Purse From Pockets

from pockets to purse

Posted by Irieblossom

About

I saved the pockets from some cargo pants, detached all the seams and used each piece as its own pattern for the lining. joined each piece to it's lining and then just followed the marks from the original seams to sew pockets back together.
I added a basting to the raw edges to give it a more finished look.
Then I just sewed the two pockets to each other.
Added a strap and made my own button toggle.

I LOVE IT!

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You Will Need (8 things)

  • Scissors
  • Needle
  • Sewing Machine
  • Thread
  • Seam Ripper
  • 2 Cargo Pockets / Trousers at least
  • 1 Button(s)
  • 1 Keychain

Steps (19 steps, 240 minutes)

  1. 1

  2. 2

    Look at your pockets and try to visualize what you want your bag to look like.

  3. 3

    The pockets I had came with straps for some other function that I was able to sew together and use as the strap.

  4. 4

    The pants I took these from also had 2 smaller pockets I was able to use on this bag.

    If I hadn't had these I might have made appliques or used a stencil for decorative purposes.

  5. 5

    Choose the fabric you want as your lining.

  6. 6

    Rip out all of the seams from the original stich.

  7. 7

    Iron flat all of the pieces you are going to be working with.

  8. 8

    Lay piece on top of your lining fabric, wrong sides together.

  9. 9

    pin and cut.

  10. 10

    sew down all of your edges at about 1/4 in. from edge.

    Pin down pocket hem. Sew down.

    pin each piece of the pocket, you want to join, good sides together.

    Sew seam 1/4 inch from edge around each side of the bag.

  11. 11

    Measure out enough (i think it's called) basting to cover your raw edges.

  12. 12

    stitch it in by hand al the way around leaving 1/2 inch of basting at top of each side, as play for creating nice tucked in ends.

  13. 13

    this time sew in 1/2 inch from the edge to cover your hand stich and add strength to the bag.

  14. 14

    each side should look something like this.

  15. 15

    if you have pockets or patches you want to add, find their placement and attach them now.

    *or if you want a reversable bag do this to the side you want it on before you sew it to the lining.

  16. 16

    before sewing both sides of the bag together iron down seam edge.

  17. 17

    pin both sides of the bag together and sew.

  18. 18

    flip bag inside out and hand stich new raw edge.

  19. 19

    Figure out if you bag needs any last touches and determine what type of closure you want for your bag, if any.

    Good luck!