Baskets and purses function as one and the same. They are both used for storing things and toting items around. While purses carry such objects as wallets, car keys and cell phones, baskets are more known for providing storage space for food and presents. If you have a basket that you wish to turn into a purse, use the basket as the purse's frame. The basket handle, for instance, can serve as the purse's shoulder or arm strap. However, if the basket does not have a handle, you must create one for the purse.
Things You'll Need
Sewing tape
Fabric
Fabric pen
Scissors
Fabric glue
Snap button
Strong glue
3-inch wide leather strap
Embellishment
Instructions
1 Line the inside of the basket with fabric. Measure the inside dimensions of the basket with sewing tape so that you know what size fabric you need to cover the inside as the lining. Transfer the dimensions onto a piece of fabric by marking the length and width onto the material with a fabric pen. Use fabric pens for marking on fabric, as they are specially designed to not bleed on material. Cut the fabric according to the dimension markings.
2 Apply fabric glue to the underside of the fabric that is cut. Flip the material over and affix it to the inside of the basket. Press the fabric down so that it connects to the basket's material. The purpose of lining the inside of the basket is so that the contents of the purse do not get lost from the woven texture of the basket. Allow the fabric lining with glue to dry overnight.
3 Glue a snap button closure to two sides of the basket with a strong glue. If the basket has an opening at the top, glue one part of the snap button to one side and the other part of the snap button to the opposite side. Force the two sides together so that the closure snaps into place and the items inside the purse are stored securely. If the basket already has a top that opens and shuts, a snap button closure may not be necessary. You also have the option of leaving the purse open at the top, such as in the case of a tote bag.
4 Design handles for the basket purse so that the wearer can carry the purse around. For baskets without handles, create a shoulder strap out of a 3-inch wide leather strap. Cut the leather strap at a length that is comfortable for you to wear around your shoulder. Secure both ends of the leather strap to either side of the basket with a strong glue. Allow the glue to dry overnight. If you already have a basket with a handle in the center of it, you can leave it as is or decorate the handle by wrapping and gluing fabric around it.
5 Add an embellishment to the basket to make it look more like a purse, such as a buckle or brooch in the center.
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