My grandmother has been making these precious little drawstring purses to match the pillowcase dresses she has been making for the girls this summer.
She says these pouches are a snap to put together. My grandmother suggests making a pattern out of newspaper by folding it in half, then in half again. Then cut an arc in the paper and unfold it to reveal a circle. She likes using an 18-inch circle, but you could adjust this measurement to suit your needs.
The next step is to trace and cut two circles of fabric, keeping in mind that the lining will show at the top of the purse. Using a narrow seam allowance, sew the two circles of fabric with right sides together. Then cut an opening in the center of the lining fabric and turn the fabric right side out through this opening. Place a plastic disc over this opening, and sew a circle of fabric over it.
To make a casing for the cord, sew a circle about 1 1/2 inches down from the edge of the fabric, then again 1/2-inch to 1-inch down from the last circle. Cut a small opening in the lining on each side of the purse, and thread ribbon or cord through each channel with a safety pin. Knot the ends of the cord, and draw up the fabric to reveal a sweet little purse. All that is left now is to let your little girl fill it with childhood treasures!
