This project was designed by KathrynV. Info can be found at:
Felted Purse
Instructions
The beauty of using an old wool sweater that has been felted is that you can UPcycle something that is moth-eaten- like the sweater I bought at Goodwill- and the thick felted fabric hides a multitude of sewing sins! You can topstitch, baste, embroider, mess it up with whatever creative idea you have and it turns out great! Whohoo!
The concept allows for a huge amount of flexibility- trust me on this as I changed my mind about four times as I was making this purse! You basically just decide on the shape of the bag you wish to make. I scrounged for ideas by looking at bag shapes on the interwebs. Make a paper pattern so you are sure you can get ALL the pieces out of your shrunken wool sweater BEFORE you start cutting! lol Zippers are optional and leaving them out make the project easier.
Cut out matching pieces for the lining. Construct the bag portion first. Add any embellishments to the outside of the bag before you go any further. If your bag has a flat bottom, you may want to fuse some extra-stiff interfacing to the bottom to help give it stability.
Construct the lining. BUT FIRST, I made a fabric loop and put the loop-swivel clasp through the fabric loop and basted the ends into the side of the purse. I can't STAND my keys falling to the bottom of my bag so I was determined to add the clasp! THEN, sew the front and backs of the lining together.
Next, sew the lining and the outside of the bag together putting right sides together and leaving an opening to turn it right-side out. Slip stitch the opening.
Add the tabs for the jump rings for the handle OR use a purchased handle and sew them on after the body is constructed. I made a matching coin purse out of the pockets from the sweater (sew the zipper to both tops, press the pockets together and topstitch around the exterior!
If you have ANY questions, please contact me and I will be happy to walk you through the project.The beauty of using an old wool sweater that has been felted is that you can UPcycle something that is moth-eaten- like the sweater I bought at Goodwill- and the thick felted fabric hides a multitude of sewing sins! You can topstitch, baste, embroider, mess it up with whatever creative idea you have and it turns out great! Whohoo!
A wool sweater from Goodwill;
Beads from Scrap- a crafty salvage recycler in Portland, OR;
Leftover pink and white toile;
Two big jump rings and two small jump rings;
One loop-swivel snap;
One 12" purse zipper and one 6" simple zipper
What was your inspiration?
I saw a funky pattern for a purse made from an old sweater and thought it would be a fun project!
What are you most proud of?
The beaded pattern which made the necessary seam in the middle of the purse look like it was on purpose!
What advice would you give someone starting this project?
Draw everything out before you begin to cut so you are sure you have enough "fabric". Don't be afraid to go a little crazy with your creativity as felted wool is very forgiving and hides a LOT of mistakes. :)
Add your comment: