How to make a Child’s Purse or Handbag

In this tutorial, you will learn how to make a purse for a child.  Here in the UK, we call this a handbag.  To us, a purse is the small, usually zipped, pouch you use for coins and notes.  As most of our members are from the US, I’ll use American terminology but will add British terms in brackets.

Please don’t be put off by the length of the tutorial and the number of photographs.  It is really quite straight forward but I wanted to show each step so that even a relative beginner can make this.

Size of finished item: 9 ½ inches (24 cm) wide by 10 ½ inches (26.5 cm) high including the handle (6 ½ inches (16.5 cm) high not including the handle).  All measurements are approximate.

Use a quarter inch (6-7 mm) seam allowance.  Be sure to start and finish each section of stitching with reverse or locking stitches.  

Variations 

You could add a snap, press stud or some other type of closure at the top if you like.  You could gather the top on the main outer piece rather than pleat it.  You could add lace or a trim like ric rac to the seam where you join the top band.  If you want to save time or fabric, you can make the outer in the same way as the lining, with no pleating.   Or you could pleat just the front of the purse and leave the back flat.  In this case, use the lining pattern piece instead of the outer pattern piece.  

How to make a Carry Cot or Carrier Bed for a Mini Baby Doll

In this tutorial, you will learn how to make a little bed for a mini baby doll.  Here in the UK, we call this a carry cot.  However, I'm told this is not a term that is used in the US and to call it a "baby doll carrier bed" may be more appropriate.

The fabric sizes given here will result in a carry cot to fit the Little Baby Doll from Wilkinsons in the UK (sadly now discontinued). These sweet dolls measure 6 ¾ - 7 inches (17 - 18 cm) from head to toe.  

This size also fits the 7" baby doll from Dollar Tree which is available in two variants - Caucasian and African American (also now discontinued).

If you want to make one for a different sized doll, please scroll to the bottom of the post to see how to alter the pattern.  The figures in the square brackets [ ] refer to that section.

If you use this, or any of our patterns, we'd love to see photos of what you make. You can send them to craftingforshoeboxes[at]gmail[dot]com or post them on our Facebook page.  Happiness is handmade.

I was inspired to make this by Stevie's original knitting pattern which is available here.

This lovely carry cot was made by one of our members, Jean.  She also crocheted the little bear nestled inside it.

And here's Samara's version - isn't it pretty?

Katherine made this sweet little bed for one of the Dollar Tree baby dolls.  As you can see, she fits perfectly inside without having to make any adjustment to the pattern.

Linda made this lovely bed for a tiny doll who is only 1.5 inches long. Great job Linda!

How to make Macramé Key Ring Fobs

Key rings are a fun and functional item for shoeboxes. They can be attached to zips, bags, backpacks and belt loops as well as keys. I like to make key rings for my shoeboxes for older girls and boys, as well as for families and elderly people.

In this tutorial, you will learn how to make simple key ring fobs using basic macramé knots. Please don't be put off by the long post and the number of photos – I wanted to cover all the steps. If you get lost, I have included a link to a video that makes it all very clear.

Trousers, Sleepsuit and Bib for a Mini Baby Doll - Free Sewing Pattern

Designed by our resident fashion designer, Stevie, these trousers, sleepsuit and bib will keep your mini baby doll snug and stylish for her shoebox journey and new life beyond.

The patterns are designed to fit the Little Baby Doll from Wilkinsons in the UK (sadly now discontinued) .  These sweet dolls measure 6 3/4 - 7 inches (17cm) from head to toe.

If you use these, or any of our patterns, we'd love to see photos of what you make.

Bobble Hat & Cardigan for a Mini Baby Doll - Free Knitting Pattern

Designed by our resident fashion designer, Stevie, this matching cardigan and hat set will keep your mini baby doll snug for her shoebox journey and new life beyond.

It was designed to fit the Little Baby Doll from Wilkinsons in the UK (sadly now discontinued). These sweet dolls measure 6 3/4 - 7 inches (17cm) from head to toe.

If you use these, or any of our patterns, we'd love to see photos of what you make.

This lovely matching set was made by one of our members, Charlotte. You will find the pattern for the child-sized hat and mittens here.

Crib or Moses Basket for a Mini Baby Doll - Free Knitting Pattern

Designed by our resident fashion designer, Stevie, this crib will keep your mini baby doll snug for her shoebox journey and new life beyond.

It was designed to fit the Little Baby Doll from Wilkinsons in the UK (sadly now discontinued).  These sweet dolls measure 6 3/4 - 7 inches (17cm) from head to toe.

If you use this, or any of our patterns, we'd love to see photos of what you make.

Alison used Stevie's pattern to create this lovely version.

How to make Drawstring Bags - Part 2

Drawstring bags are a popular item for shoeboxes. This is how I make my double string ones. You can find my tutorial for single string bags here.

In this tutorial, you will learn how to make unlined bags with flat or boxed bottoms. Here you can see the two different types next to each other to help you make your choice.

As the bags are unlined, I use pinking shears for neatness and to prevent fraying. Alternatively, you could use an overlocker (serger) or a zigzag stitch to finish the edges that will show on the inside.

 

These ones are for sewing kits but you can use this method to make bags in any size and any fabric.

How to make Drawstring Bags - Part 1

Drawstring bags are a popular item for shoeboxes. There are various methods but this is how I make mine.  I also make double string ones - please see Part 2.

You can also make them any size – when you cut out your fabric, simply add 2 cm (3/4") to twice the width and 4 cm (1 1/2") to the length of the desired finished size.

The fabric used here was 22 x 19 cm (8 3/4 x 7 1/2"), which results in a finished size of 10 x 15 cm (4 x 6"). 

If you wanted a finished size of 15 x 20 cm (6” x 8”), you would need to cut a piece measuring 32 x 24 cm (12 3/4” x 9 1/2”).

These ones are for marbles but the method can be adapted for other purposes – this red cotton one was made to hold a sewing kit.   

As the bags are unlined, I use pinking shears for neatness and to prevent fraying. Alternatively, you could use an overlocker (serger) or a zigzag stitch to finish the edges that will show on the inside.

How to make Elastic Bracelets

These bracelets are easy to make and add a bit of fun and colour to your shoeboxes, without too much outlay in terms of time and cost.

Autumn made these lovely bracelets using these directions:

Using elasticated cord means that sizing can be flexible but you can use this chart as a guide.

Approximate length by age

Age 2-4 = 5.5 – 6 inches or 14 – 15.25 cm

Age 5-9 = 6 – 7 inches or 15 – 17.75 cm

Age 10-14 = 6.5 – 7.5 inches or 16.5 – 19 cm

Adult Woman = 7 – 8 inches or 17.75 – 20.25 cm

Adult Man = 8 – 9 inches or 20.25 – 23 cm

For example, my friend’s son is a tall 14 year-old with a wrist measurement of 17cm so a bracelet length of about 19cm would be suitable for him. Girls in this age group usually have smaller wrists than boys but boys may prefer them to be more close fitting.