How to Add Structure to a Purse

Why Adding Structure is Essential

Ever tried fishing for your keys in a bottomless pit of a purse? Or been annoyed when your purse collapses into a heap? Structure can solve these problems by maintaining the shape of the purse, providing compartments, and ensuring that your items are easier to locate. Here’s why it matters:

1. Organizational Efficiency: Structured purses have compartments and pockets that help you keep everything in place. This means no more digging through a chaotic mess to find your essentials.

2. Enhanced Aesthetics: A well-structured purse looks more elegant and polished. It maintains its shape, which can elevate your overall style and make your purse look more expensive and sophisticated.

3. Durability: Adding structure can help your purse last longer by preventing it from becoming misshapen or damaged.

How to Add Structure to Your Purse

1. Use Purse Shapers

Purse shapers are inserts designed to fit inside your purse and maintain its shape. They come in various sizes and materials, such as plastic or fabric. Here’s how to use them:

• Choose the Right Size: Measure the dimensions of your purse and select a shaper that fits snugly.
• Insert Carefully: Place the shaper inside your purse and adjust it to fit the sides and bottom.
• Check Stability: Ensure that the shaper keeps the purse’s shape without causing any bulges or creases.

1. Add Inserts or Dividers

For purses that lack compartments, adding inserts or dividers can be a game changer. These can be:

• Fabric Dividers: Sew or attach fabric dividers to create sections within your purse.
• Expandable Organizers: These are removable and can be adjusted based on your needs.

1. Use Cardboard or Plastic Inserts

For a more DIY approach, you can use cardboard or plastic sheets:

• Cut to Size: Measure and cut the cardboard or plastic to the dimensions of your purse.
• Insert and Adjust: Place the cut pieces inside your purse. This method is particularly useful for adding rigidity to the base of the purse.

1. Consider Professional Alterations

If you’re not confident in your DIY skills, professional alterations might be the way to go:

• Consult a Professional: Take your purse to a professional who can add structure through stitching or by adding custom inserts.
• Discuss Options: Talk about the different types of structures you can add, such as reinforced bases or internal pockets.

Materials for Adding Structure

Here are some materials you can use to add structure to your purse:

• Plastic Canvas: Often used in crafts, plastic canvas is sturdy and can be cut to fit your purse.
• Felt: Adds both structure and a bit of padding.
• Foam: Lightweight and durable, foam can provide a soft yet firm structure.

DIY Tips and Tricks

• Be Creative: Use fabric scraps or old files to create your own purse shapers or dividers.
• Experiment: Try different materials and see what works best for your purse’s shape and size.
• Test First: Always test your method with a less valuable purse before applying it to your favorite ones.

Conclusion

By incorporating these methods, you can transform any floppy or disorganized purse into a well-structured and stylish accessory. Whether you opt for a simple shaper or a complete overhaul with professional help, the end result will be a purse that is not only more functional but also more fashionable.