Slipcover Purses By Tammy Jones, HGTV.com
A girl can never have enough purses, but this clever little project will help you get pretty close! After you've made the lining of the purse, you can make a 'slipcover' for the outside to complement every outfit in your closet. Read the notes at the bottom of this page before beginning; you'll see the possibilities for this project are endless!
Materials: 2 yards of cord, ribbon, etc. for strap
about 14" trim, beading, feather trim, fringe, etc.
two 7-1/2" x 9" pieces* lining fabric
two 7-1/2" x 9" pieces* cover fabric
12"-14" Velcro to match lining
thread to match lining & cover
pins
buttonhole maker or grommet/eyelet kit
scissors or cutting mat & rotary cutter
fabric glue (optional)
pinking shears (optional)
two 1" squares of interfacing (optional)
iron (optional) *One 7-1/2" x 18" piece will work just as well and save yourself the step of sewing one end. Just fold this piece in half after hemming each end and proceed as if you started with two pieces.
To make the lining: The "right" side of the fabric will be the inside of your lining, because that's the only part you'll see. The seams of the lining piece will be on the outside--they won't show. 1. With right sides facing down, fold over about 1/2 inch at the narrow end of each piece and press. Fold over 1/2 inch again and press; then stitch.
2. Align these two hemmed ends with the right sides facing and pin together. Then pin around the other three edges and stitch, leaving about a 1/2-inch seam allowance. Remove pins and trim with pinking shears after sewing for a more finished edge that won't ravel, if you like (figure A). 3. Separate the "hook" tape from the "loop" tape and set one aside for the cover. Measure the width of the finished lining at the opening. Subtract 1 inch from this measurement and cut two strips of Velcro that length. Sew the Velcro to the outside top of the lining, centered on each side (this allows for 1/2 inch on either end of the Velcro to accommodate the seams and the strap). Sew along the top and bottom edges for a secure hold, as this area will receive a lot of tugging. 4. Attach a grommet or sew a 1/2-inch buttonhole on both sides of the lining at the top next to the Velcro. Reinforce with interfacing or a scrap of lining fabric on the outside of the lining, if you choose.
5. Now feed the strap through the grommets or buttonhole and knot the ends (figure B). If you're using a material for the strap that won't knot well, use a buttonhole instead of a grommet and sew a button on each end of the strap. Then simply button the strap in place. Make sure the button is snug in the buttonhole--you don't want the strap to slip off while you're carrying your purse. To make the cover: 6. Hem the cover fabric like step 1 above, folding down 1/2 inch only once this time. Depending on the fabric you use, you may or may not want to press this seam before stitching. Stitch at the top edge or nearer the raw edge of the folded-over piece, depending on the trim you're using on the outside. Keep that in mind if you want your trim to hide these stitches. 7. Pin the hemmed ends together, right sides facing, and sew the other three sides. Alternately, if you're using a firm fabric like felt, stitch the purse together with right sides out and trim the edges with pinking shears for a different look (figure C).
8. Stitch the other pieces of Velcro on the inside of the opening, centering them at the top between the seams (figure D). 9. Decorate the outside of the purse as you like. Stitching fringe, beading, etc. in place might be difficult with the bulk of the Velcro, and it might be hard to attach some trims without stitches showing. In this case, use fabric glue to attach embellishments. 10. Slip the lining into the purse, matching the Velcro edges and pressing together to secure. That completes one purse; repeat steps 6 through 9 to make as many covers as you can imagine! Here are some ideas to get you started.
Notes: - These instructions make a purse that is approximately 6-1/2" x 8" finished, but you can make yours as large or small as you want. - The slipcover can be any size or shape (figure E), as long as it fits over the lining. Just be sure the top opening on all of the covers is the same size as the top of the inside so that the Velcro sides will fit.
- Be creative with straps. Beyond ribbons and cords, try braided wire or leather (figure F), small chain, rope or hemp cord, ribbon, strung beads, etc. - Starting out with a long strap makes the purse even more versatile. Keep the strap long for an across-the-body purse, or pull the cord through a few more inches and knot again, creating a shoulder purse. Pull through even more and knot again for an arm tote or handbag. Just untie the knots to return to a long strap whenever you want. - Embellishments can be around the top, along the bottom, or any way you wish. We did one with shell buttons covering one side of a shimmery organza bag with a strap of braided cord and strung pearls (figure G) and another with criss-crossed ribbon on the front and back of a tan felt bag (figure H).
- Make a black lining for dark fabric purses, a white one for lighter fabrics, and even a tan one for neutral or natural-colored fabrics. Match straps to the lining, or mix and match straps to coordinate with covers. Copyright 2002 Tammy Jones
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