Free Purse Pattern

Materials for Purses

Before we delve into the world of free purse patterns, you need to start seeing the possibilities for purse and handbag materials that are all around you. You can make a purse out of just about any kind of fabric. This includes bandanas, old T-shirts, plastic bags, and scraps of silk from your last sewing project.

In fact, if you really get excited about making your own purses, you might want to start keeping a grab bag of random fabric bits and buttons, tassels, or other embellishments. This kind of grab bag is great for the kids to play with, too.

Basic Patterns

Perhaps the easiest free purse pattern out there is this one from Hancock Fabrics. All it requires is two pieces of fleece which you fringe and tie together to make the body of the purse. This is a great idea because fleece is inexpensive and durable so you can use it to make many different purses to go with different outfits if you like.

If you'd like to do a little sewing to make your purse, here is a free purse pattern made out of a placemat. You could follow this same procedure with any rectangular piece of fabric, so get creative.

A truly amazing site for just about any kind of free purse pattern you might be looking for is HGTV. This site has a whopping 55 different purse patterns made from all sorts of materials, from polymer clay to duct tape, ties to ribbon. Knit a purse, quilt a purse or sew a purse; there are tons of great ideas here!

More Sources for Free Purse Patterns

When you're ready to move beyond the basics, there are many more free purse patterns you can find out there in the world. Here are just a few sites you'll want to look through:

• Savvy Seams has a great "choose your own adventure" messenger bag pattern.
• Kwik Sew offers (in PDF) a simple clutch pattern with piped seams.
• Craft and Fabric Links has a pattern for a basic handbag with an outside pocket.
• Joann has a great quilted handbag, plus lots of other cute bags for you to enjoy.
• Kara has a cute gingham purse pattern.
• Henrietta's Handbags has a pattern for a basic tote bag.

Altering Your Purse

Any pattern for any type of project is merely a suggestion, of course. It's not too difficult to change up a free purse pattern to make it your own. Here are some ideas:

• Change the fabric
• Change the color
• Turn it inside out
• Make it bigger or smaller
• Use a different material--such as a sheet, tablecloth, placemat, T-shirt or anything else you've got around the house

Finally, don't be afraid to make your own patterns. If you have a purse you love, or see a purse in a magazine that you really like, make your own pattern and see what happens. You might not end up with an exact copy of the purse you had your eye on, but that makes it even better because you know your design is completely unique.