Sew a Purse. Change a Life. - Fabric Shoppers Unite!

What if one sewing project could help keep a girl in school?

That’s the idea behind the Sew Powerful Purse Project, a global initiative that brings together sewists from around the world to create handmade purses for girls in Zambia. Each purse becomes much more than a beautiful gift—it serves as a package filled with reusable feminine hygiene supplies, soap, health education materials, and encouragement, helping girls stay in school throughout the month.

More Than Just a Purse

In many parts of Zambia, girls miss weeks of school each year because they lack access to menstrual hygiene products. Sew Powerful partners with local seamstresses who create reusable hygiene kits while also providing employment opportunities within their communities. Volunteer-made purses become the perfect way to package and distribute these supplies to girls who need them most.

The program has already helped more than 185,000 girls, enabled over 1.1 million weeks of school attendance, and supports 154 employees in Zambia who produce hygiene products, school uniforms, soap, and other community essentials.

How You Can Help

Getting involved is simple:

Download one of the free purse patterns.
Sew one purse—or as many as you’d like.
Include a handwritten note of encouragement for the girl who will receive it.
Mail your completed purses to Sew Powerful for distribution.

The organization also welcomes donations to help provide the reusable hygiene kits that fill each purse, though financial contributions are completely optional.

A Great Project for Guilds & Quilt Shops

Looking for a meaningful community service project? The Sew Powerful Purse Project is ideal for:

Quilt guild sew days
Shop classes and retreats
Charity sewing groups
Youth sewing programs
Individual makers looking to use their skills for a greater purpose

Many groups even form local Sew Powerful Chapters, gathering throughout the year to sew purses together while building friendships and serving a common cause.