Tudor Rose Purse

Instructions Page 5

Page 5:
Finishing

Finishing Steps

Step 48: Make your flower centers. There is a template in the pattern that shows the finished size of whatever you decided to do. I played around with various embroidery ideas before I settled on Canadian smocking (aka Lattice Smocking aka North American Smocking). I worked the smocking in a square, twice as big as the diameter I needed. Then I gathered the ends into the center in the back and shaped the piece using a steamy iron held 1/2" above the surface in front and gently pressed in the back. You can view the Canadian smocking instructions here.

Step 49: Handstitch your flower front onto the flower. Repeat for the other side.

Step 50: The small petals will be too floppy, so tack them by hand to the petals behind them. Only tack the back layer of fabric so the stitching isn't visible from the front. See the picture below. Repeat for all the small petals.

So, here we are, two halves of a purse.

Let's put 'em together!

Step 51: Whip stitch the ends of the zipper (on both ends) . Trim so they are even with the seam allowance.

Step 52: Trim so the zipper ends are even with the seam allowance.

Step 53: Put the snap together and line up the edges of the interior.

Step 54: Pin the edges of the interior together. Hand baste if desired.

Step 55: This next step takes some sheer force of will. You will have to hold the petals out of the way sew this seam. Stitch all the way around with a 1/2" seam allowance.

Step 56: Attaching the seam binding. Start by wrapping one end over the top of the interior pockets.

Step 57: Pin the seam binding in place, treating the other end in the same manner. Use a zigzag stitch to attach. It doesn't matter if it looks ugly, the next few steps will hide it.

Step 58: Handstitch the tops of the pocket to the backs of the large flowers.

Step 59: Stitch two sides together at the ends of the interior sections. Be sure to pull the thread taught. To finish the stitching, run the needle through the petal, and scrunch the fabric up before you cut it so that the loose end is hidden in the petal.

Step 60: Slipstitch the petals together around the edge of the interior bound edge. Knot the thread every 1/4 of the way around, so if there is an issue with one section you don't have to redo the whole thing.

Step 61: Making the optional zipper pull. Get a small bead and a head pin.

Step 62: Clip off the excess from the headpin and curl it with beading pliers or needlenose pliers to make an eye.

Step 63: Attach to the zipper with a split ring.

Step 64: To make the connector for wearing the bag across the body: You have two 1/2 inch wide loops left over. Attach them end to end with a zigzag stitch. (You're stitching will look like a cross, not like the T in the picture).

Step 65: You also have a 1 inch square left over. Slide onto the connector and stitch in place, and decorative stitch if desired.

Congrats! You're finished! Now all your friends, and many complete strangers, will be astonished at your sewing skill!!

Finish this pattern? Send me a photo of you and your bag and I'll post it here along with any comments.

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If you are unsure of a pattern or technique test it first on muslin or scrap fabric.

Remember: never sew over pins!

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