Making Purses from Vintage Placemats

There’s something just absolutely charming and nostalgic about seeing vintage patterns on clothing items and accessories, this is why making purses from vintage placemats is a great way to add a bit of style to your closet while saving your budget. If you’re really handy with a needle and thread or sewing machine, making a purse from vintage placemats will be a piece of cake for you. And even if you aren’t, you’ll find that making a purse from a vintage placemat is really very simple.

If you want to make a simple, clutch-style purse, you’ll only need one placemat. Along with the placemat, you’ll need matching thread, any ribbon or trims you’d like to add, and a button, snap or velcro closure. Usually, a rectangular-shaped placemat is best for this, although if you have more advanced sewing skills, you can use any shape you might have and modify it slightly. Folding the placemat twice, leaving less room for the “flap” of the purse, sew side seams with the purse WRONG side out. (The bottom seam is made up of a fold, no need to sew the bottom!) Flip it right side out and then attach whatever closure method you’d chosen. Simple as pie! This will take you less than 30 minutes and you’ll have a great little clutch for everyday use, or if you’ve used a fancier vintage design, for evening use.

To make a standard-sized purse, simply fold a larger rectangular vintage placemat in half and sew side seams from the wrong side. Turn right side out and then add whatever type of straps you’d like – strands of beads, chain, coordinating fabric, wide ribbon, etc. Make sure to sew the straps on the inside of the purse and not on the outside. Once you’ve added straps, add a simple snap or velcro closure in the very center of the top. Wallah! You’ve now got a handy little purse that’s ready for everyday use! You can add any type of trims or other small fabric pieces on the outside to further customize your new vintage placemat purse.

If clutches or purses aren’t your style, then make a vintage placemat tote. Using two coordinating or identical placemats, you can make a small or medium-sized tote that can function as a diaper bag, book bag, everyday tote or even use it for carrying groceries home. Take both placemats and turn the right sides inward. Once you’ve lined them up, sew across both wide sides and one narrow side, this makes your tote. Flip it right side out and add whatever trims you’d like and whatever type of straps you’d like.The really great thing about making purses from vintage placemats is that they’re quick and easy to make. With the wide number of yard sales and thrift shops in most areas, you’ll easily be able to make several and make them to match your wardrobe. Using your imagination, you can make a wide number of different styles and designs to suit your preferences. For the beginner, there’s no better project to start with than making a purse from a vintage placemat.