Textured Purse

Figure A

Steps:

1. Trace the purse pattern pieces on cotton blend fabric. Or cut purse pieces as follows:

• cut a 10" x 7-1/2" piece straight on the top and rounded on the bottom for the front (figure A)

Figure D

4. Hot glue the jute twine approximately 1/4 inch from the edge, creating a free form design on the cotton blend fabrics for both the front and back of the purse. Working in a small area at a time, apply a little glue on the fabric and press the jute over the glue (figure D).

Figure F

5. Position the silk fabric on top of the textured cotton blend purse (front and back) pieces. For the front, use one of the 13" x 10" rectangles, apply hot glue to the sides of the jute twine and scrunch the silk fabric around the jute to highlight the texture underneath (figure F). Work in a small area at one time, pressing the silk along the design edges. Trim excess silk fabric.

Figure G

6. For the back, apply the 20" x 10" rectangle of China silk to the back cotton blend piece with the flap (step 5)(figure G). Trim excess silk fabric.

7. To put the purse together, pin the side rectangle of China silk 24" x 4" fabric to the back, lining up the top edges, with right sides together. Insert two 20-inch leather cords on the tip of the flap. Stitch together allowing a 1/2-inch seam allowance.

Figure I

8. Pin the front piece onto the sidepiece with right sides together. Insert two 10-inch long leather cords in the center of the bottom (figure I). Stitch front to sidepiece using 1/2-inch seam allowance. Stitch a button or medallion to the bottom front for closure.

9. Pin and sew the interior lining in the same manner using the China silk pieces. Leave an opening at the bottom of the lining for turning.

Figure K

10. To stitch the lining to the purse, place right sides together and pin. Insert each end of the leather belt (figure K) (or leather cords if using those) to the top of each side. Stitch around leaving an opening at the bottom for turning. Make sure belt design faces outward when turned.

11. Turn the purse right side out and hand-sew the bottom closed.

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