Supply List

Designing Your Perfect Purse

Lily Kerns, Instructor

 

 

The exact amount needed will depend on what you make, but in most cases a half yard each of outer fabric, lining fabric and appropriate interfacings will make a single purse.  Since we have several projects to get you warmed up and familiar with the techniques, I recommend at least a yard of each of outer fabric and lining.

Fabric

Almost any fabric, from fine silk or quilt fabric to denim or tent fabric, can be used for some kind of a purse as long as the lighter fabrics are supported by the right interfacings.  If you choose heavier fabrics, be sure that your sewing machine can handle them.  Lining fabric can be various types and will depend on the outside fabric, the amount of use your purse will get and the look you wish to achieve.

Interfacings

You should have some of several different interfacings in light, medium and heavy weights plus a half yard of extra heavy interfacing, such as Peltex, the kind used for making fabric bowls.  Other things such as plastic canvas or craft board from scrapbook stores or stationers can be used for support and stiffening.  Stencil plastic, notebook dividers, even thin plastic cutting boards from the kitchen wares department can serve this purpose, since you can just sew around it instead of through it.

Hardware

You can find hardware designed for purses at many craft stores as well as online, but you can also use hook and loop tape, zippers, buttons, snaps and hooks and eyes from the dressmaking department, tassels from the home decorator department and a variety of possibilities from scrapbook, sporting goods and hardware stores.  You can also recycle hardware from purses and bags found in thrift stores.  Be creative! Check the Resource Page in class for online sources of both fabric and hardware.  I would not purchase anything until you decide what your purse will need.

    
Simple insert and Quick Trip Essentials with wrist strap

Notions

It will be hard to purchase these items in advance, but this gives you an idea of the kinds of things you will need.  The colors and amounts will vary, depending on what you are making.

Seam binding: Ribbon, twill tape, commercial bias tape, Seams Great or make your own.

Hook and loop tape, sew-in type for fabric.  If you can find Velcro’s new fabric glue for Velcro, try that, too.

If you can find them, rare-earth magnets (neodymium. ) These are stronger than the ready-made magnetic snaps.

Zippers of various lengths in matching or contrasting colors.  The 7" zipper is good for pockets, heavier and longer ones for purse closings.  Coats and Clark makes a special purse zipper with double tabbed sliders if you can find them.  You may also be able to find zippers by the yard.  Get the ones with sliders already attached if you can.  Remember, zippers can be shortened but not lengthened.

Assorted purse hardware as needed, such as sliders, snaps, magnets, handles, feet.

Embellishment materials as desired.  Quilt University classes offer a wide variety of materials and techniques that can be incorporated into purse embellishment.

Optional but Useful

Glue sticks.  Buy two and store one in the freezer or refrigerator and use alternately for a crisper application of glue.  Elmer’s washable glue sticks are good for temporary basting.  Extra thick craft glues may also be useful.

Chalk, pens, or pencils for marking on fabric

A can of clear, matte or satin finish spray paint or acrylic varnish.  This protects fabric and can also be used to stiffen lighter materials. 

Scotch Guard for protecting the finished purse. 

The Clover Craft Iron II.  The little wire stand that comes with it is practically useless, so spend the money for the red holder that stores the extra tips you can purchase. 

Paper towels, muslin or other fabrics or lightweight card stock for experimenting and pattern making.  I get the 12" card stock from the scrapbook store when I find it on sale.

Masking tape, duct tape, painters tape and transparent tape are often useful

OUTLINE

Lesson One: Getting started

Note: Optional projects are optional but do contain additional construction and detail information.

Lesson Two: Pockets Galore

By the end of this lesson, you should know the construction type and size of your perfect purse and be ready to gather the materials needed

Lesson Three: Making your Perfect Practical Purse

Lesson Four: Making your Fashion Purse

 You may check the Class Supply Glossary in the Library for generic descriptions of products that may be sold under various names in different countries. 

If you have trouble finding your supplies locally in the US, many of our items are available online at Batiks Etcetera & Sew What Fabrics.  International students can check our Class Supply Sources.