The Crafty Part

Things you will need:

• place mat
• sewing machine or needle and thread
• ruler
• scissors
• pre-made handles, canvas strapping, or an old belt.

The placemats I found all measured roughly the same (13 inches by 19 inches) so those are the measurements I will use for this tutorial. The size doesn't matter so much as long as they are rectangular with straight sides and an attractive fabric.


To make the purse you will fold the placemat in half right sides together.


Next you sew up the two sides leaving the top open. (I know that it looks like I didn't sew that drawing all the way to the top, but I did. The hangy threads are just to show that the red is thread).


The next part is trickier. To make the bottom of the purse square you start by pinching one edge together.


From the side it will make an obvious triangle. You simply sew straight across the triangle perpendicular to the side seam at whatever height you prefer in order to get the desired shape.


If you wish at this point you can cut off the excess corner. Turn the purse right side out and the body is complete.

After the body is complete you can add handles following the manufactures directions or use canvas strapping or even an old belt to make one or two handles. You may even want to add a 'frog' or other decorative closure.

Because this project is so quick and so inexpensive you could easily make a different purse to go with any outfit.