DIY Purse Organizer

August 12, 2010

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Ever wonder how to make your own DIY Purse Organizer? If you’re like me, maybe you have a purse or two of the slouchy variety? You know, that bag that seemed so casual, and fun in the store — and then you get it home, start using it, and realize that it is a deep dark abyss of a pit, that seems to enjoy consuming keys and cell phones?

Do you ever hear your phone ringing while you’re out and about, and say to yourself, “Ah, what’s the point, I’ll never find it in time anyway.” … Me too. I think this little DIY Purse Organizer experiment might be made for you.

The key, is finding yourself some, LAMINATED FABRIC! It keeps your DIY Purse Organizer, durable and easily wipeable!

So here are the contents of my bag regularly tossed around, and difficult to locate:

A cereal box will come to the rescue as the support for my new organizer. The short side of the box will be the base of the organizer, and the front and back of the box will fold upwards to create the sides of the organizer, and will hold the pockets. I’ve cut the box to size, and planned how the contents might fit here.

Next, 2 equal square pieces of fabric are needed for the interior and exterior of the organizer. I used laminated fabric to keep things wipeable!

I’ve determined the height for the pockets from averaging out the size needed to contain the most common items I carry around in my bag daily. I’ve chosen to make my pockets from the same fabric as above, but you might want to use a complimentary fabric instead. I first cut strips of the fabric in my desired height, and then hemmed the top and bottom.

I then took the strips of fabric for the pockets and sized the pockets by actually wrapping the fabric around the item, and pinning it in place. These pockets are pinned atop the first square fabric piece I cut earlier.

Here are the first row of pockets sewn. Next, repeat the steps above on the second side of the organizer.

Now for that second square piece we prepared earlier. Take that piece of fabric, and join it right-side to right-side with the piece that has the pockets attached. Sew 3 of the 4 sides closed, as shown here:

Next turn the organizer right-side-out, and through the one open side, insert the cereal box cardboard, and sew closed.

Done! Time to load up with all your much needed, and not-so-needed stuff! The interior side will keep a wide open space, in my case, for my wallet…

And, the exterior edges of the organizer contains the oh-so-needed pockets!!

And, inside the purse?? Organization at its best!! Just look at everything in its place. Love. It.

I think this project could be easily modified to hang off the arm of your couch for your remote-controls, or perhaps slid between your mattress and box spring for magazines, books, lip balm or anything else that’s getting in your way.

The best part is, this project cost next to nothing to complete, as the fabric was scraps of fabric I already had, and the cereal was long gone, and the box needed recycling anyway. Give yourself an afternoon to get your own purse, bag, briefcase, or tote in order! You won’t be disappointed!

Have your own go-to organizational tools? Share with the rest of the class in the comments, or on our facebook page!

(For those of you who like my choice of fabric, it is Heather Bailey’s Nicey Jane in Blue).

50 thoughts on “DIY Purse Organizer”

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Kaori March 16, 2016 at 11:34 am

Thank you for sharing!
Thanks of you, I never need loong time to find my small things in the bag!
I don’t wait my husband and friends!

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1. freshcrush Post authorMarch 17, 2016 at 7:48 pm
  
  Thanks Kaori! Hope it helps!
  
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Helen Holley January 26, 2016 at 11:35 am

This is so great!! Thanks!

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1. freshcrush Post authorJanuary 26, 2016 at 7:41 pm
  
  Thanks Helen!
  
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zlata mares December 14, 2014 at 12:00 am

Cool idea, thank you! Zlata

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Els van der Graaf September 8, 2014 at 6:22 am

Your organizer inspired me to make one for myself. I was looking for something I could use in a lightweight knapsack, so it had to be not so heavy. I decided to use foam, the kind children can make things of. Here in Holland you can buy it in sheets. The measurements are adapted to my sack and it proved to be very handy. So thanks a lot for you idea. This week I will publish about it in my blog. I will make a trackback to you.

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1. Fresh Crush Post authorSeptember 9, 2014 at 2:56 pm
  
  Thanks so much! So glad it worked out for you!
  
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Joyofweaving July 30, 2014 at 1:37 pm

I’m a handweaver and I like to make bags/totes with the cloth I make. This is the perfect solution for the insides. Thank you so much for sharing!

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1. Fresh Crush Post authorJuly 30, 2014 at 2:45 pm
  
  That’s so great! And, how fun are homemade bags & totes!? Thank you.
  
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Esencia de jabón May 1, 2014 at 5:29 am

Nice idea!!!!

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kittyle November 13, 2013 at 2:00 pm

Oh wow…I’ve been trying to think of something personal but useful, to make as Christmas presents for my friends. Thank you sooo much for sharing this Fantastic/Easy-to-follow pattern, I can’t wait to get sewing. Hmm…Maybe I should make one for myself first to ‘test it’?!? lol.

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1. Fresh Crush Post authorNovember 13, 2013 at 4:43 pm
  
  that’s so great! I’d love to see them! Have fun!
  
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Heather Feather August 18, 2013 at 8:09 am

I bookmarked this awesome tutorial a couple of weeks ago, and now that I came back to make one, none of the pictures are showing up! Can you fix it? I love your tutorial! Thanks!

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1. Fresh Crush Post authorAugust 18, 2013 at 8:25 pm
  
  Hi Heather! Thanks for the heads up! It should be fixed now, good luck with your project!! I’d love to see a pic when you’re done, thanks again!
  
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Glynn June 23, 2013 at 3:19 pm

I have been looking everywhere in my city for a purse organizer without sucess. Was feeling like I had to order it online, then stumbled across your BRILLIANT idea which I’ll be customizing for myself. Thanks so much for sharing!

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1. Fresh Crush Post authorJune 23, 2013 at 4:15 pm
  
  Excellent! Good luck!
  
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kim cozad June 1, 2013 at 2:34 pm

Thanks for the great tutorial. I made one today & I love it!

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1. Fresh Crush Post authorJune 1, 2013 at 9:41 pm
  
  That’s great Kim! I’m still loving mine too, isn’t being able to find your stuff the best!?
  
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MARA29 France March 7, 2013 at 12:10 am

Belle idée pour cet organisateur de sac
et pour la réalisation! Bravo!

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Rana February 20, 2013 at 6:52 pm

OMG!!!! what a good idea to use cardboard from a box instead of interfacing!!!!! LOVE it!! Will be giving this pattern a go this weekend for sure…. thanks!! :)

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Angelene January 10, 2013 at 10:15 am

Just got done making my purse organizer, really like how it turned out! Thanks for the tutorial, check out the results at my blog: http://www.angelenedesigns.com/blog/get-organized-with-this-diy-purse-organizer/

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Rosemary November 22, 2012 at 3:27 am

I really like your idea and I have a suggestion: If you use Peltex I think the brand name is, to interface, it’s very stiff and washable, whereas cardboard is not.

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1. Fresh Crush Post authorNovember 22, 2012 at 3:57 am
  
  thanks Rosemary!
  
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Mary September 9, 2010 at 12:49 pm

Nothing short of brilliant!

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Dajana August 21, 2010 at 12:21 am

Love your organizer! L-O-V-E! Would you ever consider making some to sell to non-sewers like myself? I’d be the first in line. :)

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Candice @ Fashionably Organized August 18, 2010 at 4:01 pm

Thank you so much for this wonderful project I have linked to it on my blog today because I just love it so much. http://www.fashionablyorganized.com/2010/08/wednesday-diy-8-18/

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alison@ semi-fab lane August 17, 2010 at 9:59 am

good idea. i totally need something like that!

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Meaghan August 16, 2010 at 11:18 am

This is awesome, I’m going to feature it on my blog, and then hopefully find some time to do it!!

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Kelly August 14, 2010 at 10:18 am

I love it! I also love your gray purse! Where is that from???

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1. freshcrush August 14, 2010 at 10:44 am
  
  It’s Hilary Radley, NY. I found mine at Winner’s. But, I also found it on-line here and here. Winner’s stock is quite marked down. I think I spent approx. $30 on mine?? The amazon link list’s it at about $90, the handbagsnmore link has it at $40. Happy searchin’ and shoppin’!
  
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Bria August 13, 2010 at 2:15 pm

whaaaat?! so cool!

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Cassi @ Miles from Suburbia August 13, 2010 at 12:34 pm

Genius! I am so impressed!

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Carole August 13, 2010 at 12:28 pm

ah, so very clever! that fabric is great!

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orangemomonani August 12, 2010 at 6:53 am

Love this!!!! Also I have fallen in love with you wallet where did you get it?!

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1. freshcrush August 12, 2010 at 7:52 am
  
  It’s an ESPE wallet. You can see their shop here.
  
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ASH August 12, 2010 at 6:36 am

This is a neat way to organize. I know the feeling of buying a purse and then later having it not work for you .. ugh! I love the fabric you used.

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Borrowed Abode August 12, 2010 at 6:26 am

Pure Genius!!! Love it!

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1. Emily March 30, 2013 at 9:21 am
  
  this is a terrific idea!! Thanks for sharing!!
  
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