Frame Purse

Debbie Shore's Sewing Room Secrets

https://www.cutoutandkeep.net/projects/frame-purse • Posted by Search Press

Techniques Making a template Fitting a metal frame Snipping into curves Ladder stitch Notes Use a 5mm (¼ in) seam allowance

You will need

Paper and pen Metal purse Frame (any size or shape you like), plus wet glue if you’re using a glue-in frame Outer Fabric , wadding/batting and lining, the size depends on the size of purse you’re making – measure your finished template and cut your fabric accordingly Strong Thread – I’ve used six strands of embroidery thread Large-eyed Needle Erasable Marker Pen

Project Budget

Time

Difficulty

Description

Techniques Making a template Fitting a metal frame Snipping into curves Ladder stitch Notes Use a 5mm (¼ in) seam allowance

Instructions

1. 

   Take a piece of paper and draw around the outside of the purse frame from one hinge to the other.

2. 

   Swing the hinge to one side by 2.5cm (1in). Draw a line here.

3. 

   The belly of the bag can be any size and shape you like: round or square. Draw a few options and choose which one you’re happiest with. Fold the pattern in half before cutting out, this will make sure it is symmetrical.

4. 

   Cut two outer and two lining pieces of fabric from your pattern. (On fine fabric, you may need to add wadding or fusible fleece to the wrong side.)

5. 

   Place the hinge over the lining pieces and make a mark at the base of the hinge. Make sure the marks are in the same position on each piece. Sew each lining piece right sides together to an outer piece, around the top, from one mark to another.

6. 

   Sew the bottom of the two outer pieces right sides together, then repeat with the lining pieces to and from the same markings. This time leave a turning gap in the base. Clip into any curved seams in the base of the purse pieces, but avoid clipping into the top that fits inside the purse frame. The extra bulk is helpful to hold the fabric inside the frame.

7. 

   Turn the right side out, sew up the turning gap.

8. 

   Press, then push the lining inside the purse.

9. 

   Fold the top of each side of the purse in half and mark the centre point. For a sew-in frame, push a needle and knotted thread through this point, then take the needle through the middle hole of one side of the frame. This way you can ensure the purse will sit centrally in the frame. Sew through every other hole, picking up the edge of the purse as you sew. When you reach the hinge, go back through the holes to create a ‘backstitch’ effect. Repeat across the second side of the frame, then on the opposite side. If you have trouble tying off the thread neatly, cut the thread to about 12mm (½ in) in length, tuck it inside the frame and add a spot of wet glue to secure. Tip For a glue-in frame, drizzle a little strong, wet glue into one side of the frame. Leave it for a minute or so to set slightly then, using tweezers, carefully push the fabric into the frame, starting in the centre. You should have a bit of ‘wiggle time’ before the glue dries. Leave one side to dry completely before moving onto the second side.