How to Make Snap Purses
- 1). Purchase a simple purse pattern if you're a beginning stitcher. If you're more experienced, look for something a bit challenging, with a curvy shape, for instance. You can also always add embellishments like ruffles for a challenge. Look for a pattern with a snap closure, or use a simple clutch pattern you can add a snap to.
- 2). Choose fabric based on the pattern you chose. Slinkier fabrics need more reinforcement or heavier lining to give the purse weight and allow it to resist wear and tear. Purchase the amount of fabric your pattern requires.
- 3). Unfold the pattern. Wash and iron your fabric, if it's washable. Iron delicate material, or piled fabric like velvet or corduroy, underneath a tea towel.
- 4). Lay out the pattern over the fabric, paying attention to the correct fabric direction and folding orientation indicated on the pattern. Transfer pattern markings to the fabric with carbon paper and a rolling tracer or seamstress chalk. Pin the pattern down.
- 5). Cut the fabric out carefully following the pattern, along with all notches. Remove pattern pieces when you're finished.
- 6). Sew the purse together according to pattern instructions. Do not sew the inner lining to the outside fabric until you've attached the snaps.
- 7). Mark the purse lining fabric where you want your snap, or where the pattern indicates it should be.
- 8). Line up the snap's washer centered on the dot. Mark the fabric where the two slots on either side sit.
- 9). Make two buttonholes on the marked slits using a buttonhole foot on your sewing machine.
- 10
Slip the snap prongs through the two buttonholes, with the snap portions facing out on top of the front of the lining fabric. - 11
Place the washer over the prongs on the back of the lining fabric. Bend the prongs toward the center, over each other, to set the snap in place. - 12
Repeat the process with the other half of the snap on the opposite piece of lining fabric. - 13
Sew the inner lining to the outer fabric according to pattern instructions. Press the seams with a hot iron as you go. - 14
Add any embellishments you desire, like buttons, appliques or ribbon.
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