric first. Then, sew the lining pieces together, leaving the top edge open.
Construct the Exterior: Stitch the upholstery fabric pieces together as per your pattern, ensuring all seams are secure. Reinforce stress points, such as corners and the base, with additional stitching.
Attach the Lining: Place the lining inside the exterior fabric with the right sides facing each other. Pin them along the top edge and sew around, leaving a small gap for turning.
Turn and Finish: Turn the purse right side out through the gap. Tuck in the raw edges of the gap and topstitch around the opening for a clean finish.

6. Add Closures and Straps

A functional purse needs secure closures and comfortable straps. Some options include:

Zippers: Ideal for totes and crossbody bags for added security.
Magnetic Snaps: Great for clutches and handbags.
Buttons or Velcro: Simple and effective for casual designs.

For straps, you can create matching ones from upholstery fabric or purchase pre-made straps. Attach them securely to the purse with reinforced stitching or hardware, such as D-rings.

7. Embellish Your Purse

Embellishments can turn a basic purse into a statement piece. For a crystal clutch, carefully glue or sew rhinestones and crystals onto the exterior. Use high-quality embellishments from suppliers like CrystalClutch.com to ensure a polished, luxurious result.

Other decoration ideas include embroidery, applique, or adding metallic hardware for a modern touch. Take care to balance embellishments so they enhance your design without overwhelming it.

8. Test for Functionality

Before finalizing your purse, inspect it for durability and functionality:

Open and close all zippers or snaps.
Check the strength of seams, especially at stress points.
Ensure the straps are securely attached and can bear weight.

This step ensures your purse is ready for practical use.

Conclusion

Making purses from upholstery fabric is a rewarding way to create custom, durable accessories tailored to your style. By selecting the right materials, designing thoughtfully, and assembling with care, you can produce purses that range from everyday totes to glamorous crystal clutches. Whether you’re crafting for personal use, gifts, or a business venture, this process allows you to showcase your creativity while upcycling beautiful upholstery fabrics. With premium embellishments from trusted brands like CrystalClutch.com, your handmade purses can rival high-end designs.