Insertion Frame Construction

• 1). Inspect the purse frame to determine how the purse will be attached. Some frames require the fabric to be inserted into a slot in the frame. A newly purchased frame of this kind may be accompanied with a length of cord to assist in the insertion. If the frame does not come with a cord, purchase one at a fabric store approximately twice the length of the frame. It should be about 1/8 inch in diameter, small enough to be forced into the slot in the frame
  
  
• 2). Draw the pattern for the purse on paper with a pencil, using the frame as a guide for the shape of the top. Make a tiny notch or mark on the pattern where the hinges will be located. If the frame is curved, the top of the purse will need to follow the same curve. The remainder of the purse's shape and size is optional, but it will need about 1/2 inch extra fullness on the sides of the hinges in order to expand.
  
  
• 3). Cut out the pattern and pin it to the fashion fabric, keeping the fabric folded. Cut around the pattern with scissors thus creating both back and front of the purse. Use the same pattern to cut the lining. Mark the location of the hinges on all the fabrics with a water-erasable marker.
  
  
• 4). Place the fashion fabric pieces right sides together and machine stitch around the bag, starting and stopping at the places marked for the hinges. Follow the same procedure for the lining. Trim the seams neatly and clip the curved edges.
  
  
• 5). Turn the fashion fabric bag right side out. Keep the lining bag with the wrong side out. Insert the lining into the fashion fabric bag, matching the curves and the marked places. Press or finger press the two bags. Hand baste the edges of the two bags together with l/2-inch stitches.
  
  
• 6). Cover the work surface with newspaper or wrapping paper to protect it from the gluing process. Using the pointed tip of the glue bottle or tube, spread a bead of glue inside the two metal layers of the frame. This will be hard to do perfectly, so work only on one side at a time. Using the pointed end of the skewer push the open edges of the bag into the slot over the glue and push the cord into the opening over it all. Add glue when necessary. Make it as tightly fitted as possible. Repeat the process on the other side of the bag.
  
  
• 7). Protect the metal frame with folded scrap fabric and use the pliers to gently press the frame onto the fabric. Clean the excess glue from the frame when it is dry by gently pushing it with a fingernail or the edge of a craft stick. For stubborn spots, apply a tiny amount of rubbing alcohol on a toothpick and wipe it off immediately.
  
  
• 8). Insert the chain, cord or ribbon into the openings on either side of the purse frame after deciding on an appropriate length for the handle. Knot cord or ribbon securely or attach the chain with a jump ring.
  
  

Sew-in Frame Construction

• 1). Inspect the frame for a row of holes on the inside, opposite the clasp. In the case of a vintage frame, cut the stitching holding the old purse to the frame.
  
  
• 2). Draw the pattern for the purse on paper with a pencil, using the frame as a guide for the shape of the top. Make a tiny notch or mark on the pattern where the hinges will be located. If the frame is curved, the top of the purse will need to follow the same curve. The remainder of the purse's shape and size is optional, but it will need about 1/2 inch extra fullness where the hinges are marked in order to expand.
  
  
• 3). Cut out the pattern and pin it to the fashion fabric, keeping it folded. Cut around the pattern with scissors thus creating both back and front of the purse. Use the same pattern to cut the lining. Mark the location of the hinges on all the fabrics with a water erasable marker.
  
  
• 4). Place the fashion fabric pieces right sides together and machine stitch around the bag, starting and stopping at the places marked for the hinges. Follow the same procedure for the lining. Trim the seams neatly and clip the curved edges.
  
  
• 5). Turn the fashion fabric bag right side out and steam press about a 1/2-inch hem turned toward the wrong side across the top. There will be extra fabric if the frame is deeply curved and steam should help to shape the fabric. Keep the lining of the bag with the wrong side out and press the same hem toward the wrong side. Insert the lining into the fashion fabric bag, matching the curves and the markings
  
  
• 6). Hand sew the two layers of fabric together, the fashion fabric and the lining, with matching thread. Use several strands of invisible thread to backstitch the bag onto the frame through the holes provided.