Coin Purse

  • Difficulty Rating: Beginner
Tags

Beginner, Cutting, Emma Jeffery, Fabric, Glue, How-To-Projects,

Tools used:

Razor-edge Softgrip Scissors 8

Razor-edge Softgrip® Scissors (8")

Detail Scissors No. 4

Detail Scissors (No. 4)

Fingertip Tweezers

Fingertip Tweezers

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Coin Purse

These cute little coin purses are a sweet way to give a gift. They are just big enough to tuck a gift card to a friend’s favorite coffee shop inside, or small enough to hold a piece of jewelry or other trinket. Though the frames are widely available online, more often than not they come with a pattern and instructions written in Japanese (which I don’t understand) and though there are several different ways to construct these purses, my interpretation hides all the seams and makes a neat and tidy finish.

First, cut out (or trace) the pattern provided with your purse frame.

Cutting-pattern

You will need two pieces cut from your outer fabric and two pieces from your lining fabric. I suggest selecting fabrics which are reasonably lightweight; heavyweight fabrics can be bulky and therefore tricky to stuff into the metal frame. I used a cotton canvas for the outer fabric and linen for the lining.

Pinning-pattern

Most pattern pieces will have two marked points along the top edges. Transfer these markings to the wrong side of your two lining pieces and your two outer pieces.

Marking-sewing-points

Sew the two outer fabrics together with right sides facing, between the two marked points on your pattern piece. Repeat for the two lining pieces.

Sewn-seams

Turn your outer purse piece right sides out and insert it into the lining. Check the right sides are facing. Sew the two raw top edges together leaving a 2” turning hole in one top edge.

Turning-hole

Pull the purse all the way through the hole and insert the lining down into the outer purse piece. Press out the seams with a hot iron and top stitch the opening closed.

Ironed-and-top-stitched

To secure the purse into the frame, I prefer to use an all purpose adhesive because it is extremely strong, dries clear and you have enough time before it completely dries to wiggle the fabric into position within the frame.

Start by carefully spreading a small amount of glue into one side of the frame and onto one side of the purse fabric’s top edge. In my experience it is much easier to glue one side at a time and do this in a well ventilated area.

Glueing-purse

Allow 5 minutes or so for the glue to become tacky, then using of pair of Fiskars Tweezers as a ‘poker’, ease the fabric into the frame. There’s no denying this can be tricky, but once you finally have the fabric in place, put it to one side and don’t touch it! Only once the glue is dry enough that the fabric won’t shift, should you repeat for the other side of the purse.

If you get some glue on the outside of the frame or on the fabric of the purse, it can be easily scraped away when tacky.
Finally, to secure the fabric in the frame, use a pair of pliers and a scrap of fabric to protect the metal surface, and squeeze the frame together, gripping the fabric inside.

Closing-frame

By changing up the prints you use, each purse can be personalized especially for its recipient and I think they make a practical and beautiful gift.

Supply List

Purse frame (widely available online)
Small pieces of fabric for purse outer and lining
Pins
Thread
Sewing machine
Pen
All purpose adhesive
Pliers
Fabric scrap