How to Sew a Boxy Zipper Purse

Craft your own stylish and functional boxy zipper purse with this easy-to-follow guide! Whether you're a seasoned sewist or a beginner, this project is perfect for adding a touch of handmade charm to your accessories. Let’s get started!

Easy sewing - Boxy Zipper Purse

Download the FREE PATTERN here

001 FP Boxy Zipper Purse

.pdf

Download PDF • 147KB

Materials Needed:

• Outer fabric - Check out these colorful fabric bundles.

• Lining fabric

• Fusible interfacing (medium weight) - Try Pellon Fusible Interfacing.

• Zipper (slightly longer than the width of your purse)

• Thread to match your fabric

• Fabric scissors or rotary cutter - Fiskars Rotary Cutter.

• Self-healing cutting mat - OLFA Self-Healing Mat.

• Sewing pins or clips - Clover Wonder Clips.

• Measuring tape or ruler - OLFA Quilting Ruler

• Sewing machine - Explore the Janome 3160QOV Quilts of Valor Sewing Machine

• Iron

• Optional: Decorative elements (e.g., applique, embroidery, or trim)

  
  

Instructions:

1. Prepare Your Pattern and Materials

• Print the pattern on a 100% scale and verify the size using the calibration square (1” x 1”).

• Cut out the pattern pieces as indicated. Depending on your preference, use the version with or without seam allowances.

2. Cut Your Fabric and Interfacing

• Trace the pattern onto your outer fabric, lining fabric, and interfacing. Add seam allowances if you are using a pattern that doesn’t include them (the seam allowance in my pattern is 3/8").

• Cut all pieces carefully along the lines.

  
  

  

  Two pieces of outer fabric and lining fabric

3. Apply Interfacing

• Fuse the interfacing to the wrong side of the outer fabric using an iron. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for heat and time.

  
  

  

4. Assemble the Zipper Panel

• Align the zipper face down along the top edge of one outer fabric piece.

• Place the corresponding lining piece on top, aligning the edges with the zipper.

  
  
  

  

  
  
  

• Pin or clip the layers and sew using a zipper foot.

  
  
  
  
  

  
  
  

• Press the seam and topstitch near the zipper for a neat finish.

• Repeat with the other side of the zipper.

  
  
  

  

  

  
  
  

• Make the zipper tab by cutting a piece of fabric to 2” x 3”. Fold it lengthwise four times, then topstitch to secure.

• Fold the tab in half, place it at one end of the zipper with the folded edge inside the bag, and sew it in place.

  

  

  

  

5. Sew the Main Body

• With the zipper partially open, place the outer fabric pieces right sides together. Do the same with the lining pieces.

• Pin or clip around the edges, leaving an opening in the lining for turning.

• Sew around the perimeter with a 3/8” seam allowance.

  
  

  

6. Create Boxed Corners

• Pinch the corners so the side and bottom seams align. Pin and sew across to create boxed corners.

• Trim off excess fabric to reduce bulk.

  

  
  
  

7.   Create a Boxed End Zipper

• Pinch the end of the zipper the same way you create boxed corners. Be careful when stitching over the zipper teeth.

• Trim the excess fabric to reduce bulk.

8. Turn and Finish

• Turn the purse right side out through the opening in the lining.

• Push out the corners and press.

• Sew the lining opening closed using a ladder stitch or topstitch.

  
  

  

8. Final Assembly

• Tuck the lining into the outer fabric.

• Press the purse for a polished look and test the zipper.

  
  

Tips:

• Use fabric clips for bulkier sections.

• Double-check seam allowances to ensure proper fit.

• Add some decorative touches before putting the pieces together!

  
  

  

  I like to use fabric scraps to create a patchwork design instead of using a single piece of fabric—it turns out so cute!