This was a really fun project. I got the idea when I saw so many cute shoulder bags around. I have so many little purses that I don’t wear anymore so I decided to refashion one into a shoulder bag. All you need for materials is an old small purse, some chain (I bought mine from an on-sale bin at a bead store) and 4 half-circle rings (from the sewing area at Michael’s). You do need a little muscle for this one! There is probably a much easier or more efficient way to do this but here’s how I did it..
Step 01: Seam rip the strap off on both sides.
Step 02: Take the strap apart in order to take it off the purse. Set aside the strap.
Step 03: I wanted new gold rings to match the chain so I seam ripped the loop that is holding the ring in place. (You don’t need to do this step if you don’t want to change those rings.) Do this to both sides.
Step 04: Now the loops are open in order to slide in the new rings.
Step 05: Tuck the end of the loop back under the inside fabric and sew on the new ring. Do this to both sides. (Make sure to use a strong needle!)
Step 6: Take one end of the chain and open one link.
Step 07: Slide the open link onto the ring and close the link. Do this to both sides. At this point you should measure on yourself where you want your purse to hang. Cut the ends of the chain the same length.
Step 08: Attach another ring to the other end of the chain. Do this to both sides.
Step 09: Take the strap you had set aside and loop it through the ring. Do this to both sides.
Step 10: Finally, sew the strap back together.
Done!! Now you have a cute very inexpensive shoulder bag! Let me know if you try this!
That’s beautiful, I love how you kept the leather at the top of the strap.
Gosh, this is so cute; I have a bunch of little bags that I don’t know what to do with – this is such a wonderful way to update them! Love it!
i love over the shoulder bags too. way to spice up an old bag and make it look so fresh (and clean, clean). sorry i had to. 🙂
I keep seeing these cute bags that look adorable worn across your body! What an awesome idea! I just might have to try this!
Fantastic idea! I prefer a shoulder bag but it can be hard to find one I like. I’m definitely keeping this starred in my reader for future reference.
I love the gold! What a creative and functional addition… it looks great :).
What a great idea!! I have so many old purses I could do this to! Thanks Kel!
oo i love the new look! 🙂 So chic and fun!
geniuss!! u turn it into a cool new bag
[…] Dress: American Apparel $32 Floral Shirt: Buffalo Exchange $12.99 Recreated Necklace: Savers $1.99 Refashioned Shoulder Bag: Charlotte Russe Tights: Target $7 Knee Highs: Target $5.99 Pumps: Aldo […]
[…] Jacket: Old Navy V-neck tee: American Eagle Black Shorts: Forever 21 $12.50 Tights: Target Refashioned Shoulder Bag: Charlotte Russe Boots: Savers […]
I love this bag!! want xD