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Saturday, April 23, 2011

iPod Purse Tutorial

Upbeat music helps me keep a good pace when I walk at work.  But my dress clothes have no pockets, and the clip on the iPod is useless, so I made a small iPod purse.  I have an iPod Nano, so I didn't need much fabric!  If you make this for a bigger MP3, add 1.5" to the length and width of your device for the front and back pieces. 
You'll need:
  • 4 squares, 3 x 3"
  • 2 strips, 42 x 1.5"
  • 2 pieces of batting, 3 x 2.75"
  • Iron and ironing board
  • Rotary cutter, straight edge and cutting mat
  • Experience binding a quilt
Stitch each pair of squares, right sides together, with 1/4" seam allowance.  
Press seam open.  Lay batting along one side of seam.  Fold over and pin. 
Stitch 1/4" from top edge.
There will be a very small bit of batting protruding from the bottom. 
Carefully trim this. 
To prepare binding/strap, stitch ends together diagonally and trim. 
Repeat with the other end, to form a loop.
Fold and press binding in half. 
Fold both sides in toward the center crease.  Fold in half.  Press and pin.
When loop is completed, locate both seams.
Pin purse front and back together.  
Pin binding to purse bottom.
Position purse away from the binding seams. 
Use pins to mark where to start and stop stitching, 1/4" from side edges.  
Position binding/strap center fold to the right, snug against your 1/4" foot. 
Stitch, tacking both ends.
Pin binding to both sides. 
It may be necessary to trim about 1/8" off the corners to reduce bulk.  
To stitch one side, begin stitching at the very top of the binding/strap loop. 
Position binding/strap center fold to the right, snug against your 1/4" foot. 
Stitch downward.  Complete your stitching at the bottom corner.
 
Then flip the purse over.  Start again at the top of the binding/strap.
Stitch downward toward the purse. 
Finish stitching at the bottom corner of the bag.
Trim any threads, and tie a knot in the strap to adjust length.
Your bag is complete!  
Add closure or embellish if desired.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Chris, I love the I-Pod purse! What a great idea. The colors of the purse are among my favorite color combination: blues, purple, and green. I love the fabric and the flowers. The step-by-step instructions are a great idea. I don't sew, so I won't make the purse. I'll just admire your handiwork and your ability to break down the steps to show others how to make their own I-Pod purse. :-) Very cool!

Stephanie Hughes said...

Great tutorial Chris. Steph