Sew Beautiful Magazine

* This article can be found in Sew Beautful Issue #101, July / August 2005 *

For a printable PDF version of this article, click here

Textile totes are everywhere you look. Now that purse handles are readily available in all sorts of shapes, sizes and colors, you can make your own tote to match an outfit, or just to whip up something whimsical with fun trims. Either way you go, you’ll be the envy of all your friends who don’t sew, or, better yet, use this tote as a great starter project to teach someone to sew.

PROJECT: Using purchased placements and purse handles to make delightful totes.

SUPPLIES

• Purchased placemat

• Purchased purse handle (available from Martha Pullen Company)

• 1/2 yd of grossgrain ribbon for handle loops (striped bag)

• 1 yd of 1-inch silk satin ribbon for handle ties (black handle bags)

• Quilting thread to match placemat

• Universal Size 90 or 100 Jeans needle

• Beads, fringe, buttons and trims that you like (optional)

• Steam A Seam™ fusible web tape for applying trims (optional)

Our very own Toni Duggar, who many of you have met at shows and markets, loves purses. So when Martha Pullen Company started carrying purse handles, Toni found herself in her own little creative heaven. She picked up some interesting placemats at a local discount store and realized with a little sewing innovation (and Martha’s handles), she could make a purse in just a few minutes. Using a zigzag stitch and some great trims, she was out the door with a new purse almost every day. Featured are several of her quick and easy placemat creations along with how-to instructions.

DIRECTIONS
1. Adorn placemat with threads, beads or any embellishment you like. NOTE: If you plan to add fringe or beaded edging around the top, add this on the final step after construction is complete.
2. Stitch four 9-inch ribbon ties, or four 2-inch grosgrain ribbon loops to each end according to the width and style of your purchased handle (photo 1).
3. Fold placemat in half and butt side edges together. Using quilting thread, secure with a zigzag stitch, stopping about 1-2 inches from bottom. Stitch a thread bar tack at top and bottom of zigzag (photo 2).
4. Turn purse inside out and stitch across each corner where zigzag stitching ends (this will give the bottom corners of the purse a squared or boxed finish) (photo 3).
5. Add top edging by stitching (use bobbin thread that will match inside of purse), or attach securely with fabric glue, or Steam-A-Seam II™ permanent fusible tape (test your fringe with the iron first).
6. Place purse handles on purse. -SB

About the designer
Toni Duggar is the retail manager for Martha Pullen Company. She attends all of our traveling shows, markets and schools. Stop by the Martha Pullen booth or retail store and say hello next time you visit a Martha Pullen show.

For a printable PDF version of this article, click here