zippered gusset purse
Here’s the course to help you overcome your fear of sewing zippers! And create a beautiful pouch to store all your crafting supplies.
I must admit that I spent a good while (too long) in my early days of sewing being a bit scared of sewing zippers.
They always seemed to be wonky and not as I wanted them to be. I’m all for have some messy and imperfection in my creative work, but there are times when I do want the lines to look good and, well, line up. Zippers is one of these times.
So I spent time (and lots of unpicking and mistake making), and finally worked out how to make little purses with zippers that look neat and tidy and aren’t too tricky either!
Combined with a gusset, this purse is perfect to hold your sewing or crafting supplies, or everyday needs for taking our with you. I have many of these (some hand sewn, some machine sewn) filled with all sorts of things.
Hand or machine stitch your own zippered purse. What will you carry in yours?
Create your purse with a piece of beautiful fabric or slow stitch and quilt the purse before you sew the zipper on. This project is such an excellent way to make use and show off those fabrics you really do love. While using them every day.
What tools and materials will I need for this course?
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The wonderful thing about this project is that you only need small pieces of fabric. Use some scraps and special pieces from your collections.
You can also use some wadding to make it a bit thicker if you’d like.
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Zipper - I’ve used a 18cm zip in the project, but you can make the purse in any size that you want by simply using a larger or smaller zip. See if you can unpick a zip off an upcycled item of clothing.
NEEDLES for hand stitching in various sizes. The size depends on what fabric or threads you’re using. I often use Sashiko needles as I use thicker fabrics, but embroidery needles are great too. I say use what you have, experiment, see what works.
PINS - glass headed and fine sharp point are good. As well as safety pins for basting your quilt. You can get special quilt pins which are slightly curved, but regular safety pins are ok too.
THREADS Again this depends on the fabric that you’re using and the process with which your quilting / stitching. Read my blog post here for what I like using.
Tape measure and scissors (sewing + embroidery).
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You can use a sewing machine if you’d like, but the videos show you how to hand stitch this purse. So, no sewing machine required.
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Sewing scissors - large for cutting fabric and smaller for snipping threads.
THIMBLES really help a lot with slow stitching, especially if you’re using thicker fabric. I suggest you try out some different ones and see what you like best. But I’ve found that a harder plastic on my ring finger and a soft plastic on my thumb. Some people like using a traditional metal thimble, some like using a leather one.
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How to insert a zipper into a fabric purse, hand sewn or using your sewing machine.
How to create a gusset in the purse so it has a base and can stand up.
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This is an online video course. I host all the courses on Teachable, which you can access via your desktop or device, as well as their app.
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You’ll get lifetime access to all my courses, and can watch them whenever you want. This is an on-demand video course.
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Due to the digital nature of my courses I don’t offer a refund. But of course I always want you to be happy, so if you feel the course isn’t as described please contact me.
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Oh, yes, send me an email and I’ll help you out. ellie@petalplum.com.au
The slow mindful process of hand stitching allows you to connect with an inner quiet, that is often missing in today’s fast-paced world.
My way of working with process over perfection means that you’ll be able to listen to your breath while your hands and the story evolve as you continue the conversation with your fabric.
Let’s do this together!
Embrace your own creativity, do away with perfectionism & make something delightfully joyful.
Hi, I’m Ellie
I’m a textile artist & maker, a creativity coach, web-designer & mentor, a writer, photographer & soul-sharer.
I have online courses, in-person workshops and 1-to-1 sessions
Are you ready to delve into the gentle, good, slow work of making, creating and sharing?
Let’s make a pot of tea and share our stories together.
