5 Creative Ways to Use a Beaded Coin Purse • hornetsecurity.com

Unlocking the Charm of Beaded Coin Purses: An Enchanting Guide to Their Use

Adorned with shimmering beads and intricate embellishments, beaded coin purses are not just functional accessories, but also miniature works of art. These charming creations have captured the hearts of countless individuals, adding a touch of elegance and practicality to their daily lives. However, mastering the art of using a beaded coin purse requires a discerning eye and precise technique, ensuring that its delicate beauty remains intact.

Firstly, it is essential to understand the purpose and limitations of a beaded coin purse. Unlike traditional wallets, these purses are not designed to hold a vast array of cards and bills. Their primary function is to safely store coins, small accessories, or even precious keepsakes. Overloading a beaded coin purse can strain the delicate beadwork and compromise its durability. Thus, it is crucial to select the appropriate size and style of purse that aligns with your specific needs.

When handling a beaded coin purse, it is imperative to exercise gentle care. The beads and embellishments are often attached with fine threads or wires, which can easily become entangled or damaged if handled roughly. Avoid pulling or tugging on the beads, as this can cause them to detach or break. Instead, use your fingers to gently open and close the purse, ensuring that the beads slide smoothly against each other. By observing these simple precautions, you can preserve the exquisite craftsmanship of your beaded coin purse for years to come.

Choosing the Right Materials

When selecting materials for your beaded coin purse, consider the following factors:

Purpose and Style:

Determine what you will be using the coin purse for and what aesthetic you prefer. Choose beads that complement your intended use and style.

Bead Size and Shape:

The size and shape of the beads will impact the overall look and feel of your purse. Smaller beads create a finer texture, while larger beads add a bolder touch. Choose beads that fit well together and create the desired density.

Bead Material:

Beads can be made from various materials, including glass, plastic, wood, metal, and gemstones. Consider the durability, weight, and aesthetics of different materials. Glass and plastic beads are lightweight and affordable, while wood and metal beads offer a more rustic or modern look. Gemstones add a touch of elegance and value.

Color and Pattern:

The color and pattern of the beads will determine the overall look of your coin purse. Consider the color scheme of your wardrobe or other accessories to create a cohesive aesthetic. Choose beads with complementary or contrasting colors to achieve the desired effect.

Material	Characteristics
Glass	Lightweight, affordable, vibrant colors, delicate
Plastic	Lightweight, inexpensive, durable, variety of shapes
Wood	Natural texture, rustic look, lightweight
Metal	Durable, heavy, modern or vintage look
Gemstones	Elegant, valuable, unique colors and textures

Gathering Your Tools

Before you embark on your beaded coin purse adventure, it’s essential to gather all the necessary tools. Here’s a comprehensive list:

Beads: Select an assortment of beads in varying sizes, shapes, and colors to create a personalized design. Seed beads, glass beads, and crystal beads are popular choices.

Needle and Thread: Invest in a sharp needle and durable thread that can withstand the delicate beading work. Consider using a thinner needle for smaller beads.

Scissors: A sharp pair of scissors is crucial for trimming excess thread and fine-tuning your design.

Pliers: These handy tools come in various sizes and shapes. They’re invaluable for opening and closing jump rings and other jewelry findings.

Optional Tools

Tool	Purpose
Beading Tray	Keeps beads organized and at your fingertips.
Magnifying Glass	Enhances visibility for detailed beadwork.
Crimping Tool	Secures cord ends with precision.

Additional Tips: Consider using a beading board or a piece of felt to protect your work surface. Natural light or a desk lamp will provide optimal illumination. Lastly, don’t forget to protect your hands with gloves to prevent beading fatigue.

Preparing the Beading Needles

Threading beading needles can be a delicate and fiddly task, especially with tiny beads. Here’s a detailed guide to help you prepare your needles for beading with ease:

1. Select the Right Needle

Choose a needle that’s the appropriate size for your beads. Smaller needles are suitable for smaller beads, while larger needles are better for larger beads.
Consider the needle’s finish. Gold-plated needles are more durable and less likely to tarnish, but they can be more expensive. Nickel-plated needles are more economical, but they may rust over time.

2. Condition the Thread

Although some types of beading thread don’t require conditioning, it’s a good practice to condition your thread to make it less prone to tangling and easier to work with.
Apply a small amount of beeswax or thread conditioner to the thread. This will reduce friction and help the thread glide through the needle.

3. Thread the Needle with Patience

Use a needle threader to make the process easier. A needle threader is a small, handheld device that helps you thread a needle without straining your eyes or damaging the thread.
If you don’t have a needle threader, you can use a magnifier to enlarge the needle’s eye and make it easier to see.
Hold the needle steady and push the thread through the eye gently. Don’t force the thread, as this could damage the needle or the thread.
If you’re having difficulty threading the needle, try using a piece of dental floss to guide the thread through the eye.
Once the thread is through the eye, pull it through until you have a few inches of thread to work with.

Needle Size	Suitable Bead Size
10/0	Smaller than 6mm
8/0	6-8mm
6/0	8-10mm
4/0	10-12mm
2/0	12-15mm

Attaching the Clasp

The clasp is the essential component that secures your beautiful beaded coin purse. Follow these detailed steps to attach the clasp:

4. Sewing the Clasp

With your needle threaded, secure the clasp to the coin purse by sewing it from the inside through one side of the purse and bringing the needle up through the opposite hole in the other side of the purse. Ensuring the clasp is securely attached, sew it back through the second hole to the other side of the purse. You should now have two parallel lines of thread connecting the clasp to the purse. To reinforce the attachment, bring the needle back up through the second hole on the same side and sew it through the first hole on the opposite side. Now, you can continue sewing through the rest of the holes in a similar fashion, alternating between sides each time, until you’ve securely sewn around the entire clasp.

Creating the Base of the Purse

To create the base of the coin purse, you’ll need the following materials:

Step 1: Cut the felt into a circle with a diameter of about 5 inches.

Step 2: Fold the felt circle in half, bringing the raw edges together. Pinch the center of the folded edge and sew a few stitches to secure it.

Step 3: Divide the circumference of the felt circle into 8 equal sections. Mark each section with a small stitch or a pin.

Step 4: Take a strand of beads and thread it through a beading needle. Insert the needle through the felt at one of the marked sections, about 1/2 inch from the edge.

Step 5: Sew the beads around the circumference of the felt circle, following the marked sections. To ensure even spacing, alternate between sewing through the felt and the center of the beads. Once you’ve sewn all the beads, secure the thread by tying a knot and trimming the excess.

Step 6: Repeat Step 5 until you’ve sewn 3 or 4 rows of beads around the circumference of the felt circle. The number of rows you sew will depend on the desired height of the coin purse.

Step 7: Once you’ve finished sewing the beads, turn the felt circle right-side out. The beads should now form a decorative border around the edge of the purse.

Step 8: To create the lining of the purse, cut a piece of fabric that is slightly larger than the felt circle. Place the fabric on top of the felt circle, aligning the edges. Sew around the circumference of the felt circle, close to the edge, to secure the lining.

Adding Beading Rows

To add beading rows, follow these detailed instructions:

1. Choose Beads and Thread

Select beads that complement your purse fabric and thread that is strong enough to support the beads.

2. Thread Needle

Thread the needle with a length of thread double the desired beading row length.

3. Bring Needle Up

Bring the needle up through the fabric at the starting point of the beading row.

4. Add Beads

Slide beads onto the thread in the desired pattern and number.

5. Bring Needle Down

Bring the needle back down through the fabric at a point slightly below the starting point.

6. Repeat and Secure

Repeat steps 3-5 to create additional beading rows, ensuring that the beads are sewn securely. Once all the rows are complete, knot the thread and trim the excess.

Step	Description
1	Thread needle with double the desired beading row length.
2	Bring needle up through fabric at starting point.
3	Slide beads onto thread in desired pattern and number.
4	Bring needle back down through fabric at a point slightly below the starting point.
5	Repeat steps 3-5 to create additional beading rows.
6	Knot the thread and trim the excess.

Finishing the Top Edge

Now that the body of your beaded coin purse is complete, it’s time to finish the top edge. This will give your purse a professional and polished look.

1. Line Up the Edge Beads

Start by lining up the edge beads along the top edge of the purse. Make sure they are evenly spaced and facing the correct direction.

2. Thread the Needle

Thread a needle with a strong thread in a matching color to the beads. Secure the thread to the first edge bead by passing it through the hole twice.

3. Stitch the Edges Together

Begin stitching the edge beads together using a simple whip stitch. Pass the needle through the hole of the first bead, then back through the hole of the second bead. Continue stitching in this way, keeping the tension even.

4. Connect the Ends

Once you reach the end of the edge beads, connect the ends of the thread by passing the needle through the holes of the last two beads several times. This will create a secure knot.

5. Weave in the Ends

Weave the loose ends of the thread through the beads on the sides of the purse to hide them. Trim any excess thread.

6. Secure the Closing Cord

If desired, thread a cord through the loops at the top of the purse for closure. Tie the ends of the cord together in a knot to secure it.

7. Detailed Guide to the Whip Stitch

The whip stitch is a simple and versatile stitch that is perfect for finishing edges. To perform a whip stitch:

Step	Instructions
1	Bring the needle up through the first hole.
2	Pass the needle over and down through the second hole.
3	Pull the thread through to create a loop.
4	Pass the needle through the loop and pull tight.
5	Continue stitching in this way until you reach the end of the edge.

Attaching the Lining

Once the beaded panels are complete, it’s time to attach the lining. This process involves lining the inner surfaces of the purse with a soft, durable material to protect the beads and provide structure.

Gathering Materials

Before starting, gather the following materials:

Light-colored fabric (e.g., silk, satin, cotton)
Fabric glue or contact cement
Small brush or sponge
Scissors
Ruler or measuring tape

Cutting the Fabric

Cut the fabric to the same dimensions as the beaded panels, with a 1-inch (2.5 cm) border around all sides. This extra fabric will provide ample material for securing the lining.

Applying the Glue

Apply a thin layer of fabric glue or contact cement to the wrong side of one of the beaded panels, within the 1-inch border. Carefully align the fabric on top of the glue and gently press it into place.

Wrapping and Securing

Next, fold the excess fabric over the edges of the beaded panel and onto the opposite side. Tuck the fabric under the beaded panel or use small stitches to secure it.

Securing the Corner Points

For the corners, miter the fabric by folding it diagonally and trimming the excess. This creates a neat and secure finish. Glue or stitch the fabric in place, paying close attention to the corner points.

Step	Description
1	Fold the fabric diagonally.
2	Trim the excess fabric.
3	Glue or stitch the fabric in place.

Repeat steps 4-7 for the remaining beaded panels. Once all the panels are lined, the beaded coin purse is complete!

Finishing Touches

9. Add Lining (Optional)

To give your coin purse a more finished look and protect the beads, you can add a lining. Cut a piece of fabric slightly larger than the purse’s interior.

Fabric Type	Recommended
Cotton	Yes
Silk	Yes, for a luxurious feel
Suede	Yes, for a soft and durable option
Linen	Yes, for a natural and breathable fabric
Synthetic	Not recommended, as it may fray or tear easily

Place the lining inside the purse and align it with the edges. Fold the fabric around the interior and secure it with glue or fabric adhesive. Trim any excess fabric.

10. Embellishments

Personalize your coin purse with embellishments. Here are a few ideas:

Add tassels or charms to the zipper pull.

Embroider the outside with a design.

Attach a beaded or fringed edging around the perimeter.

Create a custom beaded handle.

11. Gift or Use

Once your coin purse is complete, you can either gift it to someone special or use it yourself to keep your coins organized and stylish.

Caring for Your Beaded Coin Purse

A beaded coin purse is a beautiful and functional accessory, but it requires proper care to keep it looking its best. Here are some tips on how to care for your beaded coin purse:

1. Keep it Dry

Water can damage the beads and cause them to lose their shine. Avoid getting your coin purse wet, and if it does get wet, dry it off immediately with a soft cloth.

2. Avoid Harsh Chemicals

Harsh chemicals, such as those found in cleaning products, can damage the beads. Be careful not to spill any chemicals on your coin purse, and if you do, clean it off immediately with a damp cloth.

3. Store it Properly

When you’re not using your coin purse, store it in a cool, dry place. Avoid storing it in direct sunlight or in a humid environment, as these conditions can damage the beads.

How To Use A Beaded Coin Purse

Beaded coin purses are a stylish and convenient way to keep your loose change organized. They can be made from a variety of materials, including glass, metal, and plastic, and can be decorated with a variety of beads and charms. Beaded coin purses are also relatively easy to make, so you can easily create one to match your personal style.

To use a beaded coin purse, simply unzip the top and insert your change. The beads will help to keep your coins organized and prevent them from jingling around. When the purse is full, simply zip it up and put it in your pocket or purse.

Beaded coin purses are a great way to add a touch of personality to your everyday look. They are also a practical and stylish way to keep your loose change organized.