Okay, so I’ve been wanting a hobo purse for a while, but they’re kinda pricey. So, I thought, “Why not just make one myself?” I’m no sewing expert, but I figured I could handle it. It turned out to be a fun little project! Here’s how it went:
Gathering My Supplies
First, I needed to get all my stuff together. I grabbed:
- Some fabric: I used some sturdy cotton canvas I had leftover from another project. I Needed about a yard.
- Lining fabric: I used some soft cotton.
- A zipper: Gotta keep my stuff secure! I Chose a 14-inch zipper.
- Thread: Matching the fabric, of course.
- Scissors: The sharper, the better.
- Pins: Lots and lots of pins.
- Sewing machine: Obviously. I Borrowed my mom’s.
- Pattern: Free pattern that I found online, and I printed it out and taped it together.
- Iron and ironing board: for crisp edges.
Cutting the Fabric
I printed out the pattern. Then, I pinned the pattern pieces to my fabric and carefully cut them out. I did the same for the lining fabric. I had four pieces total: two for the outer bag and two for the lining.
Sewing the Main Pieces
Next, I took the two outer fabric pieces and pinned them together, right sides facing each other. I sewed along the curved edges, leaving the top open. I did the same thing with the lining pieces, but I left a small opening at the bottom of the lining for turning the bag right side out later. I Ironed the seams to make them look nice and neat.
Attaching the Zipper
This was the trickiest part, at least for me! I pinned the zipper to the top edges of the outer fabric, right sides together. I used my sewing machine’s zipper foot to sew it in place. Then, I did the same with the lining, making sure everything lined up properly.
Putting It All Together
I placed the lining inside the outer bag, right sides together. I pinned the top edges together, all around the zipper. Then, I sewed along the top edge, securing the lining and the outer bag together.
Turning and Finishing
Remember that opening I left in the lining? I reached through it and carefully pulled the entire bag right side out. It took a bit of wiggling, but it worked! Then, I sewed the opening in the lining closed.
Making the Strap
Used the leftover fabric to make a long strap.
I cut out a long, rectangular piece of fabric. I fold it, and sew along the long edge, creating a tube. Turned the tube right side out. Ironed it flat. Sewed it securely on.
The Grand Finale!
And that’s it! I had my very own, handmade hobo purse. It’s not perfect, but I made it, and that’s what matters. It’s the perfect size for carrying my everyday essentials, and I love the fabric I chose. Plus, I saved a bunch of money by making it myself. Win-win!