End of Summer Wristlet

Like most girls I have a weakness for purses. I love everything from the Mary-Poppins-you-can-fit-a-coat-rack-in-here bags to little bags that barely fit a lipstick and my phone, and everything in between. It’s so fun to have a few cute bags that you can change out to freshen up an outfit with.

That’s just what I had in mind for this little wristlet. It’s not a huge kitchen sink kind of purse – but it’s perfect for a quick trip to the store or out to the movies on a date night. You could even throw it into a larger purse or diaper bag if you wanted!

Here’s the wristlet:

I think it’s so fun. And to make this tutorial a bit easier on you, at the end of the post I have a pattern for you to download! This is my first purse pattern – please let me know if you have any problems with it or have any questions.

Let’s get started! I had this great Lila Tuellar fabric that I’ve been saving for something fun. I love the colors in it and I think they’ll make a fun transition from summer to fall. But you could use almost any scrap pieces you have – mixing and matching the panels on the front – or use all one print. Whatever floats your boat.

You’ll need about 1/4″ yard of fabric total – but you can use small pieces of a variety of fabrics to make up the front panel. I used a total of 6 fabrics. You’ll also need a 12″ zipper to match.

**UPDATE – There are some problems with the pattern. :( Boo.
While I work on the updates I’ve pulled the pattern – I’ll put it back once I get the pieces fixed!***

Cut out all the purse pieces. If you would like a little heavier bag, feel free to add fusible interfacing to the lining or outer panel pieces.

Start with sewing together the pieces for your front panel. I marked the insert (linen) pieces at the bottom with a fabric marking pen to help keep them straight. Begin with Piece A, sew that right sides together to Inset Piece AB, using a 1/4″ seam allowance. Then sew Inset Piece AB to Piece B, and so on across the front.

Press your seams away from the inset pieces.

Topstitch your Panel pieces (not the inset pieces) along each seam with a 1/4″ topstitch.

Pin your zipper to the front panel and sew on, using a 1/4″ seam allowance. I usually stop sewing before I get to the top part of the zipper, leave the needle in the down position, and open the zipper up so the closure is behind the needle. Then you can finish sewing the zipper on and the foot won’t make a little bump in the stitching line around the closure piece.

Pin and sew the opposite side of the zipper to the back panel piece.

Sew the handle piece together by folding the two long sides in 1/4″, then folding the piece in half. Sew down the long edge.

Fold the handle in half and baste to the top left corner of the outer panel. (In some of these pictures it shows only one side sewn in. That’s because I”m a goober. Do as I say, not as I show in this instance.)

Sew the remaining two sides together, making sure right sides are together, with a 1/2″ seam allowance. Trim the corner seam so it turns nicely.

For the credit card pockets, place two pieces right sides together and sew around with a 1/4″ seam allowance, leaving an opening in the center bottom seam for turning. Repeat for the second pocket.

Lay the first panel on the right side of one of the lining pieces, 2″ down from the top and centered. Sew the pocket to the lining on the two side seams and bottom seam only, close to the edge to close the opening. Place the second pocket 1/2″ down from the first and sew down.

Place the two lining pieces right sides together and sew the left and bottom seams with a 1/2″ seam allowance. Trim the bottom corner.

Place the lining inside the bag.

Handstitch the lining into the bag along the zipper, turning the lining under 1/2″ all the way around.

If you wish, add a bead or charm to the zipper for something fun. It also helps open and close the bag.

Here’s some more shots of the finished bag! Perfect for holding everything you need for a quick trip out. I’d love to hear what you think!