DIY envelope purse organizer

So last weekend I created three purse organizers as a birthday gift for a friend (you can read about it here) and I promised I would post tutorials for each of the pieces. Here's the first one: the envelope shaped purse organizer.

Of the three, this is the easiest one to sew, so it's perfect for beginners. Bottom line, if you can't sew you can use fabric glue and get nearly the same result. Here's the how to:

What you need: 

• fabric for the bag (for a finished bag of about 19 x 19 cm I needed a rectangle of 50 x 20 cm - if you want to make different sized bag, just adjust proportionally)
• fabric for the lining (same size as the fabric for the bag)
• Matching sewing thread
• trim (optional - I used a color coordinated pom pom trim)

Instructions: 

• Cut the fabric for the bag and the lining

• To create a rounded edge in the flap (optional) use a large round object (I used a pie mold) and cut both fabrics together to ensure an accurate match

• Place bag fabric and lining right sides together and sew all around leaving a small opening for turning. I usually like to leave the opening in the side that will be folded upward. 

•  Turn inside out. You should have something like this: 

• Top stitch the open edge to close the opening and then fold the bag onto it's final envelope shape and pin in place: 

• Sew the sides and top stitch the flap as you go (sew up one side, around the flap and down the other side. Your bag is finished. 

•  For a cuter (and more professional) look, sew a piece of trim over the edge of the flap.

Since I made this as a purse organizer I didn't want it to be too thick or too stiff, but if you're aiming for another use (a clutch, for example), you can add a piece of batting between the lining and the exterior fabric and follow the rest of the tutorial from there.

And here is the envelope bag together with the rest of the set. I'll be posting tutorials for the zippered bag and for the mini lip gloss purse soon.

Have fun and let me know if you have any questions!