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Learn the principles of drawing your own template for metal purse frames
If you have ever fancied trying to make one of those really cute metal framed purses but are not sure where to start, then this tutorial will walk you though the steps to create your own template for any size of frame.

This tutorial links with my other tutorial on how to sew one together - so once you have the template you can make them again and again.

The tutorial is based on a 10cm wide frame but the principles are the same for any size.

Posted by Lauren G. • Published 30th December 2015 • See Lauren G.'s 7 projects »

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Luna D. favorited How To Draft Your Own Pattern To Make A Metal Frame Purse 25 Apr 07:12
Gina g. added How To Draft Your Own Pattern To Make A Metal Frame Purse to Accessories- Sewing 29 Jan 09:24
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Lauren G. published her project How To Draft Your Own Pattern To Make A Metal Frame Purse 30 Dec 09:00

Step 1
Draw around the top of your frame and mark the centre point.
Step 2
Pivot your frame around the corner point so that it sits about 1" out from the vertical line that you drew before, and mark where the very bottom of the hinge sits. The reason you do this step is so that you end up with that little fold that will cover the bottom of your hinges and make it nice and easy to open the purse without putting too much tension on the fabric. If you are using a frame smaller that 4" you might want to make the amount that you pivot out a little less, if a bigger frame, then a little more.
Step 3
Now extend the diagonal line you just drew by 3/8" to allow for seam allowance and ease.
Step 4
Fold your paper in half down the center line of the purse and cut out the outline you have just drawn.
Step 5
Fold in half and trace the diagonal line onto the other side of your pattern to ensure that they are symmetrical.
Step 6
Next measure the depth of the purse down the centre line. For this 4" frame I made it 41/2" but think about how much you want to be able to put in the purse....a credit card, loose change, travel card etc. Just make sure you add on an extra 1/2" or so to allow the purse to have depth.
Step 7
Measure the distance between the ends of the two diagonal lines that form the top of the pattern piece.
Step 8
Take 1/2" off this distance to give you the width of the purse along the bottom edge. Then using the centre line draw in the bottom length of the purse.

You will notice that the purse tapers in slightly towards the bottom, this is supposed to happen and helps that purse have a more balanced look when completed.

This gives you the block pattern piece, including seam allowance, that you can now use as a template to construct the purse. I used the same size for the lining but take a slightly larger seam allowance so that the lining doesn't end up too baggy.