Converting a Handbag Into a Sweater Bag

This was a fun and easy project made from a child size Irish knit sweater and a designer hand bag that Margaret found at our church rummage sale.  (Total cost for these two supplies $1.00.)

What you will need for this project:

1 used sweater

1 used purse

kneedle, thread (compatible color)

seam ripper or utility knife

scissors

decorative brads

Time:  1 hour

First disassemble the bag, taking off the handles and the top trim.

Next she inverted the bag so the outside is now the inside of the new bag. She slipped the inside-out sweater over the bag and approximated an extra 5 inches from the bottom of the bag.

Step 3:  She cut the sweater to the estimated length and replaced the sweater over the bag and pinned it into place at the top.  Then she pinched the bottom of the sweater together and pinned it (be careful to line up any patterns that may exist on the sweaters).  Then pinching the corners she pinned those together as well.

Unpin the sweater and take it off the bag and either sew it on your sewing machine or hand sew it together.  Since the Irish knit was so thick it was easier to hand sew this one.  The sweater can also be stapled over the handbag. Once sewn, trim any excess sweater at the bottom with your scissors and turn right side out.  Place the sweater bag back over the old designer bag and pin into place.  Sew the top of the sweater bag onto the inside bag with the top of the sweater lining up with the top of the old bag.

Once sewn in place,  brads can be used to decorate the bag . Brads are also useful for securing the sweater to  the top leather trim around the top of the sweater bag.  Voila.  This bag looks like a pro made it. 

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