SINGER® “Yarn” Purse
Create the look of hand knitting with your sewing machine! The first part of these instructions explains the
technique for creating “yarn-textured fabric”. Follow the second part for the construction of the purse.
Shopping List:
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Cut a paper pattern piece, 15” x 21”
Yarn (One 100-yard skein “chenille” used in photo)
One 17” x 23” tulle/netting, coordinating color
One 15” x 21” fabric for purse lining
Two 17” x 23” pieces of water-soluble stabilizer
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Two 18” home dec cords or webbing for handles*
Chalk pencil for marking fabric
All purpose thread to match yarn
One large button
Darning/Embroidery foot
*If desired, you can also create handles by covering home decorating cording with fabric.
Sewing Directions:
Creating the “Yarn Fabric”
1. Set the machine for free-motion sewing by dropping (or covering) the feed dogs. Attach the
darning/embroidery foot. Select straight stitch. Thread the all-purpose thread in the top of the
machine and in the bobbin.
2. Place one layer of the water soluble stabilizer on a flat surface. Place a layer of the tulle/netting
on top of the stabilizer.
3. Lay several cut yarn lengths horizontally across the netting, completely covering it.
4. After covering the netting with the yarn lengths horizontally, “drizzle” more yarn lengths
randomly over the horizontal yarns. Cover the fabric thoroughly.
5. Place another piece of water soluble stabilizer over the yarn, so that the yarn is sandwiched
between the stabilizers. Pin the sandwich in several places, to secure the layers together for
sewing.
6. Free-motion stitch all over the entire piece, making sure that you stitch into the seam
allowances as well so that the piece is well covered. To do free-motion stitching, hold the fabric
with 2 hands, and then move the fabric around under the needle in a meandering fashion as you
sew. Be sure to remove any pins as you come to them. Sew the entire piece, as illustrated.
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7. When the free-motion stitching is complete, remove the darning/embroidery foot and place the
general purpose foot on the machine. Re-engage the feed dogs. Set the machine for an
overedge stitch.
8. Using the overedge stitch, sew along the outside edges of the finished piece to secure the
edges of the “fabric”. At this stage, don’t be concerned with the dimensions or shape of the
piece. The overedge stitching is applied so the piece will stay intact for removal of the stabilizer.
When stitching is complete, trim any excess yarn and stabilizer from the stitched edges.
9. Rinse away the stabilizer thoroughly, following the manufacturer’s directions. Allow the piece to
dry completely before proceeding to the next steps.
Purse Construction
1. Lay the pattern piece over the fabric. Using a chalk pencil, draw around the pattern piece.
2. Now the overedge stitching will be done around the piece again, but this time, following the lines
drawn onto the fabric. This will stabilize the edge and make the fabric in the size and shape
needed for the purse construction. The finished fabric piece should be the same size as the
pattern piece.
(Note: At this point, if it is desired to add a button loop for the button, place a yarn loop on the
right side of the fabric, with the yarn ends extending in to the seam allowance, then baste in
place.)
(Right side of fabric shown here without
yarn, so placement of buttonhole loop
is more easily seen)
3. Set the machine for straight stitch. Fold the fabric in half, right sides together, so the short ends
meet. Stitch a ⅝” seam on each side.
Fold
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4. Pull the seam open, then pinch the corner so it forms a triangle. Stitch across the end of the
bag, as illustrated, to create the corner. Repeat for the opposite side of the bag.
Side seam
1¼”
5. Using the pattern piece, cut the lining fabric.
6. Fold the lining fabric in half, right sides together, so the short ends meet. Stitch a ⅝” seam on
one side. On the opposite side, sew, leaving a 4” opening. Backstitch the seams. (This
opening will be used for turning the bag right side out later).
Fold
7. Pull the seam open, then pinch the corner so it forms a triangle. Stitch across the end of the
lining, as illustrated, to create the corners. Repeat for other side of lining.
Side seam
1¼”
8. Place one 18” cord or webbing piece on each side of the purse outer fabric, as illustrated. Pin,
then stitch in place to secure.
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Fold
9. Place the right side of the lining fabric to the right side of the purse outer fabric. Align the side
seams and pin around the top edge of the purse. Stitch all around the top of the bag.
(Note: if a button loop was applied to the bag front, make sure it is tucked in between the outer
bag and lining, with the yarn ends extending into the seam allowance.)
10. Turn the bag right side out through the opening in the lining fabric. Stitch the opening closed.
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