Make a "Sew Powerful Cross-Body Purse" with Misty Doan on At Home With Misty (Video Tutorial)

[@mmckerley1]

I've been sewing bags for Sew Powerful for several years. I'll warn you that it's addicting once you start making them. They require little fabric, no hardware and the best part is that you can use scraps! I hope MSQC will bring more attention to this wonderful cause that keeps girls in school. ❤️

[@juliewinchell8263]

This is wonderful! My favorite online place to shop for my sewing supplies has partnered with my favorite sewing charity! Thank you, Missouri Star! I became addicted to sewing these purses about two years ago, and I've never looked back. Sewing a purse really does change a life because the gift of reusable menstrual supplies that are placed inside the purse allow the girl in Zambia to attend school throughput the month rather than missing the week of her period. Attendance is critical because passing the country's 7th grade test is necessary for moving on to high school. Women in Zambia are paid good wages to make the supplies that are put into the purses, so the seamstresses lives are also improved.

[@wekebu]

This program is like Days For Girls. I've been sewing to make hygiene products for two years now. It's so rewarding thinking you're helping girls all over the world.

[@Mrsmuffin1958]

Thank you, Misty and Missouri Star for sharing the story of Sew Powerful and the wonderful purse tutorial. This charity is my favourite because it involves sewing, women's health, and education. I've made around 20 of these bags this year, so far, and can't wait to make more! I'm going to share your tutorial with my friends on Facebook and with my friends in sewing group because it simplifies the process. Folks need to remember to top stitch the little inside pocket across the top before sewing it to the lining piece, and finish the ends of the webbing straps with heat or zig-zag stitches so it doesn't ravel out. God bless you all, and for the folks who take up this cause as a result of Misty's tutorial, welcome!! There will never be enough of these purses made, as thousands are needed every year, so sew!! Thanks!

[@ruthkenney4146]

Thank you for featuring Sew Powerful. I have been making these purses for about 3 years now, and each one gives me such joy, to know that I'm changing lives. The purses are fun to sew, and once you start, you'll get so good at it that you'll have the measurements for each pattern piece memorized. It goes together pretty fast then! I usually cut out 2 or 3 at a time, and that helps me to get more made. Each one is treasured by a girl in Zambia.

[@SewingWithCinnamon]

Oh, Wow! This is so amazing! Thanks so much for sharing this project with your community! We're honored and blessed to see the excitement shared here! I can't wait to see all the amazing purses made for the girls in Zambia! Thank you, Misty and the Missouri Star team! What you've done here is just so special, Together we truly are Sew Powerful! (~Cinnamon, co-founder Sew Powerful)

[@susanmei9980]

Will the girls in Zambia be able to read the cards written in English?

[@lindashine5575]

If you print

[@SewingWithCinnamon]

@@susanmei9980 Yes :) They are tough to read and write in English. Just print clearly (no cursive), the girls love to see a name and where the purse is coming from. It helps to make it personal and they are amazed that someone so far away cares enough to do this for them!

[@Stoffmonster467]

@@SewingWithCinnamon my mom remembers the Care boxes from USA she got as little hungry German girl. It didn't improve much the actual situation, but the feeling that somebody thinks about you is very important.

[@19sman74]

I've sewed for this organization before. Wonderful people and cause. Terrific of you to spread the word!

[@annepoler5566]

Thank you so much for partnering with Sew Powerful!! It's so important for the girls to stay in school, and this is a great way to help them do so. And the bags are fun to make! A couple of comments about the bags: I've stayed pretty close to the pattern (except for all the beautiful mid-weight fabrics available, and for interfacing the lining with a cotton woven fusible interfacing) and not added hardware, extra features, etc. to keep all the bags constructed in pretty much the same way. Also, if you are using nylon webbing for straps, it's important to use a lighter to melt the cut edges so they don't fray.

[@joane8651]

Thank you for your advice, I also make the lining just a little bit smaller so it fits easily inside the bag.

[@janetbailey4282]

Thank you for sharing the bag and organization info. you did a wonderful job Missy. I have a suggestion, I personally would have liked you to model it, show how it looks as well on the inside and pockets, an overall inspection of what the bag looks like over all. I enjoy seeing what it all looks like finished. Just a thought from this grammy. But I so appreciate that you took the time to do the tutorial for all of us, and yes, June will be exciting to see how many of us are able to join together and beat the 500 mark. I made over 3500 face masks for my community, took $6000.00 from my retirement and started in Feb 2020 before most people did not know we would be needing them. My daughters family has hosted 4 exchange students over the last years and each one of them brought their own masks (before covid hit) for colds they may get while here etc. so I knew how well they worked. My community had a lot of tula pink and Kaffe masks. Well, I have fabrics left over and this will be a perfect way to continue my lil journey of giving. Thank you very much for bringing this to our attention.

[@christinemeleg4535]

I watched this video and decided to sew these bags. Keeping girls in school, keeping women employed is a winning combination! I was teaching in the classroom until a genetic disorder caused my hearing to deteriorate to the point where classroom work is no longer possible. I taught high school science so I understand how missing class can cause a loss of learning. Thanks so much for the video! Education for girls is important!

[@conqueringmountscrapmorewi2509]

Hi! I just got the chance to sit and watch your video while I do more hand quilting. I hope you have a wonderful week ahead! Thank you for sharing your time and talent.

[@lanakrawczel8557]

My granddaughter and I made two bags together this weekend. We had a good time together thanks to your detailed tutorial and our bags turned out great. I mailed them off to SewPowerfully today. Thanks for some quality grandma-granddaughter time.

[@margiehogan5571]

Great project. Would recommend that you remove the sewing machine extension table before stitching the bag lining to the bag. It is much easier!

[@deborahmoore1773]

Hi, I'm from Cornwall in England. It was interesting watching your demo. I've made eight of these bags so far and will carry on - as well as helping the girls in Zambia to continue with their education, it's a great way to use up some of my stash of fabric! I made my own cardboard template of the pattern pieces to draw round, and then cut them out. Because I'm using quilting cotton which is a bit less sturdy than the canvas you recommend, I include a very soft batting between the main and the lining pieces, and also finish off with a snap fastening on the flap and outer pocket. You're all doing tremendously helpful work for the girls which will hopefully contribute towards a good life for them.

[@pattyneff6529]

Snap fasteners are not needed on the purses. When the purses are filled with supplies, the snaps will not match up.

[@1969snowflake]

Great idea with the snaps, @Deborah Moore. @Patty Neff, I would imagine the bags won’t be stuffed on a daily basis, so the snaps would line up when the supplies are taken out.

[@judiebarnhill6298]

I would add SF101 on all of the wovens. It prevents fraying and increases longevity. I typically use a light weight water resistant canvas as the lining so I don't have to interface and it adds stability to the bag.

[@marybethbrown2530]

Thank You so much Misty, for this visual tutorial. I am part of a group in Cincinnati (West Chester), Ohio and just finished my first Purse, and it is Sew Powerful!

[@MissouriQuiltCo]

❤️

[@charlenejutras1595]

Misty, you have a gift for teaching- I am sharing this video with friends who enjoy sewing. What a special way to share our gifts to encourage girls to stay in school and live a better life. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@karenraabis5296]

I am loving your you tube channel. You are so relaxed and seem to enjoy this. Thank you for sharing a giving project. I am not a proficient quilter but I know I can do this. Such a great thing to do!

[@kathleengansert6130]

Thank you Missouri Star for sharing this wonderful video supporting Sew Powerful. They are a wonderful organization and your support helps to spread the word to empower more young girls.

[@joane8651]

Very helpful instructions, Misty, Sew Powerful is a great organization and we quilters just need to be asked to help others.

[@bekibell41]

I'm so glad y'all are supporting 'sew so powerful'! This is so empowering for the young women in this country. God Bless you and your family. I feel even better supporting your business knowing you support them. Nice a bigger stash! Lol! Beki

[@irenamangone]

Love your dress and thank you for going through the pattern for us lovely fabric you are using

[@samanthamariefreeman335]

Sew Powerful, sew much FUN!! What a Wonderful Idea for Memorial Day!! THANK YOU!!

[@MsVision4]

Hello I am making these along with my sewing class .Wanted to know if we can use rivets and magnetic snaps on our bags ?Thank you video really help.

[@debbiemcclelland2129]

I always love your presentations Misty, thank you Missouri Star ⭐️

[@Dasburyfamily]

What an amazing gift to make and spread our love to others. ❤️❤️❤️

[@gmab4758]

Very well presented! Thank you to MissouriStar for getting involved in this project! Great tutorial, misty!

[@PeggyCreighton]

Jenny, this is a great tutorial! Sew Powerful is a wonderful organization and the girls who receive these purses are so grateful. Thank you for your support!

[@patanco13]

Great informative video! I am too chicken to top sew without using the free arm. Amazed you did the topstitching so easily!

[@Kera.S.]

Clips will make this much easier. Bag makers live by them 😉. Thank you for sharing this organization! This would be a great way to use up my larger scraps from other bags.

[@elizabethrukminiishii7459]

I just made the purse and will send it out tomorrow. I enjoyed your tutorial. So easy to follow along 😃🤗. Thanks Misty.

[@sandybruce9092]

I just started to watch your video and have already sent for the patterns. I love these bags and I know your instructions will be super - as always! Thanks so much!

[@lyndapatrick8303]

What a wonderful idea/ organization! Thanks for bringing it to the public notice!! Turned out cute!

[@barbmatesich3735]

Outstanding tutorial, so thorough. When I first saw the bag I I thought, no way, that looks really hard, but after watching the tutorial I’m on it! Thanks! 😊

[@mouseboots46]

I like a bamboo point Turner for turning things like that flap.Bevause it's bamboo, it can serve as a tiny "ironing board".

[@robinwhiddon5728]

Love your videos!!! What length of stitch do you use for top stitching ? Keep the videos coming. I made the clear vinyl bag you did. Absolutely love it. Will be Christmas gifts this year. Thank you 😊

[@suekirby3223]

Great demonstration. These purses and the hygenine supplies are so helpful to the girls.

[@grammaterry6]

Very nice! You make it look easy!

[@GrandmaPatty49]

Love your adorable shirts/tops!

[@elizabethrukminiishii7459]

Thanks Misty. Will down load, sew and send❣️

[@donnakimball3822]

I managed to download pattern. What a blessing.

[@julxie-quitting6741]

Fantastic program! Thanks for the excellent instructions, Misty.

[@kathleenheston5295]

What kind of needle do you have in your machine? I also have an Accomplish Baby Lock that I purchased from Missouri Star. Love watching all the tutorials!♥

[@candacecarroll42]

Can’t wait to download the pattern and get started! Awesome organization!

[@798jmoreau]

Great bag - can you tell me the pattern name for your quilt in background?

[@nancy-katharynmcgraw2669]

If you removed the extension table, the bag can be maneuvered around the sewing area, to be sewn together!,...easy, peasy!!!

[@fortierdawn]

What a wonderful program and really great bags. I just tried to download a pattern and it keeps telling me to refresh the page. I'm unable to download. Could I please get help with that? Thank you.

[@nancystocker357]

Great instructions and cause. Very pretty fabric, thanks!

[@suecash2968]

Wonderful cause. I think for some of the sewing, I would have adjusted the machine platform as if I was sewing a sleeve.

[@catwhsprr4313]

Very helpful instructions. It would be good to make several at one time.

[@cathinuferrous2336]

Thanks for brings us this opportunity as an avenue to share our love with others! ❌⭕️ I tried to download the pattern off their fb but, for some reason it wouldn’t print 🥴 however from your link it printed. Even though I think both link me to same same place.. technology🥴 anyways I was persistent and got it to print 😊😊😊

[@pamelamiller3215]

Thankyou Misty for a lovely bag pattern

[@ericmel99]

Great video as always. Can't wait to get started!!

[@wordplussf]

I would like to use a faux leather for part of this purse. Which pattern piece would be best for that? I only have enough for one pattern piece.

[@mamaholen5306]

Thanks, Misty!! I will always have perfect boxed corners after watching you do this! I've been making things way too hard for myself! 😂 I can't wait to make some purses!

[@karenraabis5296]

What a great idea to draw the box to strengthen the handle. Mine never looks good. I am sure this helps

[@livingweirdestherc6644]

What a wonderful organization

[@DiyideaswithYana]

Pretty Cross body purse...Very practical...

[@lisaporche1411]

What type of interfacing would you use for quilters cotton? Do you know how to get the 3-fat quarter layout?

[@ruthkenney4146]

I often use fusible batting for interfacing on quilters cotton.

[@yomikaila]

Love this bag!! If I wanted a snap closure, when would I add those snaps?

[@lindashine5575]

SewPowerful would rather you did not add snaps.

[@raeannoneill8392]

Great idea!!! Thank you for the opportunity.

[@momdad8806]

Downloaded patterns, will make the granddaughters purses for Christmas.....hopefully they are easy

[@eduardachi2571]

hi Misty i love all your projects thank you

[@nancyschaefer8910]

This is much easier than the pattern makes it seem. Don't be afraid to try it

[@eileenmeyers6080]

Another great project is to make reusable washable feminine napkins for girls in Africa and other countries where it might be difficult or expensive for them to buy disposable ones. Lots of free patterns for them on the internet. I make them out of pretty flannels to put in the Operation Christmas Child boxes.

[@eileenmeyers6080]

By the way...I love your blouse. It's beautiful.

[@ruthkenney4146]

@kevmrth Yes, Sew Powerful is empowering women in Zambia by having them sew the reusable products.

[@florencemoran2746]

What is the name of the floral used for the outside of the bag?

[@Isaaraujo301]

Lindo!!! Parabéns pelo projeto! 🌹🌹🌹

[@tracyeckhardt6817]

What kind of needle do you use it looks gold

[@petratack3479]

Hi misty I was just wondering if you could add a closer of some kind to the bag and how Would you do this

[@ruthellensanchez2836]

Great tutorial! Can you adjust overhead camera? It is fuzzy.

[@tuyettran4790]

Hi I would like to know the quilt in the wall in your black name and is pattern for sell? Thank you

[@ozziemyman]

That’s a gorgeous bag! TY for sharing

[@bethhillier1214]

Beautiful, thank you for sharing.

[@Mamabear-k1r]

Is the pattern available for free download? Where can I find the pattern?

[@jwestfalldavis3574]

Great idea! Thanks!

[@adventureswithfabric6710]

I must have missed it, but can you give the address where to send the finished bags, please?

[@theresadauria1733]

Great looking little purse

[@kirana51]

Fantastic Misty!! 👍💖

[@lorettaclinton6604]

Are there fabric restrictions such as no animals, bugs or eyes? I make kits for Days for Girls and there are certain fabric prints not allowed.

[@lindashine5575]

No camp is the only restriction I think, but there are suggestions on their website. Remember the conditions there are harsh. Darker colors show dirt less, cotton stand up to washing better, etc.

[@Rdsewingworld]

Very beautiful sharing dear ❤. Like your work...it's wonderful. Thank u for sharing your creativity. I'm new for your channel. Your new friend 💐😍🙂👍

[@pamelabarrett7645]

Very nice idea.

[@jeanielipskey1272]

How Wonderful!

[@debabrams8438]

Hello..it's a very cute.i work with for a food collection..lap blankets.for the elderly

[@Lois882]

My downloaded patterns don’t show a boxed corner option. Did you alter the pieces to accommodate that?

[@Lois882]

Update: when I followed the link in your video, I got the updated 2018 pattern with the boxed corners you used. For some reason, when I downloaded directly from the sewpowerful site, the only options were for the 2015 patterns. The boxed corners make the purse much quicker and more straightforward, and with no loss of function or visual appeal. Thanks for this tutorial!

[@cynthialodermeier5291]

Darling bag!!!

[@jenniferhughart2649]

I made two of these bags today!

[@wendyejohnson7517]

How much fabric is required for each of the outer and lining fabrics?

[@MissouriQuiltCo]

Fabric for purse body: 1-1/2 yards 44" width or 1/2 yard 54"-6-" width Fabric for purse lining: 1/3 yard 44" width

[@wendyejohnson7517]

@@MissouriQuiltCo thank you so much.

[@MissouriQuiltCo]

👍❤️

[@heathern9051]

Thank you for sharing

[@chrisklayo9562]

Misty this is great can you donate quilts to this organization?

[@lindashine5575]

No, not to SewPowerful, but check out the Linus project in your local community.

[@marycasey6247]

Where is the pattern?

[@dianebecker1419]

I copied the patten thank you will read the rest tomorrow to find out where to send them

[@GrandmaPatty49]

I’ve made the mistake of using the pointy end of a chopstick when poking out corners, and made a tiny hole in the fabric! Be careful.

[@nancymower4976]

How do you get pattern?

[@kathykilgore6836]

It can be downloaded from www.sewpowerful.org/collections/purse-pattern and details about the program at www.sewpowerful.org

[@bellaannecgoff2335]

❤️❤️❤️

[@anitagreen2263]

Hi

[@shirleylieb9345]

Got totally lost.I don’t see where piece g goes when you sew all the way around.

[@pattyneff6529]

There is another sew-along video you could watch. Search for "Sew Powerful Purse Beginner Pattern Sew Along" by Sew Powerful

[@marilynnixon2478]

No explanation for why the bags are needed.

[@sherylvitosh7209]

Look in the description box (click on the arrow or more) and you’ll see all the details and links

[@missmix48]

I don't have a printer so I can't do it.

[@pattyneff6529]

You do NOT need a printer to print out the SewPowerful purse pattern. On each pattern piece, the size dimensions are given.