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Sew Your Own Every Day Style Handbag

By Debbie Colgrove, About.com

9 of 10

The Elastic

A photo showing the placement of the elastic in the top of the pocketbook.

Elastic Placement

Debbie Colgrove, Licensed to About.com
Note: Proceed to the next step if you prefer to just have a drawstring

  • Overlap the ends of the elastic to form a continuous loop. Sew the ends together.
  • Fold the elastic in half and in half again. Mark the folds.
  • Match the marks on the elastic with the side seams and the center of the hook and loop tape.
  • Sew the elastic to the folded down pocketbook fabric at the side seams, butting the elastic to the row of top stitching.
  • Stitch the bottom of the elastic at the bottom of the hook and loop tape.
  • Stretch the elastic and pin it in place, butted up to the top stitching.

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