Mardi Gras Purse Tutorial

 My previous post showed the  Mardi Gras purses I made for my daughter, Anna, to throw from her float this year.  Here are the instructions for making this simple, little purse:

2 squares 8 1/2" X 6" for purse
2 squares 7 1/2" X 6" for lining
2 squares 7 1/2" X 6" lightweight fusible interfacing
1 button
24" to 30" cording, ribbon, or beads for handles

Cut a piece of paper (I used cardstock) 7 1/2" X 6" for a pattern.  Round off the bottom 2 corners.

  Use this pattern to trim squares for the purse, lining, and interfacing.  Save the extra 1" piece from the purse fabric to make a loop for the button.

Fuse interfacing to wrong side of purse fabric.  Sew around the 3 sides, right sides together, leaving the top open, using 1/4" seam allowance.   Clip curves. (I use my pinking shears.)   Turn purse right side out.

Sew cording or ribbon straps to (outside) side seams...cording will hang out below the bottom of the purse when placed in the lining.  Top of strap goes on outside of purse with end standing up.  If you are using beads, wait until purse is completed and hand sew to the inside of seams.

Sew around the lining fabric, right sides together, leaving the top open AND about 2" on the bottom center. (This is the opening for turning your purse.)

Take the extra 1" of purse fabric and fold both long sides into the center.  Fold in half and stitch lengthwise.  Form a loop from this fabric.

Place the purse inside the lining (right sides together) and pull the purse handles through the opening at the bottom.

Match and pin the side seams, place loop at center of back of purse (loop down inside of purse),  then sew all the way around the top of the purse.

Pull the handles and outside of purse through the opening at the bottom of the lining.  Stitch the opening closed.  Push lining inside of purse.  Press around the top of the purse and top-stitch.

Sew on button.

Glue on gemstones or sequins to give it some "bling" or leave it plain.

Note:  A simpler way to add the handles would be to simply stitch inside the purse along the side seams when the purse has been completed.  This is what I had to do with the beads, but it would also work with the cording or ribbon if you aren't looking for as finished a product.  You could also use velcro in place of the button and loop.