Thrifted Skirt Turned Handbag

by Jill F

1 Hour

Easy

I needed a project - something I could create from a thrifted item for under $5. As part of a group doing a monthly project challenge I was running short on time - I always push my deadlines to the wire! This skirt was in my 'project pile', a garage sale find that I thought was cute but my girls didn't want to wear. Surely I could turn it into something besides a skirt?! With most of the construction already there I turned this into a handbag in just an hour!

Wonderful, cheery color, cute textures in the tucks and gathers, fun red band - this skirt seemed destined to live another life as an upcycled handbag.

The side zipper I cut out and then cut the whole seam open all the way down the side.

The lining was removed (it was attached to the red band on the inside) and replaced with a rectangle of canvas fabric to create the new lining for the handbag. The canvas created bulk and stability for the lightweight cotton.

The skirts fullness was fit onto the rectangle of the canvas and pinned in place.

Stitching just below the band secured the skirt to the canvas. Another row of stitching was also added along the lower edge just above the tucking.

With wrong sides together I sewed the bottom seam of the bag keeping the ruffle of the skirt out of the way and only stitching through the canvas. The ruffle then covered the seam after it was serged and the excess canvas removed.

Turning the bag right side in I stitched the only side seam it needed. The other side was on the fold so no need to stitch! This seam was then serged and the handbag turned right side out.