Placemat Handbag 2.0

A couple of years ago my friend Heather taught me how to make a handbag out of a placemat so I know this is not a new idea. BUT the other day I was at WM and saw the COOLEST placemats and the first thing I thought was those would make the best bags so of course I had to give it a go again. This is what I created with 2 placemats and a few embellishments.  I’m really happy with it and in the words of my husband…

 “I can’t believe you made that.”  Yeah, me either.

 

I would normally show you how I did this but I decided that if I were to make it again I would do it differently so I’ll just hit the highlights.

Materials needed

2 place mats (these were only $3.00!)

material for lining and pocket

snap, grommets, rings,  purse clip ( all optional)

I just used a quick cut, from the sewing sections that was just slightly bigger than the placemat on all sides.

first I added a pocket to the lining I added a snap to keep the pocket closed.

Then I added a side sections to both sides of the placemat, (this is the part I would do differently)

So it ends up like this.

Then I sewed in a piece of elastic on both sides so it would have the ruffled look.

then I sewed the lining in.  *NOTE* about sewing this stuff.  You’ll want to use your longest stich if you make your stich to small it will just make it perforated and it will just make holes in it and use a heavy duty sewing needle.

I used the rest of the 2nd placemat to make a strap and then I just started adding little embellishments.

I also added a purse snap.

Before

AFTER

love it