Introducing the Fish Purse Sewing Pattern
Splash into the world of purse sewing with the Fish Purse Pattern! If you have been following my journey of designing and sewing prototypes of my Fish Purse, you’ll know how excited I am about this pattern! The sewing pattern finally went live a week ago and in this blog post, I’ll be sharing details about my newest digital sewing pattern, the Fish Purse Pattern.
Use the code “FINTASTIC” to get 15% off the pattern. Sale ends August 6, 2023.
Inspiration behind the Fish Purse Pattern
The Fish Purse Pattern is inspired all the novelty fish-shaped wicker purses that I have been dreaming about since my days as a “pin-up girl”. Obviously, these wicker purses are hard to come by and expensive to procure. Luckily, sewing and DIY came to the rescue!
All about the Fish Purse Pattern
Every purchase of the Fish Purse Pattern comes with the following:
PDF sewing pattern: A4, US letter, A0 sizes
Step-by-step photo tutorial
Supplementary video tutorial
Skill level
This sewing project is suitable for an intermediate sewist who is comfortable with:
sewing curves
installing bias tape on curves
working with an ultra-firm stabiliser
Of course, if you think you’re only a beginner sewist, don’t be afraid to take up the challenge and make full use of the step-by-step video tutorial available!
Finished size
The finished Fish Purse measures 15” L x 9” H. The usable space in the purse is approximately 14.5” L x 6” H
(See schematic illustrations above for more details)
Supplies needed
To sew one Fish Purse, you’ll need the following:
½ yd MAIN fabric
½ yd LINING fabric
½ yd of sew-in ultra-firm STABILISER
3 yds of ⅞” single fold bias tape (= 1 pack of Wrights bias tape)
1 set of ¾” magnetic snap button (for bag closure)
Two ⅞” flat buttons (for eyes)
10" of 1/4" sew-thru rigilene boning
Scrap amount of interfacing for securing the magnetic snap button
Optional: Zipper presser foot
Sew-in ultra-firm STABILISER: This is a crucial material for giving the Fish Purse the structure to look and work like a purse. I made the sample featured in this photo tutorial with the 70 Peltex® Sew-In Ultra Firm Stabilizer by Pellon®. Other alternatives are also listed in the instruction booklet.
Zipper presser foot: This is helpful for sewing the bias binding, especially for sewing the ends of the bias binding together and sewing in the ditch.
Suggested fabric
MAIN fabric: medium to heavy weight fabric e.g., outdoor fabric, upholstery fabric, twill, denim, duck cotton, canvas
LINING fabric: light to medium weight fabric e.g., twill, denim, stiff polyester satin
I made the sample featured in these photos with Solarium outdoor fabric as the main fabric, and navy twill as the lining fabric.
Choosing fabric colours and prints
For my Fish Purse, I chose a fabric with a faux basketweave print to imitate the vintage novelty wicker purses that inspired this design. Striped, chevron and check prints are great options for an adorable, kitschy effect.
The use of the bias trim around the edge of the Fish Purse gives it endless mix-and-match possibilities for you to make your very own unique Fish Purse. Use a coordinating bias trim for a more cohesive look or a contrasting bias trim for a more playful design.
Sew the CUTEST FISH PURSE today!
I can’t wait to see your version of the Fish Purse Pattern! If you’d like to share your make on social media, do use the tag #FishPursePattern - I’d love to see them!
Get the Fish Purse Pattern at 15% with the code “FINTASTIC”. Sale ends August 6, 2023.
