having fun sewing lined and zippered small purses! instructions included!

 I'm finally feeling well enough to have some fun sewing again!  Spring hay fever took it's toll this year and left me a little under the weather... after a quick trip to the doc and two weeks,  I'm back to my favorite passtime with some photos and my Springtime gift to you...  instructions to share! 

These little purses are the perfect project to use up all your spare sewing scraps... and sew easy once you've made a few! 

They're the perfect "grab & go" size for a trip to the store or an evening out!  enjoy!

Lined, Zippered Change Purse

This pattern makes a change purse that's 4" x 3 1/4" (10 x 8 cm).  By increasing the size of the fabric pieces and the zipper, you could easily make pencil cases, makeup bags or whatever you need a zippered pouch for.  Our finished size will be 7.5” x 5”… large enough for an evening out!

1 You'll need:

4 pieces of fabric that are 5" x 4" (12.5 x 10 cm)…  ours  will be 8.5” x 6”
1 lightweight dress/pant zipper (generally they're 7” long)
matching thread
sewing machine
steam iron & ironing board

2 Zipper to first side

Starting with the outer fabric facing up and the zipper facing down, line up the bottom of the zipper with the edge of the fabric.  Pin zipper carefully to the long edge of the fabric.  At the sewing machine, use a zipper foot; just avoid catching the zipper teeth with the needle.  Sew along the edge of the zipper teeth.  A 1/4" (0.6 cm) seam allowance is provided.

3 Lining to first side

Place the lining piece, face down, on top of the seam from the previous step.  You'll be sandwiching the zipper between the two layers of fabric.  Sew along the zipper edge again using the same seam allowance.  You will not be able to see the zipper, but you'll feel it against the edge of the presser foot.

4 Zipper to second side

Repeat the last two steps with the other side of the zipper and the remaining two pieces of fabric.  

5Create the pouch

 Fold and press 1/2" (1.2 cm) along the bottom edge of the lining pieces.  Open zipper half way.  With right sides facing and seam allowances pressed towards the lining, stitch around the change purse leaving the folded edge open.  It's a good idea to reinforce (backstitch 3 stitches then continue sewing forward at the zipper and corners.  Turn right side out being careful not to poke the corners too hard. 

6Finish

 Edge stitch the opening shut and tuck the lining back inside the change purse.