DIY FRINGE PURSE (TONS OF PICTURES)

Hi Everyone:

I decided to make this bag this weekend. I saw it over at thatblackchic.com. I thought is was gorge. She didn't have clear instructions so I just decided to remake it and show you how I did mine.

READ MORE for Detailed instructions with pictures.

Here are the supplies you need. I made my own pattern. The top of the pattern is 15" and then I drew the curve. You can make it what ever size you want. Make sure you buy a zipper to match the size of the straight end of the bag.

-2-3 pieces of fabric (depending on size), suede, leather - one is for the purse and the other for fringe.
-a yard or less of fabric for the lining
-leather needles for machine
-scissors (use paper scissors)
-15 inch zipper
-poster board (to make pattern)
-paper clips
-pins
-sewing machine

I bought soft suede leather at Tandy Leather. The pieces were $16 each. I initially bought two pieces. I ended up having to go back and get another piece because I didn't want my fringe to look thin or skimpy.

I folded one piece of my suede leather in half with right sides together. I laid my pattern on top and and cut it out.

Next, I took a piece of leather and start cutting my fringe. I needed for one side of my purse 32 inches of leather. So I cut (2) 16 x 11 inch pieces.

I felt like my fringe was too fat so I cut them again (took me forever) to make them skinnier.

Then I cut my lining with the same pattern.

I drew a small piece for the ends of my zipper. It is 2.5 x 1.5. Cut it out.

Lay on leather. and Cut (2)

Just showing my zipper. :)

This is what I did with the 2 pieces that I just cut. They will fit on each end of zipper like this.

Go to the sewing machine and sew down with one clean stitch across.

Now we will add the zipper to our suede and lining. Right sides together lay the zipper on the front side of suede face down. (Shown above)

Lay your lining on top face down.

I pinned mine. My suede was pretty thin.

I took it to the machine put my zipper foot down and stitched it.

It should look like this.

View of back side.

Now, do the same thing for the other side.

This is what it should look like when you have both zippers sewn down.

Now lay your fringe. Right sides together!!! I pinned it around my bag. Make sure you keep the fringe in the middle. maybe use a paper clip or rubber band, I didn't and a few of my fringes got stuck later as I put the bag together.

This is what it looked like when I did one side, I wanted my fringe to be thicker so I cut more fringe for the other side,

This is what it should look like when you are done. When you are stitching the fringe to your suede pieces, keep the lining out the way. It does not get stitched yet.

Now go and stitch about 3/8 around. Maybe even 1/4 inch. Remember to keep the fringe out the way.

I am using a leather needle. Although the suede I am using is not thick. I am stitching a lot of layers.

Funny angle but this is how the fringe should look when you are done.

Now you will fold it over.... Right sides together.

Pin your lining and leave about a 9 inch opening. (this is the opening you will pull your bag through once you have sewn everything.

Now, do the bag side. MAKE SURE ALL FRINGE IS INSIDE AND OUT THE WAY of the stitching that is about to happen. BEFORE YOU PIN DOWN.... make sure you unzip the zipper about 1/2 way down.