How to Make a Chinese Food Container Purse

Don't toss those take-out containers; they make great purses.

Flag this photo

Some fashion boutiques sell purses that resemble Chinese take-out containers but these may cost more than you'd like to spend. Creating your own takes a short amount of time and is a more-economical choice than a premade Chinese take-out box-style purse. It also allows you to customize it to match your personal preferences and style. Most of the supplies you need are available at craft or fabric stores.

Related Searches:Difficulty:ModerateInstructions Things You'll NeedChinese food take-out boxFabricFeltFabric adhesiveRibbonSuggest Edits1

Take the Chinese take-out container apart. Use the one you have or use it to make a pattern on a piece of cardboard. An alternative is to purchase your take-out container premade from a party or restaurant supply company.

2

Wash the container thoroughly. If you are using a take-out container that previously held food, wash it with soap and water. You may want to use a damp, soapy rag rather than running the container under the water because it may get too soggy to work with. A baby wipe works well too.

3

Lay the fabric, with the right-side down, flat on a table or other work surface. Use your hands to smooth the fabric. Be sure there are no wrinkles or folds which will appear on the sides of your purse.

4

Apply fabric adhesive to the outside of your take-out container. Be sure to get all the edges so the fabric sticks in all places. Lay it on the fabric and press to be sure all areas stick. Hold in place for a minute or two to be sure the container doesn't shift when you move your hands. Allow to dry completely.

5

Apply more fabric adhesive to the inside of the take-out box. Lay felt on the glue and press for a couple of minutes. Allow to dry completely.

6

Cut the excess fabric from around the take-out box. You may want to cut the fabric side before applying the felt if you are concerned that you might cut the container.

7

Fold the box in place. Adhere the edges with fabric glue to hold. You might need to hold each side until you are sure the glue holds. An alternative is to use Velcro squares to hold the purse together.

8

Cut a piece of ribbon to the desired strap length. Seal the edges with a lighter to prevent fraying by passing the ends of the ribbon lightly over a lit flame. Apply fabric adhesive to the sides of the purse where you want the strap to lay. Lay the fabric on the glue and hold until it sticks. Allow the purse to dry completely before using.

ReferencesCraftster: Chinese Food Take-Out PurseNashville Wraps: Chinese Take-Out BoxesJCaroline Creative: Fabric-Covered Chinese Take-Out BoxPhoto Credit Hemera Technologies/AbleStock.com/Getty ImagesRead Next:

Print this articleCommentsFollow eHowFollow

View the Original article