How to make a Vintage Storybook Coin Purse

This is a quick little coin purse project that can be made with off-cuts of a clear PVC (vinyl) tablecloth. A pretty and practical little coin purse that is ideal for spare change and business cards. It would make a great gift or party favour.

Storybook Coin Purse - DIY PVC purse - mypoppet.com.au

I’ve used a page from an old story book as the paper insert, but you could also use fabric, patterned decorative scrapbook paper, or even children’s artwork.

What a lovely gift for a grandparent to receive a coin purse with a grandchild’s artwork.

You will need:

  • 2 pieces of clear PVC vinyl, 10 x 4.5 inches (25 x 11.5cm)
  • A scanned and printed image out of a vintage story book. I’ve just used normal office paper to print on, some pretty gift wrap or piece of fabric would work well too.
  • Scissors
  • Sewing machine and thread
  • Metal press studs, tool and hammer or adhesive velcro dots


How to make a coin purse:

Cut out your pieces of PVC using the measurements as a guide. Round the top corners. Both pieces should be exactly the same.
Cut out your illustrated paper about the same shape but a little smaller (1/4 inch or 0.5cm on each edge).

Storybook Coin Purse - DIY PVC purse - mypoppet.com.au

a. Sandwich your paper in between the 2 pieces of PVC and fold the bottom third up as pictured. Sew the top seam.

b. Now sew the side seam right around and back down the other side.

c. Mark where the studs need to go and using your tool and hammer insert as per instructions on pack. (hint when adding the lower one, slide a piece of cardboard in the pocket to protect the underside as you hammer or even better, add it before you sew the side seams up) or use adhesive velcro dots instead.

Storybook Coin Purse - DIY PVC purse - mypoppet.com.au

Storybook Coin Purse - DIY PVC purse - mypoppet.com.au

Some hints on sewing with PVC – A walking foot or teflon foot helps. Sew slowly, you may need to turn the flywheel by hand to start and finish. If you have any extra hints, feel free to leave them in the comments.

Reader tips for sewing PVC plastic:

“If you find your sewing machine foot sticks to the vinyl, put a single drop of 3-in-one (or other machine oil) on your finger. Rub the oily finger on the bottom of the foot. The oil is easily wiped off both the foot and the vinyl later, and unlike tape, leaves no sticky residue. You could also use vegetable oil if you have no machine oil handy.” – Joan

“Scotch tape! If you don’t have a Teflon foot for your machine use matte scotch tape on the metal base plate on either side of the feed dogs, and then again along the bottom of the presser foot. Works great.” – Carey

“I found that putting paper, tracing paper, on top of the vinyl makes it easier to sew.” – Raven

Storybook Coin Purse - DIY PVC purse - mypoppet.com.au

All done! Make one for yourself and a few for your friends.

Here’s another easy project using vintage storybook pages: Vintage Storybook Soap

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DIY coin purse pinterest

22 Comments

  • emma @ frog, goose and bear says:

    You're coming up with some winners with those story books. Love this one too! Have been intrigued by sewing with PVC for a while but am new to sewing. This looks within my capabilities though – now to buy a walking foot…

  • Vic says:

    Fabulous!

  • beebeeoko says:

    I love this! I'm going to make one for my nephew's girlfriend for xmas. I have so much of that clear vinyl. I got it from remnant bins but never used it. So a few people might end up with one! hehe

  • Jackie@My Little Bookcase says:

    I wish I could sew because I would LOVE one of these. Oh, my daughter would too.

  • Michelle @ rockMYroll says:

    I found a tip once to put sticky tape (durex) on the bottom of your normal foot for easier slide while sewing with plastics..it worked for me
    Mxo

  • flo says:

    It's really lovely. I'm making it for my sister, as a christmas present.
    Thank you so mutch for charing it!!!

    Loves flo

  • Anonymous says:

    where can I buy the PVC vinyl I looked at JoAnn fabrics or Michaels and I couldn't find it any ideas?

  • micah068 says:

    Just wondering…do you think you could use the actual page out of a book? Or would you photocopy it no matter what?

    • Miss Cinti - my poppet says:

      Yes a page from an old book would be fine, then you would have the benefit of it being double sided.
      The only reason i used a copy is because I didn't want to cut up this book 🙂

  • Anonymous says:

    I appreciated your efforts to save the book and not cut it up.

  • Raven says:

    I found that putting paper, tracing paper, on top of the vinyl makes it easier to sew.

  • jet says:

    this is cute, i think you can use as well old closy magazins with a little bit pimping by your own for t his.
    I have done that with making of old yoghurt cartons boxs to make of them wallets by folding them.
    I have sold them years ago for just one euro on our queensday in Amsterdam. It was funny how people loved them, because they were all not the same people couldn’t choice or make up their minds.
    so at the end of the day , all the hundred made ones were sold.
    People love this. And i think your idea will be the same.;-D
    well done, a lovely gift and irristable to left alone;XD

  • Patricia Jones says:

    Could use decorative pinking shears to cut the vinyl .
    The original idea is very clever.
    Could use any photo copy or pics from books. The possibilities are endless. I’m now thinking about. Making a tote bag with the same idea using vinyls & pictures or book pages.
    Thanks for sharing

  • Sarah Helene says:

    CLEVER & CREATIVE project that’s practical as well! Using PVC for a small coin purse to hold various things is GREAT! I LOVE the story-boook picture idea to “see through” the vinyl . . . and showing a vintage drawing is even better! BRAVO for your tutorial. Sarah Helene n Minneapolis

  • Carey ~ Gypsy Thread says:

    Scotch tape! If you don’t have a Teflon foot for your machine use matte scotch tape on the metal base plate on either side of the feed dogs, and then again along the bottom of the presser foot. Works great.
    Fabulous coin pouch idea. I love it. I can see plenty of stocking stuffers in my family’s future.

  • Pat says:

    I made similar, but only the turned up part was plastic using the plastic packaging from my cereal box. Have had the little purse for over a year and it is still in good condition. I keep small items like band aids, allergy tablets, etc. in it I plan to make more for my Christmas stash.

  • Joan Mitchell says:

    If you find your sewing machine foot sticks to the vinyl, put a single drop of 3-in-one (or other machine oil) on your finger. Rub the oily finger on the bottom of the foot. The oil is easily wiped off both the foot and the vinyl later, and unlike tape, leaves no sticky residue. You could also use vegetable oil if you have no machine oil handy.

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