Book Purse Tutorial

Difficulty: Hard
Time: 5 – 8 hours

As an accessory for all good intellectual fashionistas it’s hard to go wrong with a book purse. This project is relatively simple given the stunning results, although it can be quite time consuming.

With book purses there are so many fun variables to play with. Smaller books make great little clutch purses; large art books can make fabulous tote-bags; even tiny tomes can make a cute wallet, note pad cover or even a travel sewing kit. Titles, subject matter, fabric, embellishments, and closures are sure ways to add attitude. Get wild! Pair up The Princess Diaries with a cool leopard print and feathered trim. Use a bold rich red to offset a copy of The Scarlet Letter and top it off with a cute A on the closure. A book on dogs would look cute with embellishments of faux fur or a pet tag on the strap. Once you get the hang of it, the possibilities are endless!

Materials:

Book – Hardcover in decent condition, easier to work with if you have a wider spine on the book.

Fabric – the less stretchy the better. Also make sure the fabric isn’t too transparent.

Closure – This is for the closure and you have a lot of options. I am using a large metal button, but you can also use beads, jewelry, fake flowers, etc. (not shown)

Decorative flourishes – Any ribbons, beads, flowers you want to use to decorate the purse (not shown)

Sturdy Cardboard – This is to reinforce the spine, which on a lot of books is very delicate. (not shown)

Tools
Craft Knife
Box Cutter (not shown)
Ruler or measuring tape and straight edge
Glue Gun
Pencil, pen, or tailors chalk
Scissors
Sewing Supplies (needle, thread, straight pins, etc.)

NEXT: Preparing the Book