Celebrate Mexican Independence Day with this fun purse made from a re-purposed dress! This tutorial includes a free pattern that can be used for non-commercial purposes.
First things first, you’re going to have to get your hands on a re-purposed (fancy talk for “thrifted”) traditional Mexican dress. You can always look online if they’re not readily available.
Using the provided free pattern, cut out all fabric pieces.
Iron interfacing to the Mexican dress fabric pieces. The Stiffen One Sided Fusible Interfacing will give your purse body a great shape while the Structure One Sided Fusible Interfacing will still allow you to sew through multiple folded edges. Right sides facing, sew the sides of the purse body and lining with a 1/4″ seam allowance. Pinch corners, sew, and flip right side out.
For the pocket, sew the right sides of the fabric along the edge, leaving a small opening to flip and press. Sew pocket in place on the lining fabric a few inches from the top. Attach the magnetic snaps according to the package instructions. I used a scrap piece of interfacing to prevent the snaps from pullout o
Fold, press, and sew both straps. Attach to purse body in location specified on pattern.
Place the outer body into the lining (right sides facing) and pin along the top edge, taking care to match seams. Carefully sew around the edge of the purse. Due to the thick interfacing, you may have to use a thicker needle or just go really slow.
Use a seam ripper to open a small section at the bottom of the lining and pull the bag right side out. You can either close the seam by hand or just use your sewing machine to apply a thin stitch near the edge.
Press the top seam and sew a finishing line around the entire edge. Again, you’ll be going through quite a few layers of fabric and interfacing so you may need a thicker needle. Just take your time and listen to your sewing machine!
Your beautiful Mexican Dress Re-purposed Purse is ready for a night out on the town!
