Ribbon Zippered Purse

Do you love pretty ribbons and trims? We have a large ribbon collection with many novelty ribbons that rarely get used. Making a ribbon zippered purse is a great opportunity to use some of our pretty ribbons. It was fun co-ordinating a few different designs to add to the front of this zippered purse.  We chose some pink and blue woven ribbons and partnered them with pink and blue gingham.

This ribbon zippered purse is based on our Emergency Zippered pouch tutorial. It is a handy size to stow a few supplies in your handbag – coins, lip balm, or other small supplies that you don’t want to get lost amongst the contents of your handbag.

If you would like to make your own ribbon zippered purse, follow our simple directions.

Materials:

• selection of ribbons in different widths.
• 2 rectangles of blue gingham, measuring 5 x 3 inches for purse exterior
• 2 rectangles of pink gingham, measuring 5 x 3 inches for purse interior
• 2 rectangles of white flannel, measuring 5 x 3 inches for wadding
• 4 inch zipper
• 1 split ring

 Method:

1. Layer a piece of flannel under the gingham exterior. Pin strips of ribbon to the gingham, leaving 1/4 inch clearance at the top and bottom of the flannel.Stitch the ribbon in place using a small stitch length of 2.

2. Cut a piece of striped grosgrain ribbon that is 4 inches in length. Fold over the split ring and baste in place as shown in the photo below.

3. Stitch the sipper to the top of the purse front. Press and topstitch close to the zipper as shown.Repeat for the other side of the purse. (We chose to keep the back of our zippered purse plain but you could add more ribbon to the back as desired.

4. Using a cotton reel as a template, use a water erasable pen to draw rounded corners. Cut around the bottom corners of the purse. Fold the purse in half with right sides facing and with the zip open. Stitch along the sides and bottom. Use the zigzag stitch along the raw edges.

5. Place the pink gingham rectangles together with the right sides facing. Round the bottom corners of the lining as you did for the exterior of the purse. Stitch along the sides and bottom of the lining. Fold down 1/4 around the opening of the lining and press. Refer to photo below.

6. Turn the outside of the purse out the right way and press. Pin the lining in place on the inside of the purse. Hand stitch in place.

7. Add a charm to the zipper pull if desired.

You can find our Emergency Zippered pouch Tutorial over here.