Zippered Coin Purse Tutorial from Sally

As one of Bolt's esteemed teachers, Sally Hess is sharing with us this fun quick project to inspire you to make lots-o-little purses this summer.  I can think of about a million uses for these: cute little girls birthday present, a sweet friend surprise gift, or something to tuck inside a new tote, this coin purse has lots of options.  Try it, and please leave a comment and let us know what you think.

You’ll need:

A scrap of fabric about 5”x8”, interfaced

A 7” zipper

2 Ribbon scraps, each about 2 inches long (or longer if you want to make a wristlet)

Place the zipper face down on the fabric. The zipper should be slightly longer than the fabric is wide. Here I've used a 7" zipper and the fabric is about 5" wide. Center the zipper face down on the fabric, aligning the edge of the zipper tape with the raw edge of the fabric. Sew down the center of the zipper tape using a zipper foot.

Bring the opposite raw edge of the fabric up to the other side of the zipper tape. The right side of the zipper should be touching the right side (not the interfaced side) of the fabric.  

Sew the zipper to the fabric, again aligning the zipper tape with the raw edge of the fabric. Make sure the side seams will line up for the next step!

Here's where my zippered coin purse is different.

Instead of having the zipper at the TOP of the purse, align the side seams so that the zipper tape can be completely flat! This means the zipper will lie on the FRONT of the purse.

Be sure you OPEN THE ZIPPER before you sew the second side seam! 

I sew across the zipper teeth a few times, to be sure it is secure! 

Once you've sewn both side seams, cut off the excess zipper tape, using sharp scissors. It's important that you've used a nylon zipper, not a metal zipper or you could really trash your scissors. In the picture I'm using appliqué/embroidery scissors, but only because they were closest to the sewing machine that day! 

Trimming the corners before you turn the coin purse right side out removes the excess fabric (and zipper tape) that causes rounded corners. 

Turn it right side out and you’re finished! 

The photos don't show the ribbon being inserted, because it is put in the side seams. But here's how to do it:

On the side with the zipper stop, take 1 1/2" ribbon and fold it in half. Tuck the ribbon under the zipper teeth, with the raw edges of the ribbon lined up with the raw edge of the fabric. At this point, the zipper tape will be extended beyond the raw edge of the fabric, thus hiding the ribbon. Pin the ribbon in place and sew the side seam.

On the side with the zipper pull, take 6" of ribbon and fold it in half. Tuck the folded ribbon under the zipper teeth with the raw edges of the ribbon lined up with the raw edge of fabric. This side is trickier, because the zipper has to be open. Pin the ribbon in place and then place each side of the zipper teeth on top of the ribbon, holding the zipper teeth as close together as possible. Carefully sew all the layers, reinforcing the few stitches that are holding the zipper teeth together. With the long bit of ribbon, you can wear the purse around your wrist or you can attach it to your Farmer's Market Tote Bag! That way your money is close by and doesn't fall to the bottom of the bag!

Comments

[kelli]

Yep, this is excellent! My problem with zippers always come when I try to get them flat across the top -- they never end up nice! This method eliminates that worry.
Thank you!

[Shelly Figueroa]

Great Post! I'm def going to add this accessory to my handbags!
Plus I hate digging through my bag for loose change or cell phone!
Thanks Sally!

[Joni]

That's how I've always done mine. Very easy!

[Rachel]

This is super cute! I'm really enjoying the Bolt blog. I'll be linking to this post.

[2paw]

Off setting the zip is a great idea, I lined mine, it was easy to do, I just sewed the lining to the other side of the zip, pressed and top stitched and then carried on as you show!! I love my little coin purse!!! Thanks for the Tutorial!!

[Erin]

I just made two of these for birthday gifts and they came out really great!! I lined them, and I also put a clip on the side (attached to the tiny ribbon). I really love how they turned out.. and it was good zipper practice too.
Thanks!

[Darlene Rosner]

I saw this tutorial and I just had to make one!! What a cute way to use up scrap material. The only alteration that I made was to add a flap that covered my zipper: I folded a 4" wide scrap that is the length of the coin purse; pressed wrong sides together lengthwise and lined it up against the raw edge in STEP ONE - then I sewed the zipperd per your instructions. When it comes time to sew the side seams, I was sure that the FLAP was folded over the exposed zipper teeth. It looks kind of cool, and then of course I wasn't able to add the ribbon because the flap was in the way, so instead I added a zipper pull made of yarn.
Love your site/blog - it is just great. Wished I lived closer and I would love to participate in the classed listed!!

Your Canadian fan, Darlene

[Bonnie]

This looks like a great little project, thanks for posting. I can't wait to try one!

[Krysta in Milwaukee]

What a simple, elegant little zippered bag! I'm going to have to find a zipper (& some interfacing) & make one.

[Wendy]

Love this! Looks like a great little add-on for the market totes I'm giving as holiday gifts this year...

[Laura]

Definitely going to try this pattern. I have SO much leftover fabric! I think I might try adding a lining.....

[Julia]

I used your instructions to make a wallet/coin purse out of recyled jeans for my 7 year old grandson's birthday. I added a clip to attach to his belt loop. He loved it! I plan on making more.

[packaging supplies]

Thanks for a great tutorial. Just made my first one and it looks great. I am ashamed to say that I have tried sewing a coin purse like this before without a bottom seam but was too dense to figure it out. THANKS for the insightful tutorial.

[Vicky]

Thank you so much for this tutorial.
My little purses always looked home made (bad - as opposed to hand made - good)
This is such a good idea!

[tina]

DOES ANYONE KNOW HOW TO GET THESES DIRECTIONS IN spanish?