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How to Make a Ballerina Style Purse That Looks Like a Tutu

Making purses constructed from two pieces of fabric and a lining is quite simple. Dress such a purse up and transform it into the perfect accessory for a little girl by making it look like a tutu, adding simple layers of tulle to mimic the fluffy layers of a ballerina's skirt. Experiment with different looks by mixing and matching tulle colors, trying different types of fabric, and adding ballerina-style embellishments. While pink and white are obvious choices for a tutu-style purse, think outside the box and choose from other colors like yellow or aqua -- or even dramatic black.

Things You'll Need

(2) 12" x 18" piece of fabric
Tulle, as desired
(1) 13" lengths of 1" or 2" wide ribbon
Pins
Thread
Sewing machine

Instructions

- 1
  Pin the two pieces of fabric with their right sides together. Stitch almost all the way around the edge, leaving a two inch gap; use this gap to turn the purse right side out. Press flat.
- 2
  Fold the purse in half, with the right side -- the purse's outside -- facing out, and the lining facing in. Iron flat.
- 3
  Pin the tulle, in 12" strips, in layers to the outside of the purse, starting from the bottom. For a fluffier tutu look, use many layers of tulle, closely overlapping. For a more minimalist look, space the tulle strips out. Stitch each layer of tulle after pinning.
- 4
  Turn the purse inside out, so the tulle layered pieces are facing. Pin carefully, making sure the layers of tulle are laying flat inside the purse and only the outer edges are caught by the pins.
- 5
  Sew the sides of the purse shut, capturing the lining, exterior, and tulle all in one seam. Turn the purse right side out. You should now have a fluffy tulle purse that looks like a tutu.
- 6
  Iron the ends of the ribbon by folding each end over half an inch, ironing, then folding another half an inch and ironing again. Stitch the ends of the ribbon to the top inside of the bag to form handles.

Sewing