MAKING YOUR TEMPLATE
We have included an outline of your Vintage Purse Frame to help you make your template in all of the packaging of our vintage purse frames. You can decide the shape that your purse will be, making sure your purse pattern is wider than the frame and you have added your seam allowance.
CUTTING AND PINNING YOUR FABRIC
Once you have designed your template, pin it to your purse fabric and cut out your pattern twice, repeat this step with your lining fabric, making the lining slightly smaller. You now have two outer pieces and two inner lining fabric pieces. Pin your purse fabric together with the right sides facing one another.
SEWING YOUR FABRIC
Mark on your fabric where your purse frame hinges will sit. Repeat with your lining fabric.
Sew your lining fabric around the bottom edge between the two hinge marks leaving an opening no smaller than 4cm at the bottom (you will use this opening to pull your purse fabric through when you are ready to glue your frame). Repeat the process with your purse fabric but this time do not leave a gap. Turn your purse fabric bag inside out and press.
MAKING A BASE SHAPE
If you want to make a base shape, pull the front and back of your purse fabric away from each other at the corners making a diamond shape. Bring the seams together so they sit on top of each other and pin to secure.
Sew a 3cm long seam across the corner to make a triangle shape and form your base. Trim the corner down to reduce bulk. Repeat on the other corner, and then on the lining purse.
ATTACHING YOUR PURSE AND LINING FABRIC TOGETHER
Now you are ready to attach your two bags together. Turn your purse fabric bag inside out and press.
Take the lining fabric bag, which will have the seams on the outside and place your purse fabric bag inside so they are right sides facing.
Line up the two bags so that the top edges of your purse and lining fabric are matching and pin together. Sew the top edges together from the point where the hinge will be. Repeat on the other side.
Carefully pull your purse fabric through the hole in your lining fabric. Push the lining bag into the purse fabric bag and smooth out.
Sew up the hole in your lining fabric using a slip stitch and press.
GLUING AND FINISHING
It’s now time to attach your frame, test the fabric fits then prepare for gluing.
Open the purse frame and add glue to the inner channel on one side, working from hinge to hinge. Wait for a few minutes for the glue to become tacky. If you are worried about making a mess, we recommend using masking tape on the fabric edge to protect it from any glue spills.
Insert your purse into to the frame starting with the edges, hinges first, then work your way around to the top. Remember to wipe off any excess glue immediately.
Insert your butter knife into the hole in your fabric and use the knife to push the top edge of your purse bag into the frame. Take your time to push the fabric well up into the frame, using a butter knife will help you do this, making sure you check the lining side is even as you go.
If you find that there are gaps in between your purse fabric and frame, you can always fill this using string. Just make sure the string is placed on the inside of your purse frame so it is not visible from the exterior.
Leave the side to dry for a few hours before repeating the process on the other half of your purse.
