"Make it Your Own" Purse Project - Part 2

Welcome Back!

So now that you have your outside and inside pieces sewn together with the

pocket ready to go, we need to add the magnetic snap

(this is not totally necessary and you could always hand sew a button a

nd loop to the bag if you prefer).

You will need to make certain that you have reinforced the snap area with some fusible

interfacing and then you just need to mark and cut holes for your snaps. Insert the snaps and secure them by bending back the tabs.

After the snaps are complete you will want to place the exterior pieces right side together and sew from one side, around the bottom, and up the other side, leaving the mouth (top) of the purse open. Repeat for the two lining pieces, but leaving a 4 inch gap at the bottom (between the two corners/darts). You will use this hole to pull the purse right side out after stitching all the pieces together.

Next we will be sewing up the exterior and lining of the bag together. Before we do this you should notch the bottom corners of the purse to

allow some ease in the bottom of your bag. If you don't notch them, your bag will bunch up in the corners.

Ok, one last thing to put together, the STRAPS!!! Gotta have them or this is going to be one HUGE clutch! Haha!

Take your two "C" pieces that both have the fusible interfacing applied and fold them in half, right sides together. Sew a seam up the side of each one. Turn

them so the seam is in the middle and iron flat.

Turn them right side out and iron again. Then pin the straps to the exterior of the purse making sure to lay them at an angle approximately 2" from the edge of each side. Sew the straps on making sure to go over them several times for reinforced strength. Sew them slightly closer in then the regular seam allowance so that this basting stitch will not show when you turn the bag right side out at the end.

Your next step will be to place the exterior part of the bag

(right side out) with the lining (with the right side facing in). Match up the side seams and pin arou

nd the top edge of the purse making certain that the straps are inside. Sew around the top of the bag.

Turn the purse right side out by pulling the exterior through the hole in the bottom of the lining. Sew the hole closed in the bottom of the bag. Tuck the lining into the exterior of the bag and then pin and top stitch around the top and bottom of piece B. Voila, you are done!!!

Since this is my very first tutorial blog, please let me know (in a kind way), if I have left off anything or if a step needs some elaboration. I will be glad to help :o)

Enjoy your day and enjoy making this bag!!