When you download a purse design, you'll find three files. One is marked with "_DLFront" and one is marked with "_DLBack." Those two files are the dielines (DL stands for dieline). You won�t actually embroider those files - they're included so you can cut the fabric to the exact shape of the purse pieces before you start sewing.

If you have embroidery software, open the DLFront file and print it at full size, twice. Do the same for the DLBack file.

If you don't have embroidery software, or cannot print from it, then hoop two pieces of paper.

Embroider the DLFront file onto the paper with an unthreaded needle. For this example, we did leave thread in the needle so you can better see the die line's path.

Repeat this for the DLBack file.

Then, cut the shapes from the paper. These will be your templates to use to prepare the fabric.

You'll need four pieces of fabric to make an in-the-hoop purse: two pieces for the outer fabric, and two pieces for the lining.

Begin with the front outer fabric. Spray the square template with a bit of adhesive, then smooth it on the right side of the front outside fabric.

Cut around the shape. Repeat this step with the fabric for the lining. Leave the paper templates on the fabric after you have finished cutting.

Now, do the same for the back fabric and lining. Spray the paper template with a bit of adhesive, and smooth it onto the right side of the fabric.

The in-the-hoop purse designs come in many shapes and styles. If you are working with a purse that has a rounded flap, you'll notice notches in the die line. Cut the triangles from the notches.

Again, leave the paper templates on the fabric after you have finished cutting.

We'll need to press seam allowances on the fabric pieces. Fold the paper template down to the marked line.

Turn the piece over so the fabric is up, and fold the fabric down toward the wrong side until it equals the paper's fold. Then, press with an iron.

Remove the paper template.

Make seam allowances for all four pieces -- the front fabric and lining, and the outer fabric and lining.

If you are working with a purse that has a rounded flap, fold each paper notch back.

Turn the piece over so that the paper template is facing down. Press the notches back to the wrong side of the fabric to make that seam allowance.

Spray the wrong side of the front lining piece with a bit of adhesive, then smooth onto the wrong side of the outer fabric piece.

Spray the wrong side of the back lining piece with a bit of adhesive, and smooth that onto the wrong side of the back outer fabric piece.

If you'd like to add a strap to the bag, prepare that now. We cut a 42" piece of cord for the strap.

Slip the ends in between the upper corners of the back fabric and lining.

For the first part of the embroidery, we want the bobbin thread to match the top thread.

Wind a bobbin with the same thread that you'll be using in the needle.

Now we're ready to begin embroidering! Hoop a piece of tear-away stabilizer.

Begin embroidering the design � the one that begins with the letter �X� followed by 4 numbers. Remember, you don't need to sew the files that are marked DLFront and DLBack.

The die line for the front panel will sew first -- that's already programmed in to the file.

After the die line finishes sewing, lightly spray the corners of the lining side of the front piece with a bit of spray adhesive -- just a small amount.

Place the front piece, lining side down, into the sewn die line.

Continue embroidering the design. The next portions to sew are the top seam of the front panel, and a basting stitch that will help to keep the fabric in place during the embroidery. And, any embroidered embellishments will also sew.

On the color change sheet you'll see a line that says "back piece die line." After that has sewn, stop the machine.

For the remaining steps you'll want to use a bobbin that matches your top thread again.

Take the back piece and lightly spray the corners of the outer fabric side with adhesive.

Place the fabric, lining side up, inside the sewn die line.

Continue embroidering the design. You'll see a seam sew the front and back panel together. And, you'll see a seam that finishes the flap. Finally, the buttonhole will sew in the top of the flap.

Remove the stabilizer from the hoop, and gently tear the stabilizer away.

You'll notice the die line threads tearing away with the stabilizer. Clip away any loose threads that remain.

Flip the purse right-side out.

Using a craft knife and a self-healing pad, slit the buttonhole open.

To mark the button placement, measure 3-1/2 inches from the bottom of the purse. Bring the flap down to meet the edge of the ruler. Doing this will create a little slack in the flap, and that's okay, because you want to be able to put things in the purse. Pull the buttonhole open slightly, and mark in the center.

If you are working with a purse that has a triangular pointed top, then measure down 2-3/4 inches.

Sew a 3/4 inch button at that mark.

You'll find a fabulous variety of styles and subjects for in-the-hoop purses at the Embroidery Library. Click here to see the purse designs below, and others!

Also available are "blank" purse designs so that you can add initials or
monograms or designs of your own choosing. To use the blank purses,
embroider the fabric before you cut it to the shape of the paper template.