Learn to Make a Denim Rag Quilt Purse

A denim rag quilt purse makes a beautiful fashion accessory. You can even customize your denim rag quilt purse with embellishments to create a one of a kind design. Give it a whimsical look or make it look like, an elegant designer bag. A beautiful denim rag quilt purse that you have created yourself, would make a wonderful gift idea.

Materials

denim fabric
cotton fabric
quilt batting
scissors
thread
needle
sewing machine
thin elastic
button
embellishments (optional)

Directions

To start your denim rag quilt purse, begin by cutting 6 - 8" squares of denim fabric and 6 - 8" squares of cotton fabric. Next cut 6 - 6" squares of quilt batting. Lay down a 8" cotton square wrong side up and place a 6" square of batting on top. Now place a 8" denim square on top with the wrong side facing down. Make six fabric sandwiches in this same manner. You will be using 4 full squares, 2 for each side of the rag quilt purse. The 2 remaining squares will be cut in half to make the sides and the bottom of the purse.

Now you are ready to quilt the squares. Starting at one corner, sew a diagonal line to the opposite corner. Next sew another diagonal line on the remaining corners. You should now have an X sewn onto the square. Continue sewing 3 more squares in the same manner. Next, cut the 2 (unsewn) remaining squares (fabric sandwiches) in half. You will now have 4 - 4" X 8" sections. Sew them with an X just like the full size squares.

Once you have finished quilting the squares, you will begin to assemble your denim rag quilt purse. Lay 2 - 8" squares together, with the cotton sides facing each other. Sew a 1" seam down one side. Repeat this step again with the last 2 - 8" squares. The sides of the purse are ready and can be set a side for a minute.

Next, take two of the 4" X 8" sections and lay them with the denim sides facing each other, sew a 1" seam across the 4" width. This will create one long strip of fabric measuring, 14" long, that will be used for the bottom of the purse. Now grab the sides of the purse that you set a side. Lay the bottom strip lengthwise across the bottom, of one of the side sections with the cotton fabric facing each other. Sew a 1" seam across the bottom. Follow the same procedure to attach the other side of the purse. Make sure the seams are facing out, the only inside seam should be the seam where the two strips were attached on the purse bottom.

Now sew the 2 remaining, 4" x 8" sections on each end of the denim rag quilt purse. Again sewing a 1" seam on all 3 sides, with the seams facing outside of the purse. The denim as well as the rag seams, should be facing the outside of the denim rag quilt purse. The inside should now be smoothly lined with the cotton fabric. Sew a 1" seam all the way around the top of the denim rag quilt purse.

To make a strap for your denim rag quilt purse, cut a strip of denim fabric and cotton fabric 3" wide by whatever length you want. Lay the strips on top of each other, with the back of the fabrics together. Sew a 1/2" seam all the way around the strap. To attach the strap to the purse, lay one end of the strap on the outside of one end making sure to position it in the center. Sew the strap to the purse, making a small X. Attach the other end of the strap, to the other side of the purse, the same way.

To add a button closure to your denim rag quilt purse. Sew a button to the inside of the purse about an inch or so from the top. Cut a small piece of thin elastic and make a loop. Sew the loop of elastic inside (by hand) across from the button. Wrap the loop over the button to close your denim rag quilt purse.

Take the scissors and snip all of the outside seam allowances every 1/4" (be careful not to cut through the sewn seam). Snipping the seam allowances, will help with the fraying process. You have finished sewing your denim rag quilt purse. Now wash the purse and throw it into the dryer, this will further enhance the frayed seams. After removing the denim rag quilt purse from the dryer, comb the frayed seams with your fingers and trim the fringe to even it out if necessary.

Tips: If you would like to embellish your denim rag quilt purse, after washing and drying. Add ribbon, bows, rhinestones, beads etc. Either sew them on by hand or use hot glue.