How to Make an Evening Bag

You can turn just about any style of purse into an evening bag if you make it with fancy fabric. Choose fabric that matches your outfit and has an elegant look and feel, such as satin, silk or a brocade. Follow the pattern directions to cut and sew the evening bag, or make a simple drawstring evening bag using the directions below. Use 1/4 inch seam allowance unless otherwise directed.

Make a Drawstring Evening Bag

Cut a 7 inch circle of fabric. You may want to trace a small plate or a round container.

Cut a piece of fabric 22 1/2 inches wide by 12-inches high. Fold the fabric in half right sides together. Stitch along the edge opposite the fold.

Fold the top edge of the fabric over about 1/2 inch. Press the fold flat, using a temperature appropriate for satin or the type of fabric you’re using.

Fold the top edge of the fabric over about 1-inch. Press the fold flat and pin it in place. This will be the casing for the drawstring.

Topstitch along the lower edge of the folded fabric, leaving an opening 1 to 2 inches wide.

Pin the fabric to the outer edge of the circle, with the fabric right sides together. Sew the fabric to the outer edge of the circle. Turn the evening bag right side out.

Insert a safety pin in the end of the ribbon or cord. Push the safety pin into the opening in the casing.

Push the safety pin through the casing until the ribbon or cording is all the way through. Pull the ribbon or cording until the ends are about equal.

Tie a knot in the ribbon or cording so that it’s snug against the top of the bag, without pulling the top of the bag closed.

0Tie a bow in the ends of the ribbon or cording.