For a more unique purse, make the panels trapezoids instead, where the bottom edge is longer than the top, and the side edges slant upwards. You can use regular cardboard for this, but thin cardboard, like what you’d get from a cereal box, would give you a neater finish.
For example, if your front and back panels are 7 inches (18 cm) long, then your bottom panel should be 7 by 2 3⁄4 inches (17. 8 by 7. 0 cm). Use a pen and ruler to draw this rectangle, and a metal ruler and craft blade to cut it out.
For example, you could make your front flap 18. 5 by 10 centimetres (7. 3 by 3. 9 in). The shape of the bottom edge is up to you. You can make it rectangular, rounded, pointed, etc.
If you made the front flap pointed or rounded, position the shaped edge on the outside of your rectangle.
Use masking tape or duct tape; it sticks the best to cardboard. Don’t use clear tape or scotch tape because it doesn’t stick as well.
It is easier to trace a flat, unassembled purse than a 3D, assembled purse.
Don’t use hot glue for this because it will create too much bulk.
If you really want a lighter-colored lining, then consider linen or thick satin. This way, the cardboard won’t show through as much.
You won’t be doing any actual sewing here, but you still need the seam allowances so that you can hem them nicely.
The fabric may peel away from the cardboard as you glue. If that happens, just clip it in place with clothespins. You can also tape it down temporarily. Don’t use binder clips to hold the edges of the fabric down. They are too strong and will create dents.
Make sure that your outer fabric is at least 1 mm thick. If the material is too light, the structure of your purse might not hold up. Heavy cotton, hemp, linen, eco-leather, and textured fabrics are all good options.
The side panels won’t have any lining. If you want lined panels, repeat this step with the lining material.
The wrong side of the fabric is the same as the back. It’s the side without any prints on it. If you’re using satin, then it’s the dull side. You only need to do this if you are lining the side panels. If you aren’t lining the side panels, skip this step. You can also fuse the lining panels to the outer panels with spray adhesive.
For a nicer finish, fold the hem over a second time and glue it down as well. You can sew this portion of the purse. Fold and iron the hem twice by 1⁄4 inch (0. 64 cm), then sew it using a straight stitch on your sewing machine.
The hemmed top edge of the side panel needs to be level with the top edge of the back panel. Hot glue will work the best for this, but you can use fabric glue too. Don’t use regular liquid glue; it doesn’t dry fast enough.
You need to be able to open the purse by 2 3⁄4 inches (7. 0 cm) or whatever the width of the bottom panel is. The side panels should look like rectangles, not triangles. If they look like triangles, you won’t be able to open your purse.
The bottom edges of the side panels will develop little flaps or wings. Fold and glue these down onto the bottom panel as well.
This is just like how you did the lining. Be a little more careful here, however; poster paper is more flexible than cardboard, and you don’t want to warp it.
After the front flap, do the back panel. Move onto the bottom panel, then do the front panel last. Focus the glue on the edges of each panel. This will prevent peeling and unsightly gaps. Don’t apply any glue to the seams between the panels.
You don’t have to do this, but it will help conceal the gap between the lining and the outer fabric. Thin cording and ribbon work the best for this. Use a contrasting color to make the trim stand out. If your purse has a print on it, match the trim to the print.
Use white Velcro for light-colored fabrics and black Velcro for dark. You should still glue self-adhessive Velcro. The glue on that kind of Velcro is not very strong.
Add a ribbon bow to the top corner of your purse for a cute touch. Mimic a closure by adding a large rhinestone or button to the center of the flap. Outline prints with puffy paint or glitter glue. Create your own pattern with stencils and fabric paint or fabric markers.
Make the ends of the handle 1 to 2 inches (2. 5 to 5. 1 cm) away from the edges of the purse. You can make a shoulder strap instead. Just make the ribbon longer, wider, and glue it to the top edges of the side panels instead.
