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Pear-Shaped Kiss Lock Purse Sewing Pattern

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This pear-shaped kiss lock purse or gamaguchi purse is another version of Mic-O-Pear coin purse I published a few days ago. Adapting the frame’s vintage mama-look, I created this pear purse in a mod style, thus, named it Mod-O-Pear pear-shaped kisslock coin purse.

how to sew purse with kisslock frame

The sewing method is a little different from Mic-O-Pear but the installation of the purse kisslock frame is the same.

Kiss Lock Purse Sewing Pattern

scroll ⬇️ to get the free printable templates, pattern & tutorial

I still remember my mum had at least 2 of this coin purse, and she still used them when we were a little older. The sentimental value that counts, or perhaps it is so easy and convenient to open and close with just a 2-finger twist and pinch!

purse sewing pattern

What is Kiss Lock Purse?

Kiss Lock, also known as Gamaguch, is a type of coin purse hardware clasp where two interlocking metal beads are set on the top of the frame. The origin of the name “gama-guchi” comes from the fact that it resembles a toad with a big mouth. “Gama” means toad, and “guchi” means mouth in Japanese.  Although it is often considered to be a traditional Japanese wallet, gamaguchi came to Japan from Europe in the Meiji era.

This Ball clasp frame purse was popular during the ’60s and ’70s, it was a must-have for a girl to own a kisslock frame purse. The wide opening makes the purse extremely practical and this purse design holds a surprising amount.

What’s Next

how to sew purse with kisslock frame

PEAR-SHAPED KISSLOCK COIN PURSE SEWING PATTERN

Yield: 5 1/4″ (W) x 5 1/4″ (H) x 1 3/4″ (D) PEAR-SHAPED KISSLOCK COIN PURSE
Active Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours
Difficulty: Avid Beginner/Intermediate
Estimated Cost: $6 - $10

Kisslock or Ball clasp frame purses or Gamaguchi frame purse was popular during the 60s and 70s, and it was a must-have for a girl to own a kisslock frame purse.

Enjoy sewing them!

Download and print the SEWING PATTERN TEMPLATE separately.

Materials

  • Main fabric [pear print] – 12″ x 6″
  • Base fabric [dark green] – 4″ x 12″
  • Lining Fabric – 9″ x 12″
  • Batting [with iron-on adhesive] – 8″ x 12″
  • Kiss Lock, 8.5cm, Round Arch
  • Cotton cord – 2″
  • Cardboard or letter size paper
  • Sewing thread
  • Strong sewing thread

Tools

  • Sewing machine with a normal presser foot
  • Sewing needle and pins
  • Pencil & marker
  • Erasable fabric marker
  • Iron
  • Add seam allowance tool
  • Blunt tip tweezers

Instructions

kiss lock purseDownload the Mod-O-Pear Purse sewing pattern in a pdf document and print it with your printer. Feed the letter-size paper into your printer and print the pattern without setting any scale on the printing. {the pdf download will either open in a new tab or open a small window asking you to save it as a file. If you can’t find the saved file on your computer, the default folder usually is in “/downloads”}
{If you can’t download the pdf pattern, probably you don’t have an acrobat reader, download the latest version for free here.}

kiss lock purseGet ready all the materials as mentioned above. Trace the pattern onto the wrong side of the fabric and add at least 7mm or 1/4″ seam allowance. Mark frame markings on the fabric too. Cut fabric now or after attaching the batting. Trace pattern on batting with a marker on the non-adhesive side. No seam allowance is needed. Cut the batting along the inside of the tracing lines to get the correct shape and size.

kiss lock pursePin the batting onto the wrong side of the traced fabric with the adhesive side down. Turn the pinned fabric to the right side and press with medium heat iron to bond the batting to the wrong side of the fabric. Increase the heat level if the batting cannot bond well to the fabric. Do not iron directly on the batting, the heat will melt the material.

kiss lock purseSew purse to base, from marking “B” to marking “B”. When attaching another side of the purse fabric, sew from marking “A” to marking “A”, matching markings “B to the ends of the base. Clip curve at the seam allowance.

kiss lock purseRepeat sewing and clipping for both purse and lining. Leave a 2″ opening at the lining for turning the purse right side out later.

kiss lock purseInsert lining into purse, right side facing each other. Align markings. Sew the top edge from marking “A” to “A”. Turn the purse right side out from the opening on the lining. Smooth out seam and topstitch near the top edge.

kiss lock purseMark the centerline on the top edge. Align the metal frame centerline to the purse centerline. Align the kisslock frame endpoints to the frame marking on the purse. Backstitch with strong thread to install the metal frame to the purse. (This tutorial might be helpful for frame installation.) The purse’s top edge is slightly bigger than the kisslock metal frame, evenly spread the extra across the frame while sewing to achieve a nice curve for the pear’s purse. [You can use the normal glue & clamp type of frame if you cannot find the sewn type.]

kiss lock purseSew the leaf fabrics together with right side facing each other. Make a small cut of about 1/2″ on the non-batting side. Turn the leaf right side out from the small opening by using a pair of tweezers.

kiss lock purseSmooth out seam and mend to close the opening.

kiss lock purseTopstitch on the right side to decorate the leaf with veins.

kiss lock purseSew the leaf on the purse to complete the Mod-O-Pear Coin Purse.

purse sewing pattern

Notes

Seam Allowance: 7mm or approx. 1/4″

Get the full article at https://www.craftpassion.com/pear-shaped-kisslock-coin-purse/

Recommended Products

Purchase the exact same material and tool used in this pattern from Craft Passion Shop.

Did you make this project?

Please leave a comment below or share a photo on Instagram. Don't forget to tag @craftpassion so that we can see it.

Author bio

Joanne Loh

~ Founder and Editor ~
Born into a creative family, Joanne Loh has over 40 years of experience in sewing, crocheting, and knitting. Well-known for her creative approach to DIY crafts, her creations demonstrate a strong dedication to quality and spreading her enthusiasm among the crafting community.
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Rachael

Wednesday 12th of February 2014

Where can you buy quality metal coin purse closures, please? The ones I have found online look shoddy. I have a 25 year old coin purse whose closure is still in great shape with regular use (the outside fabric is fine but the liner needs replaced) and I would like to make some for gifts and would like them to have a closure that will look nice and hold up well (your coin purse is delightfully whimsical and pretty!) Thanks in advance!

Craft Passion

Wednesday 12th of February 2014

I bought mine from Taiwan. Try those online shop from Japan and Taiwan, their quality is better than those made in China.

Jenn

Thursday 4th of July 2013

Hello, can I hand sew instead ? I do not have a sewing machine.

Craft Passion

Thursday 4th of July 2013

Sure you can, Jenn :)

Lesya

Wednesday 7th of March 2012

Love it!!!

Selene Mulford

Tuesday 7th of February 2012

I truly appreciate this blog.Really thank you! Cool.

Ali Lynne

Saturday 22nd of October 2011

This coin purse is to die for! So adorable! Ali

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