Charmeuse Scrunchy Handle Purse

SUPPLIES & TOOLS:

• Sewing machine
• Microtex needle for sewing charmeuse
• Charmeuse fabric
• Matching thread
• Heavy interfacing

DIRECTIONS:

1. To create body of purse, use pattern to cut one piece of heavy interfacing and two pieces of charmeuse. Fuse interfacing to one.
2. Pin right sides together and sew 1/4" around edge, stopping at large circles on each short end (this is where we will insert the strap later) and 6" along one long each (to turn right side out.
3. Carefully clip into corners. Turn right sides out and press. Slipstitch open long edge and then topstitch 1/8" from edge on both long edges.
4. To create purse shape, we will bring together the shorter end flaps with the front or back of the purse. Sew from top edge down to small circle. Turn your purse right side out.
5. For the scrunchie handle, cut one 30"x 3" rectangle, pin right sides together and sew 1/4" from edge to create long tube. Turn right side out and press.
6. Handle will need internal support. To create this, cut heavy interfacing 15"x 3" and fold into thirds longwise. Baste down the center.
7. Insert interfacing into scrunchie tube and evenly distribute fabric.
8. Tuck one end of handle into side of purse (where we left a 1" opening). Topstitch along top edge to secure. Repeat for other handle end.
9. To create folded effect, bring together the top and back upper corners and make a very small tack stitch by hand. Without cutting thread, also sew a tack stitch to handle. Repeat on opposite side.

Craft Hack Tips and Tricks:

• Use the right kind of needle for your fabric. An extra sharp (Microtex) needle will help achieve best results.