1 1/2 yards chain, leather strap, or cording, cut in half so that each length is ¾ yard long
Making the purse body
Make a pattern by drawing a circle that is 20" in diameter on pattern or tissue paper. Using the pattern, cut one each of both the inside and outside fabrics. Pin right sides together and sew 1/2" seam all the way around, leaving a two inch opening. This is so you can turn the two circles of fabric right side out. Trim and clip the seam, then turn the purse inside out through the opening. Iron the circle flat and hand-stitch to close the opening.
Forming the handles
To form the opening for the handles, sew a line of stitching 1 1/2" from the edge of the circle. Then sew another line of stitching 1 5/8" from the edge. Carefully cut a small opening between the two lines of stitching directly opposite each other on each side of purse, making sure to cut through the top layer of fabric only. Using one length of chain or cording, pass it through one of the openings and feed it through the casing all the way around the circle and back out of the same opening. Tie the ends. Then, thread the second length of chain or cording through the opening on the opposite end of the bag and again pass it all the way through the circle and back out of the same opening and tie the ends to secure. To close purse, pull both ends of the handle.
Tip: To make it easier to pass the cording or chain through the casing, attached a large safety pin to the end of the cording or chain before feeding it through the opening.
