| If you want a purse that is durable and attractive, you | | | | holes slightly larger than that diameter across the top |
| can't go wrong with leather. However, a good quality | | | | of the bag. Holes should be equidistant from the top of |
| leather purse can put a serious dent in your budget. If | | | | the bag and spaced approximately one inch apart. |
| you are good with a needle, or at least know how to | | | | Start at the hole at the back right of the purse and |
| follow basic instructions, you can make your own for | | | | thread the lacing through. The leather lacing should go |
| much less than the department store price. | | | | in one hole and out the one beside it. Once you have |
| A basic drawstring leather purse is a quick and easy | | | | went all the way across the top of the back panel of |
| one to try. For fabric, you will need a soft, supple | | | | the purse, continue lacing through the holes on the front |
| leather such as doeskin, suede or chamois. You will | | | | panel. |
| also need leather lacing. | | | | When you reach the final hole, make sure that the |
| If desired, dye the leather. Use a dye made for the | | | | loose ends are of equal length. Grasp both ends and |
| type of leather you are using. Apply evenly and allow | | | | pull. The bag will close. Tie ends together to hold purse |
| to dry completely. Once dry, you may want to buff | | | | closed. If you prefer a strap on your purse, you can tie |
| with a soft, clean cloth. | | | | a second knot higher up on the lacing ends to form |
| Measure the leather to your desired measurements | | | | one. |
| and cut. For those new to sewing, you may want to | | | | Many people choose to decorate their drawstring |
| measure one large rectangle to be folded in half. More | | | | leather bags. Some add beading, either on the strap or |
| experienced crafters may choose to cut two equal | | | | sewn directly onto the fabric of the purse. If you have |
| panels to be sewn up. | | | | an eye for detail and the ability to visualize a design |
| If using one large rectangle, fold in half with leather | | | | before it is on the bag, it is possible to add an |
| surface on the inside. Sew the left and right sides of | | | | eye-catching design. |
| the folded rectangle closed, leaving the top part open. | | | | You may also wish to add a fringe. Fringes are |
| If using two equal pieces, place fabric pieces with | | | | typically put on the bottom edge of the purse, but can |
| leather surfaces facing each other. Sew the left, right | | | | also be put on the sides. A fringe can be made with |
| and bottom sides of the pieces together. Turn bag | | | | leftover leather scraps from your project. Cut scraps |
| right side out. | | | | to equal width and length and sew on the purse at the |
| Measure the diameter of the leather lacing you | | | | location you prefer. |
| purchased. Using a rotary punch, punch a series of | | | | |