How to Make a Book Purse

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

Here's a novel purse that is perfect for the bibliophile in your life!

Make this purse out of an old (preferably cheap and unloved) book. It's sure to be a conversation starter wherever you take it and you'll get to recycle a discarded book in the process.

Steps

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/2a\/1_714.JPG\/460px-1_714.JPG","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/2a\/1_714.JPG\/614px-1_714.JPG","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":614,"bigHeight":461,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>Image by: Uploader<br>\nLicense: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    1
    Obtain a largish hardcover book. Used book stores, library book sales, and thrift stores are good places to find a tome that will suit this purpose.
    • Look for something with an attractive cover in a color that suits your (or your recipient's) style. Some old books are bound with leather (or a lookalike) and embossed.
    • Look around for textbooks, mismatched/outdated encyclopedias, Reader's Digest Condensed Books or anything that you think will be worth more for its cover than its contents.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/13\/2_745.JPG\/460px-2_745.JPG","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/13\/2_745.JPG\/614px-2_745.JPG","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":614,"bigHeight":461,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>Image by: Uploader<br>\nLicense: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    2
    Cut the pages away from the cover. You can use scissors or a craft knife. Open the cover and cut along the gutter (crease) line.
    Advertisement
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/19\/4_253.JPG\/460px-4_253.JPG","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/19\/4_253.JPG\/614px-4_253.JPG","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":288,"bigWidth":614,"bigHeight":385,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>Image by: Uploader<br>\nLicense: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    3
    Trace the book cover onto some firm pressed cardboard. Heavy mailing envelopes work fine.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/9\/94\/6_41.JPG","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/94\/6_41.JPG\/432px-6_41.JPG","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":349,"bigWidth":432,"bigHeight":328,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>Image by: Uploader<br>\nLicense: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    4
    Cut your tracing out. Cut slightly INSIDE your tracing lines so that you get a cardboard rectangle that is just slightly smaller than your book cover(s).
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/fa\/8_216.JPG\/460px-8_216.JPG","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/fa\/8_216.JPG\/614px-8_216.JPG","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":614,"bigHeight":461,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>Image by: Uploader<br>\nLicense: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    5
    Cut the spine section away.
  6. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a0\/9_497.JPG\/460px-9_497.JPG","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a0\/9_497.JPG\/614px-9_497.JPG","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":283,"bigWidth":614,"bigHeight":378,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>Image by: Uploader<br>\nLicense: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    6
    Check to see that the cardboard cutouts fit the covers of the book, and that their edges fit slightly INSIDE the edges of the book covers.
  7. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/05\/10_439.JPG\/460px-10_439.JPG","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/05\/10_439.JPG\/614px-10_439.JPG","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":614,"bigHeight":461,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>Image by: Uploader<br>\nLicense: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    7
    Cut a piece of pressed cardboard slightly smaller than the size of the book spine. This will support and reinforce the bottom of your new purse.
  8. 8
    Launder your fabric.
  9. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/80\/11_916.JPG\/460px-11_916.JPG","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/80\/11_916.JPG\/614px-11_916.JPG","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":614,"bigHeight":461,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>Image by: Uploader<br>\nLicense: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    9
    Iron the fabric smooth. You may starch the fabric to make it stiffer and easier to use if you like.
  10. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c2\/12_247.JPG\/460px-12_247.JPG","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c2\/12_247.JPG\/614px-12_247.JPG","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":614,"bigHeight":461,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>Image by: Uploader<br>\nLicense: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    10
    Use your cardboard rectangles as a template to cut your cloth. Lay the cardboard on the cloth and cut around it, leaving an inch or so in every direction.
  11. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/4b\/13_332.JPG\/460px-13_332.JPG","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/4b\/13_332.JPG\/614px-13_332.JPG","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":614,"bigHeight":461,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>Image by: Uploader<br>\nLicense: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    11
    Repeat for the spine cardboard piece.
  13. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d7\/17_713.JPG\/460px-17_713.JPG","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d7\/17_713.JPG\/614px-17_713.JPG","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":614,"bigHeight":461,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>Image by: Uploader<br>\nLicense: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    13
    Trim the top of the fabric to one quarter inch (or so) longer than the width of the cover. (see photo for pointers)
  14. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/1e\/18_715.JPG\/460px-18_715.JPG","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/1e\/18_715.JPG\/614px-18_715.JPG","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":614,"bigHeight":461,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>Image by: Uploader<br>\nLicense: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    14
    Sew the long sides of each pair of triangles. Right sides together.
  15. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f0\/20_597.JPG\/460px-20_597.JPG","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f0\/20_597.JPG\/614px-20_597.JPG","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":614,"bigHeight":461,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>Image by: Uploader<br>\nLicense: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d7\/19_632.JPG\/460px-19_632.JPG","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d7\/19_632.JPG\/614px-19_632.JPG","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":614,"bigHeight":461,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>Image by: Uploader<br>\nLicense: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    15
    Turn and press the seam.
  16. 16
    Top stitch.
  17. 17
    Fold the bottom, narrow edge of your triangle in half to form a dart at the bottom.
  18. 18
    By hand or by machine, begin your stitch slightly less than halfway from fold to edge. Stitch up the fold at least an inch. This will help your purse to close cleanly without the fabric bunching outward.
  19. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/6e\/25_214.JPG\/460px-25_214.JPG","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/6e\/25_214.JPG\/614px-25_214.JPG","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":614,"bigHeight":461,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>Image by: Uploader<br>\nLicense: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/9f\/23_442.JPG\/460px-23_442.JPG","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/9f\/23_442.JPG\/614px-23_442.JPG","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":614,"bigHeight":461,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>Image by: Uploader<br>\nLicense: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/9e\/22_839.JPG\/460px-22_839.JPG","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/9e\/22_839.JPG\/614px-22_839.JPG","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":614,"bigHeight":461,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>Image by: Uploader<br>\nLicense: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    19
    Cover the two large cardboard rectangles with fabric, gluing the edges to the back side. You may glue the fabric to the front side if you wish as well.
  20. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/07\/26_975.JPG\/460px-26_975.JPG","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/07\/26_975.JPG\/420px-26_975.JPG","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":613,"bigWidth":420,"bigHeight":560,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>Image by: Uploader<br>\nLicense: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    20
    Place the narrow, darted edge of the triangle(s) onto the inside, spine ends of the book cover. Be certain that the dart lies to the inside of the cover. Glue into place.
  21. 21
    Lay one of the thin strips of cardboard on the back side of its fabric.
  22. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/35\/27_384.JPG\/460px-27_384.JPG","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/35\/27_384.JPG\/420px-27_384.JPG","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":613,"bigWidth":420,"bigHeight":560,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>Image by: Uploader<br>\nLicense: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    22
    Wrap the short ends of the fabric over the short ends of the spine cover. Glue into place.
  23. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/3\/33\/29_861.JPG","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/33\/29_861.JPG\/412px-29_861.JPG","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":451,"bigWidth":412,"bigHeight":404,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>Image by: Uploader<br>\nLicense: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    23
    Glue the long, raw edges of the triangles to the top and bottom edges of the book cover to form the sides of your purse.
  24. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/52\/34_124.JPG\/460px-34_124.JPG","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/52\/34_124.JPG\/614px-34_124.JPG","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":614,"bigHeight":461,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>Image by: Uploader<br>\nLicense: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    24
    Make two loops of bias tape, one to hold the button/bead closure and one for the button to slide through.
  25. 25
    Place the bias tape loops in the center of the openings and glue them carefully to the edges.
  26. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f5\/31_685.JPG\/460px-31_685.JPG","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f5\/31_685.JPG\/614px-31_685.JPG","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":614,"bigHeight":461,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>Image by: Uploader<br>\nLicense: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    26
    String beads on the bias tape or similar for your handle.
  27. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d7\/30_885.JPG\/460px-30_885.JPG","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d7\/30_885.JPG\/614px-30_885.JPG","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":614,"bigHeight":461,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>Image by: Uploader<br>\nLicense: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    27
    Measure carefully and glue them into place.
  28. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/22\/33_189.JPG\/460px-33_189.JPG","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/22\/33_189.JPG\/614px-33_189.JPG","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":614,"bigHeight":461,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>Image by: Uploader<br>\nLicense: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/ba\/32_213.JPG\/460px-32_213.JPG","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/ba\/32_213.JPG\/614px-32_213.JPG","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":614,"bigHeight":461,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>Image by: Uploader<br>\nLicense: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    28
    Glue your covered rectangles to the inside of each book cover, covering all raw edges.
  29. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/5e\/35_629.JPG\/460px-35_629.JPG","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/5e\/35_629.JPG\/614px-35_629.JPG","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":614,"bigHeight":461,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>Image by: Uploader<br>\nLicense: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    29
    Press bottom corners to the inside of purse and glue them into place.
  30. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/6c\/37_714.JPG\/460px-37_714.JPG","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/6c\/37_714.JPG\/614px-37_714.JPG","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":614,"bigHeight":461,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>Image by: Uploader<br>\nLicense: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    30
    Your new purse is ready to dazzle and amaze!
    31. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    Do I have to use fabric?
    WikiHowUser20171109012036
    Community Answer
    No, but it might be better to use fabric.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 5 Helpful 8
  • Question
    Can I give this to a friend as a homemade gift?
    Community Answer
    That is an excellent idea!
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 3 Helpful 6
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      • Make sure that the hot glue gun is "completely" warm before applying. If not, it will result in untidy lumps throughout fabric.
        Thanks
        Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0
      • It works well to Make a Hollow Book and attach the handle.
        Thanks
        Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
      • Hot glue works well because of its minimal drying time. You can use craft glue, but you will need to clamp each section into place and allow it to dry before proceeding to the next step.
        Thanks
        Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Warnings

      • It is possible that the bibliophile in your life would be offended at a notion of re-purposing a book rather than reading it. At the least, choose an old volume with no particular value.
        Thanks
        Helpful 20 Not Helpful 7
      • Take care when handling scissors, craft knives and hot glue guns.
        Thanks
        Helpful 15 Not Helpful 10
      Advertisement

      Things You'll Need

      • A large, old book that no one wants
      • Craft knife or utility knife
      • Scissors
      • Iron
      • Sewing machine
      • Hot glue or similar (and hot glue gun)
      • Fabric to match the book.
      • Pen or pencil
      • Straightedge (optional)

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Protect Hardcover Book Corners
      How to
      Make a Denim Purse
      How to
      Make a Hollow Book
      How to
      Convert a Paperback Book to Hardcover
      How to
      Make a Bookmark
      2 Fun & Easy Origami Bookmarks You’ve Got to Try
      How to
      Make a Spiral‐Bound Book
      How to
      Make a Corner Bookmark
      How to
      Make a Bookmark Tassel
      How to
      Make Paper Bookmarks
      How to
      Make a Book Safe
      How to
      Make a Slam Book
      How to
      Make Book Earrings
      How to
      Design a Comic Book Cover
      Advertisement

      About This Article

      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 328,232 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Natalie Ciolek

        Jun 4, 2017

        "I've been wanting to make a book purse, but was unsure how best to proceed. The detailed pictures of every ..." more
      More reader stories Hide reader stories
      Share your story

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement