Make a Purse for Your American Girl Doll

This is a simple, fun doll accessory that's versatile and cute. The purse shown is in preppy green and pink, but it would look equally adorable in denim with eyelet lace or calico with matching grosgrain ribbon. Use your imagination and make purses to match all of your doll's outfits! Click on the pictures to see details more clearly.

Steps

  1. Cut from fabric:
    • One 3 1/4" x 2 1/4" (8.25cm x 5.7cm) rectangle (flap lining)
    • One 3 1/4" x 2" (8.25cm x 5cm) rectangle (front)
    • One 3 1/4" x 4 1/2" (8.25cm x 11.4cm) rectangle (back with flap)
    • One 15" x 1 3/4" (38cm x 4.4cm) rectangle (strap)
    • Optional: cut a piece of trim 3 1/4" (8.25cm) wide.
  2. Press one long edge of the flap lining 1/4" (6mm) to the wrong side and stitch. Repeat with the front.
  3. Use your ruler to draw a line 3/4" (19mm) from the the short edge of the back with flap. Center your piece of trim over line and stitch in place. This step is optional.
  4. Sew the flap lining, with the right sides together, to the top of back with flap on the sides that aren't stitched and top edges. Make sure to attach the flap lining to the side of the back with flap with trim. Sew the front to the bottom of the back with flap in the same manner.
  5. Zig-zag stitch through all layers along long sides of back with flap. Trim seam allowance close to zig-zag stitching. This will prevent excessive fraying. Cut off corners close to stitching, turn to the right side and press.
  6. Press the long edges of the handles 1/4" (6mm) to the wrong side. Repeat so that folded edges meet in the middle. Press again so the outside pressed edges meet. Stitch.
  7. Place the ends of the handle 1/2" (12.7mm) within the inside of the top of the front and stitch in place.
  8. Fold flap down and press. Enjoy your new doll purse!
  9. Finished.

Tips

  • If you want a doll backpack make the purse slightly bigger and use it for school supplies.
  • Use the point of closed scissors to press the corners of the purse out.
  • Instead of sewing, you can use Hot Glue carefully applied using a toothpick.
  • Remember to have a parent help you if you're a child!
  • Try using 3/8" (9.5mm) wide ribbon for the strap instead of making your own.
  • You can also use fabric glue.

Warnings

  • Use common sense when working with shears, Hot Glue, needles and sewing machines. Be careful!

Things You'll Need

  • {{safesubst:#invoke:convert|convert}}. (23cm) medium weight woven fabric
  • Matching thread
  • Rickrack, lace, ribbon, or trim (optional)
  • Sewing machine; needle and thread; or hot glue, toothpick, and glue gun
  • Ruler
  • Scissors
  • Pencil or fabric marker
  • Iron and ironing board

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