Light Purse

Prepare the fabric for the light purse

• Download and print the purse template.

• Trace the templates on paper (the dimensions listed are for the finished piece).

• Cut out templates.

• Cut pieces A and B in the fabric for the bag (here, the red patterned fabric).

• Cut pieces C and D in the fabric for the lining (here, the dotted red).

• Cut piece E in the fabric for the pleating (here, the striped red).

• Cut piece F in the fabric for the loops (here, the red cotton fabric with white dots).

• Fold piece E in half lengthwise, right sides together.

Start sewing the light purse

• Sew with a running stitch, 1 cm (3/8 inch) from the edge, the 2 far ends.

• Turn it right side out and press the fold with an iron.

• Pin piece E onto the right side of piece A at the middle and ends to hold it in place.

• Form and pin the pleats, about 1 cm (3/8 inch) each.

• Sew the pleating with a running stitch at 1 cm (3/8 inch) from the edge.

• On piece F, make a fold to bring in the fabric by 1 cm (3/8 inch) on each side.

• Fold it in half and pin along its length.

• Sew a running stitch at 2 mm (1/32 inch) from the edge.

• Cut the resulting piece into 16 equal pieces.

• Fold each piece in half to form the loops.

• Pin them on A and B, following the reference points.

• Sew the loops on with a running stitch, 1 cm (3/8 inch) from the edge.

• Pin A to B, right sides together.

• Sew a running stitch, following the stitching on the pleating.

• Turn the piece right side out and make a fold of 1 cm (3/8 inch) toward the inside along the top edge.

• Pin C and D, right sides together.

• Sew a running stitch at 1 cm (3/8 inch) from the edge.

• Make a fold of 1 cm (3/8 inch) toward the outside, along the top edge.

• Slip C/D inside A/B, pinning them together with their stitches aligned.

• Sew them together at 2 mm (1/32 inch) from the edge.

Add a handle to the light purse

• Cut the ribbon or cord in half. 

• Pass the ribbon through the loops.

• Knot each end of the ribbons.