How do I Sew a Drawstring Purse?

Purse Construction

• 1

  Place one fabric piece on the ironing board with the patterned side down.

• 2

  Fold the 11-inch end back 1/4 inch. Press with the iron.

• 3

  Press the 1/4-inch fold against itself and iron down. This creates a simple hem.

• 4

  Stitch the simple hem into place near the edge of the fold using a straight stitch on the sewing machine. Using the same technique, create a stitched simple hem on the other piece of fabric.

• 5

  Lay one piece of fabric on the ironing board with the patterned side up. Be sure the hem is at the top.

• 6

  Lay the second piece of fabric on top, patterned side down. Line up the hems. At this point, the patterned sides of the fabric should be facing each other.

• 7

  Measure and mark both pieces of fabric 2 inches from the top.

• 8

  Sew around both sides and the bottom of the bag, leaving the tops open from the 2-inch mark and above. Use your sewing machine to sew it with a straight stitch.

• 9

  Fold the hemmed top of one piece of fabric down to reach the 2-inch line mark. Sew it in place. Repeat with the other piece.

• 10

  Turn the bag patterned side out.

Add Drawstring

• 11

  Push and secure the safety pin in the end of one piece of ribbon.

• 12

  Push the safety pin and ribbon through one side hole opening and through the casing. Enter the casing of the other piece of fabric, as well. The ribbon should exit the purse on the same side that it began. Tie the ribbon ends together in a double knot.

• 13

  Pin and thread the second piece of ribbon starting on the opposite side of the purse. Thread it through the casing of both fabric panels, bringing it out beside its point of entry. Tie the ribbon ends together in a double knot.

• 14

  Pull the ribbons to cinch the purse closed. Open it by loosening the fabric around the ribbons.