Crafts   |   How to Sew: 10-Minute Fabric Purse for 18-Inch Dolls | Beginner Sewing Tutorial

How to Sew: 10-Minute Fabric Purse for 18-Inch Dolls | Beginner Sewing Tutorial

By a Bug & a Bean | Posted on 2025-12-08

Learn how to sew a cute 10-minute fabric purse for 18-inch dolls like American Girl and Our Generation. This beginner-friendly sewing project is perfect for kids and makes a sweet handmade gift!

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SEWING PROJECTS  SEWING FOR KIDS  

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Table of Contents

• Supplies Needed
• Step-by-Step Instructions
• Tips & Embellishment Ideas
• Video Tutorial

Looking for a fast and fun sewing project that makes a wonderful handmade gift? This adorable fabric purse fits most 18-inch dolls including American Girl and Our Generation dolls. It’s a perfect beginner-friendly craft and takes only about 10 minutes to complete! Kids ages 4–10 will love receiving one of these tiny purses, and you’ll love how quick and simple it is to sew. If you are new to sewing, check out our essential sewing supplies guide to help you get started with the right supplies.

Supplies Needed

• 2 pieces of cotton fabric cut to 4 x 8 inches (outer fabric + lining)
• Thin ribbon for the purse strap
• Plastic snaps and snap plier tool
• Optional: resin charm, lace trim, ribbon bow
• Optional: hot glue gun for attaching embellishments

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to sew your doll-sized fabric purse:

Step 1: Cut & Sew Rectangles

For this project, you need two 4x8 inch cotton rectangles. If you are new to sewing, the best way for cutting rectangles is with a self-healing mat, clear ruler, and rotary blade. Check out this starter kit with all the supplies you need to get started. After you have your rectangles, place them right sides together and sew around all sides, leaving a small gap in the middle of one of the long sides for turning your fabric.

Step 2: Trim, Turn and Iron

With fabric pinking shears, to trim excess fabric around your design. Use the small gap you left to turn your fabric to the right side and iron your rectangle flat. Tip: use a pencil to push out the corners of your design.

Step 3: Form the Purse Body

Fold the bottom of the rectangle up by 3 inches to form the purse body. Press with an iron to create a crips fold. Insert each end of the tin ribbon between the folded edges on each side to make the purse straps and clip in place.

Step 4: Edge Stitch

With the fold facing up, start sewing along the right edge, around the purse top and back down to the left edge (the fold should now be on the bottom). Note: Make sure the ribbon ends are secured as you sew.

Step 5: Attach Plastic Snaps

Use your snap plier tool to attach plastic snaps. Add one snap to the center of the front flap and one directly beneath it on the purse body so the flap closes securely.

Step 6: Embellish

For optional embellishments, use a hot glue gun to add lace, a ribbon bow, or a cute resin charm. In the example video, the resin charm was glued directly above the back piece of the snap.

Embellish Your Design

Tips & Embellishment Ideas

• Try themed fabrics to match your doll’s outfit.
• Add lace trim or small bows for a more decorative look.
• Use seasonal fabrics to make holiday or birthday gifts.
• Resin charms work beautifully as purse “badges” and add personality.

Video Tutorial

Watch us sew this project on TikTok. Follow our account @abugandabean for more sewing tutorials.

@abugandabean This is a very beginner friendly quick sew project. Sew with me to make a small purse for 18" dolls (Our Generation and Americal Girl). These make great gifts for 4 - 10 year old girls. As soon as I finished making these, my 4 and 8 year old claimed them and started accessorizing their dolls. You will need 2 pieces of 4" x 8" fabric (outside and lining), plastic snaps and plier tool, thin ribbon for strap. Additionally, in the video I embellish the purse with a resin charm and matching ribbon bow. These are attached with a hot glue gun. I hope you enjoy this tutorial! #sewingtutorial #sewingproject #sewingtok #easysewing #handmadewithlove #diycrafts #sewingideas #crafttok #sewingfun #sewwithme #craftymom #craftymoms #beginnersewing #sewingforbeginners #learntosew #sewingmywayto10k #fyp #craftyideas #handmade #handmadegifts #diychristmasgift #giftsforgirls #diygifts ♬ Girls Just Want to Have Fun - yourmusic4ever💯

This mini purse is such a charming accessory for any 18-inch doll and is the perfect quick project for beginners. Have fun sewing, and don’t forget to make a few extra as gifts!