Things You'll Need
- Strong fabric (denim or upholstery)
- Scissors
- Zipper
- Firm mesh fabric
- Thread
- Piece of foam core board
- Stick pins
- Sewing machine
- Contact paper
- Decorative accents ( lace, ribbon, etc.)-optional
- Purse strap material
Instructions
Measure your dog while it is standing up to determine the size of the top of your bag. Add 4 inches to the dog's height so your dog will be comfortable. For example, if the dog is 7 inches tall, your bag will need to be 11 inches tall. Measure the dog's length and width while it is laying down to determine the size of the length and width of the bag. Many small dogs stretch out when they are laying down, and would be uncomfortable in a smaller bag. Add 4 inches to the length and width. If your dog is 10 inches long and 4 inches wide laying down, you would need a bag 14 inches long and 8 inches wide. Your completed bag measurement for this dog will be 11 inches tall, 14 inches long and 8 inches wide.
Cut the material for the bottom of the bag out of the strong fabric. You will need to cut one rectangle out of fabric 1 inch larger than the size of the length and width of your measurements.
Cut two pieces of foam core board the length and width of your completed bag measurement, stack them evenly, and glue them together. Set them aside, and allow them to dry.
Cut two rectangles for the sides out of the strong fabric. They should measure your completed bag measurement length and width plus 1 inch on each side.
Cut the two triangular side panels out of mesh fabric to allow air to flow through the bag. Make the bottom the width completed bag measurement length plus 1 inch. Bring the top up to a point.
Lay the bottom of the bag fabric on a flat surface with the finished side facing up.
Lay one of the side pieces on top of the bottom fabric with the finished side facing the bottom fabric. Line up the long edge, so that the length lines up with the bottom fabric layer's edge.
Pin the lined up edge to the bottom fabric layer's edge.
Sew the edge with the sewing machine.
Repeat this procedure on the opposite side.
Line up the wide end of one of the mesh triangles with the bottom layer of cloth between the two sides, and pin in place. Make sure that the finished side is facing inward. The bag will be turned right side out when it has been sewn together.
Sew the mesh material into place with the sewing machine.
Turn the bag right side out. Make sure all of the corners and folds are completely folded out.
Cut one 30-inch strip of strap material. You can make the strap length shorter or longer to make it more comfortable for you.
Fold one cut over about 1 inch and pin in place. Repeat the procedure on the other side.
Pin to the top of the mesh material, and stitch in place with the sewing machine.
Unzip the zipper, line up with the outside top edge of the purse. The cloth side of the zipper needs to be lined up with the edge of the side of the purse. Pin it into place.
Sew with the sewing machine.
Line up the second half of the zipper on the other top edge. Tuck the end where the zipper hooks together into the back corner inside the purse by the strap. Pin into place, and sew with the sewing machine. Make sure to sew the part that hooks the zipper together into the corner.
Tuck the edge of the side fabric into the bag as you zip it, and it will close correctly.
Cut a piece of contact paper large enough to cover the foam core board, and cover the top and sides neatly. This will give your pet a firm place to lay, and it is a wipeable surface.
Add any decorations that you want on your bag. You can add ribbons, lace, beads, charms or fabric paint. Get creative, and have fun.