How to make a clasp purse

Sewing your own clasp purse is a lot easier than you might think. This project is brilliant when you're short of time and looking for a last-minute gift idea.

This purse is a great gift to make for all ages, and you can easily add extra embellishments or a monogram to make it really personal.

Read on to learn how to make a clasp purse…

How to make a clasp purse: step-by-step instructions

Fabrics used

The fabrics used are from the Les Petits collection by Amy Sinibaldi.
Main fabric: Petits Strokes, Rose.
Lining fabric: Petits Stipples, Rose.

Notes

Use a 1cm (³⁄₈in) seam allowance.

You will need:

Main fabric (20x35cm (8x14in))
Lining fabric (20x35cm (8x14in))
Iron-on interfacing (20x35cm (8x14in))
Sew-in bobble bag clasp (8.5cm (3 3/8in) width)
Stranded content
Matching sewing thread
Basic sewing kit

A striped pink and white coin purse with a clasp sits on a white surface, surrounded by pink-themed items including nail polish, a candle, a bracelet, and a polka-dotted fabric.

Making a pattern

Step 1

Draw around the outside top edge of the purse clasp frame from clasp end to end onto a sheet of paper.

Step 2

Mark a 1cm (³⁄₈in) seam allowance outside your drawn frame top, then extend this away from the purse frame edge to your desired size and shape.

Step 3

Mark where the bag hinges need to go by placing the purse clasp on top of the pattern line, aligning the top of the clasp to the pattern top. Mark 1cm (³⁄₈in) down from where the clasp ends.

Step 4

Mark the centre points at the top and bottom of your pattern.

Making the outer and lining

Step 1

Using your purse template, cut two pieces from the main fabric, lining fabric and the interfacing.

Step 2

Press the interfacing onto the wrong side (WS) of the main fabric pieces.

Step 3

Transfer all the pattern marks onto the WS of the fabrics.

Step 4

Take the two main fabric/interfacing pieces and pin them right sides (RS) together, matching the marks. Sew from clasp point to clasp point all the way around the bottom, leaving the top edge open.

Step 5

Repeat this for the two lining pieces, but leaving a turning gap in the centre of the bottom edge.

Step 6

Box the bottom corners of the main and lining purse sections by refolding to align the side and bottom seams and sewing across them, 1.5cm (⁵⁄₈in) up from the corners. Trim off the excess fabric. How to make a clasp purse step two

Sewing the purse together

Step 1

Turn the purse outer RS out and place it inside the lining so they are RS together, matching the clasp points. Pin into place. How to make a clasp purse step three

Step 2

Sew together carefully around the top of the purse.

Step 3

Clip corners and turn RS out through the turning gap. Slip stitch the gap closed.

Attaching to the frame

Step 1

Using a small pair of closed scissors, carefully push one side of the purse top into one side of the frame, making sure the clasp points align and the bag is pushed in thoroughly. Push pins through the purse fabric and the holes in the frame to hold. Tack into place. Repeat for the other side of the purse.

Step 2

Backstitch the purse to the frame through the holes using stranded cotton. How to make a clasp purse step four

Step 3

Remove the tacking threads. You’ve finished making your purse! Use it to save your pennies or give it to someone special.

Sew your own coin purse this weekend

This beginner-friendly sewing tutorial is the perfect project for those wanting to experiment with using different fixtures and fittings. It's easy once you know how! Make your own mini coin purse, or stitch one for a little one, and you'll have made something that's both practical and pretty.

Here's your next sewing project...

Head over to our how to make a makeup brush roll tutorial to keep your brushes, as well as your coins, safe and sound.

A pink makeup brush roll with polka dots holds four brushes with white and pink bristles. Nearby, a pink lip gloss, a bright pink nail file, and other beauty items are arranged on a white wooden surface.