simple bias tape purse - TUTORIAL

I got a new bias tape machine (thanks Marjean!) that's been waiting for me to have the time to test it out!  So today, babysitting again, I put it to use.

I let Lenna and Olivia each pick their fabric from my scrap shoe-box (like we did with their valentines).

I was surprised at how cute the fabric they chose looked together!

Both of the fabrics that Livie chose happened to be from Dana when I helped at the ALT SUMMIT, she has good taste

I cut four pieces 6"x7" (two for the outside, two for the lining), and a 2" strip of a contrasting fabric about 50" long for the binding.

If you've never made bias tape, you can see my tutorial HERE.  But I was spoiled, and got to whip it through my nifty machine!

Really, really awesome!

Once your bias tape is ready, take one outer piece and one lining, and line them up with wrong-sides-together, so you see the pretty side of each fabric.  Sew bias tape along the top edge (6").  You do this by sandwiching the raw edge of your fabric inside of the bias tape and folding the bias tape in half.

 Do this to both sets.

Now take the rest of your bias tape and fold it in half.  Sew the ends together with the right sides (no raw edges) together.  This will make one big loop.

I know it looks twisted, but it isn't.

Now line your two purse pieces together with the linings facing each other,

and start sewing your bias tape on starting at the top corner of the purse.

When you get to the corner you'll need to pivot.  Just stop with your needle down near the edge (1), lift your presser foot (2), turn your fabric 90 degrees (3), fold your bias tape back down and lower your presser foot (4).

Continue sewing all the way around the purse.  When you get to the end, just keep folding the remainder of the bias tape down and sewing it together to make your strap.

When you get back to your starting point, back-stitch to reinforce your stitching, and clip!

Aren't they great?   I made them two different lengths... mostly because I didn't measure my bias tape strips before I started making the purses.  I like it both ways though!

Lined and everything.

 

After I made them, I realized that both girls had picked fabrics that matched their coats... what are the odds!  So I made them put on their coats for a picture, at which time Lenna insisted on wearing her hat (which is technically my hat, but I lost claim to it a while ago). And yup, that's really how Lenna smiles for the camera.

They love them.  Almost as much as they love each other.