Sewing Tutorial: Coin Purse

For years, I have seen coin purse frames at Jo-Ann's when I am shopping. I've thought about trying them, but was always a little nervous because they don't come with any sort of pattern or directions.

I don't want to be afraid to try new crafts, so I finally bought one and attempted to make up my own pattern, which I am happy to share with you. The process is really fairly simple and this is a nice project for using up those small scraps in your fabric stash that are too pretty to throw away

Please note, this sewing project may be a little different than others you have done because you don't cut out the fabric until after most of the sewing is complete

Materials

• coin purse frame
• fabric scraps
• fabric marking pen or pencil
• embroidery floss
• basic sewing supplies
• ruler
• piece of cardboard
• compass
• masking tape (optional)

Directions

	Begin by measuring the width of your purse frame. Mine was 3 1/4 inches.
	Use a compass to draw a circle with a diameter 1 - 1 1/2 inches larger than your purse frame on a piece of cardboard. (I used an empty cereal box.) Cut out the circle template.
	Choose your fabric. You will need four fabric scraps. Two pieces for the outside of your purse and two for the lining.
	Place your purse frame on the wrong side of your lining pieces. Mark a line below the frame hinge on each side.
	Trace around the outer edge of the frame.
	You should have something like an upside down smile. It's okay if your purse frame is a different shape.
	Pin one lining piece to one outer piece, right sides together. Stitch along your traced line from one hinge mark to the other. Repeat with the other lining and outer fabric pieces.
	With one of your stitched pairs of fabric, position your cardboard circle so that it touches both hinge marks on the wrong side of the lining fabric. Trace around the lower part of the circle with a fabric pen/pencil.
	With the other set of fabric, position your cardboard circle so that it touches the end of your stitching on the wrong side of the outer fabric. Trace around the lower part of the circle with a fabric pen/pencil. The lines drawn will be where you stitch NOT where you cut.
	Cut around the fabric about 1/4-inch from your marked lines.
	Open up both sets of fabric and pin them so that the two lining fabrics are right sides together and the two outer fabrics are right sides together.
	First, stitch around your drawn line on the outer fabrics, being careful to start and stop at the end of the frame seams.
	Now do the same on the lining side leaving an opening about 1 1/2 inches so you can turn the purse.
	It may seem like magic, but turn your purse right side out through the opening in the lining.
	Voila!
	Before you close the lining, you can use the eraser side of a pencil to push out the seams around where the purse frame will be positioned.
	Press the seams around where the purse frame will be positioned.
	Open the clasp and position the fabric into the groove of purse frame on each side.
	I like to secure the frame with a piece of masking tape so it doesn't wiggle around while I am sewing.
	Use embroidery floss to stitch the frame to the fabric.
	Happily, the stitches are almost completely concealed in the groove of the purse frame. More sewing magic, I guess.
	Once the purse frame is attached, use a whipstitch to close the opening at the bottom of the lining.

Your purse is ready to be filled with coins or other small items. I think I might be making another one to hold my knitting accessories (stitch markers, cable needles, stitch counters, etc.). What will you fill your purse with?