What you need:
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A flex frame, 4″ length, a little more than 1/2″ wide.
For the top part (where the flex frame will go into):
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2 pieces of cotton (heavier weight fabric is better), size 2 1/4″ x 4.5″. Measurement include the seam 1/2″ seams on all four sides.
For the body:
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2 pieces of iron on interface (light weight), 4″ top, 5.5″ height, 5.5″ base (see photo). All measurements include the seams of 1/4″ on all sides and 1/2″ on the top part.
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2 pieces of red-polkadot cotton
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2 pieces of cream calico as lining
Note: You can use any type of fabric, I mentioned the colours/type of fabric I use for ease of illustrations 🙂
Step by step:
1) Sew the top part first.
Sew the seam of the shorter section (2 1/4″ part) and sew. Seam is approx 1/4″, folded in twice.
Do the same for both ends, and for both pieces of the top part.
Then sew on the lace as shown in the photo. Check the measurement, ensure that both ends of the frame (where the screw is) is not completely hidden when the fabric wrap around.
Take one piece of the top part, and fold into half length wise.
Now we will attached the body of the purse with the top.
Put it on the red fabric, with the lace facing down like the photo. Before this you will have already iron on the interface on the red fabric.
Then put the calico (lining) on top.
Sew the 3 pieces together.
Important to remember that the width of the flex frame is a little more than 1/2″, so when you sew the top together, make sure there is about 3/4″ space for the frame to go into the white cotton with lace.
See photo below, here the seams are approx. 1/2″ (i put the seam longer because it makes it stronger – when you open and close the flex frame, sometimes it will pull against the body of the purse.)
This is how it looks like ones you have sewed them together. We finished one side of the purse.
Now repeat with the other 3 pieces. This will make the other side of the purse.
Ones complete, put both side together with the right side facing together.
Sew all around. But REMEMBER to leave a small hole so that we can turn the fabric over.
I left about 2.5″ un-sewed to turn the fabric over.
Now turn the fabric over.
Ones completely turned over, tada!!! Here is the purse.
Now it’s time to put the flex frame inside, to complete the purse.
It is easy. Just push them gently into the sides of the top part (the white cotton with lace section).
Note: This is why earlier I mention it is important when you sew the 3 pieces together above, make sure you leave approx. 3/4″ hole. If it is too small, the frame cannot go in; if it is too big it will not be nice.
Ones the frame is inside, all you need to do is put the screw at the end.
This is how you open the flex frame. It will keep all your coins safely inside the purse.
It is done!
They are so cute! You can also make pleats on the body of the purse, like I did for the peach colour one. It’s up to you. If you make pleats, then the measurement for the body will be 5.5″ top, 5.5″ height, 5.5″ base.
Very nice tutorial. I can’t sew to save my life … even I can see it’s a nice tutorial. 😉
Great tutorial, and a lovely little purse! I featured your tutorial on Craft Gossip Sewing:
http://sewing.craftgossip.com/tutorial-flex-frame-pouch/2009/12/17/
–Anne
Thank U Anne. 🙂
Love the tutorial! I’ve always wanted to use flex frame! I linked your tutorial on my blog! ^-^
Thank U Kim 🙂
thank you for the flex frame tut…great pics. Maybe you and your followers can give me a hand…
I am about to embark on my first metal frame purse… Since I don’t know what I am doing, I would like to make this a sew- along, becuase I really need help.
Is anyone interested in at least holding my hand while I blog about this? Look at my blog and see if you are interested. Leave me a message in comments
http://quiltsbagsgardens.blogspot.com/
Thank you so much…
Kathy
GREAT tutorial!!! Where does one get a flex frame?
This is a great tutorial. I make felt bags and was looking on etsy for closures. I saw your flex frame there. Great giveaway prize.
That’s such a detailed tutorial! Thank you so much for sharing!
You are a life saver. I have flex frames and managed to misplace my pattern and instructions. You have no idea how happy I am to find this page. Thank you, Thank You!
Thanks so much. I remember as a child my mother taking a class and making a purse with one of these. I just purchased a flex frame and went online and found your wonderful tut. Thanks so much. Phyllis
Hi,
Your tutorial is very clear, I made my flex frame purse but it was more complicated, I will have another go with this frame. thanks for your tutorial.
take care
does anyone know where i can purchase the flex frame??
parabéns adorei o trabalho
Could you tell me where I can buy a 12 inch flex frame?
Thanks