Free Pattern/Tutorial: The Wave Purse Organizer [Pt 1]

My Wave Purse Organizer filled with stuff...

I have used a purse organizer for years. I love the convenience of simply whipping it out and tossing it into another bag without worrying about whether I have every doodad that I need with me... particularly over the past year, when I have been switching purses more often than I have ever done before in my life! When I discovered all of those purse organizer patterns online, I knew I would eventually come up with one of my own.

Here is my Wave Purse Organizer inside one of my new bags...

So here is the first contribution from the “designer” side of me: a two tone purse organizer that features pockets of varying heights (hence the name). It is incredibly easy to make; it should take you no more than a couple of hours to whip it up if you have all of the necessary supplies.

Completed dimensions of the Wave Purse Organizer are 20.5” wide by 4.25” high; pockets range in height from 1.75” to 3.25”. (Yes, even though I’m Canadian, I’m of an age that leaves me trapped between imperial and metric and when it comes to small measurements, I still tend to think in inches.)

Material requirements include two pieces of coordinating fabric (exterior and lining; you can, of course, use the same fabric if you prefer), 22” x 8.5” each; a piece of fusible stabilizer or interfacing (I used my supply of Décor Bond) cut to a slightly smaller size, and matching thread. If you want to add a clip for keys, you will need another small piece of 2” x 3” fabric and a small D-ring or lobster clasp/hook.

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Make the Pattern

What’s great about this pattern is that it is totally “do it yourself”. And there's really no right or wrong way to make it, although I will provide instructions based on the one shown here. All you need is a regular piece of 8.5” x 11” paper.

Lay your piece of paper in front of you landscape style and make some marks along the bottom to divide the page into thirds. Just eyeball it; there’s no need to be absolutely precise.

Measure up 1.25” from the bottom of the page along the left margin and make a mark there as well.

Draw two lines as shown here:

Curve your line to create the following shape:

Cut out the shape to create your pattern piece. Note: when you use this, your fabric will have to be cut on the fold.

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Cut the Fabric

Before you take scissors to your fabric, decide whether you want to create a wave with a crest (high point in the middle like the one I made) or a trough (low point in the middle). If you want a crest, you will need to cut on the fold along the high side of the pattern piece, as shown here:

The left (high) side is where you should have your fabric cut on the fold if you want a crest wave, resulting in the following pieces...

If you want a trough, cut on the fold on the low side of the pattern piece.

If you are making the key clip, cut yourself out a rectangular scrap of either fabric, measuring 2” x 3”.

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Cut & Apply Interfacing

Cut your interfacing using the same pattern piece, but shift it about an inch down and to the side so that you end up with a smaller piece. (This will leave the seams with less bulk, particularly at both ends, which I guarantee you will appreciate.)

Fuse the interfacing to the exterior piece of your Wave Purse Organizer.

Make the Key Clip (Optional)

If you are making the key clip, take your 2” x 3” rectangle and fold it in half lengthwise; press.

Open up the piece of fabric and fold both sides in towards the crease; press again.

Fold along the original crease, enclosing all raw edges inside and press once more. (You now have a mini “strap”.) Sew together, staying as close to the edge as you can. Run another line of stitching down the opposite side. (Leave the two ends open.)

Thread your D-ring or lobster clasp through it and set aside.

If you have sewing experience, you probably already know how to put this one to bed. Everyone else will have to wait until my next posting to get the rest of the instructions, as well as hints on how to divide the pockets and customize the project.

Terms of Use

If you are "sew" inclined, feel free to make and sell as many Wave Purse Organizers as you care to; I only ask that you credit me and this blog by attaching the following card to the item.