SPY
A
BC
D
Fig. A: Strip the ends of the 2 strands of 22-gauge
wire. Fig. B: If you’re using a larger switch with holes
in the terminals, twist the wire together. Fig. C: Cut 2
pieces of heat-shrink tubing to cover the connections.
of fabric to make the pocket: piece A for the top
panel, and piece B for the pocket front, back, sides,
and bottom. Add chalk lines for sewing. Sew the top
fold of the pocket (B), then sew the bottom to the
front, back, and sides of the pocket (B). Be sure to
line up the chalk guidelines.
Next, sew 3 sides ( 2 long, 1 short) of the top panel
(A). Fold over the edges twice for a nice, finished
look. Fold the unsewn side of the top panel, and sew
it to the side of the pocket. Use the pocket seam to
line up the top panel.
2b. Cut 3 pieces of velcro: 1 approximately 3"× 4",
2 approximately 1"× 3". The 1" pieces will go on the
front of the pocket, and the 4" piece will go on the
side to secure the top panel to the pocket.
2c. Insert the alarm system into the pocket (Figure E).
Attach the velcro around the speaker (don’t block it)
and to the top panel.
3. Attach the pocket.
3a. Make a pattern first, then cut a patch out of
matching/contrasting leather or vinyl, slightly larger
than the siren speaker, with small holes to let the
sound of the alarm out. If you’re using a leather
116 Make: Volume 19
E
F
Fig. D: If you’re using a lighter to shrink the tubing
around the terminals, move the flame quickly.
Fig. E: Insert the alarm system into the pocket.
Fig. F: The speaker holes on the outside.
punch to make the holes, tape the pattern to the
leather first to ensure that they line up.
3b. Place the siren back in the pocket and insert it
into the purse. Line up the pattern on the outside
of the bag with the siren on the inside. Cut a hole in
the bag slightly smaller than the pattern, to allow
enough room to glue the patch along the edges.
3c. Attach the velcro to the inside of the purse,
lining up the siren speaker with the hole. If the
velcro comes loose when you remove the pouch,
you may want to sew the corners into the lining or
glue it with heavy-duty adhesive.
Glue the leather patch over the hole with shoe
glue or other heavy-duty cement (Figure F).
4. Try out your alarm setup!
As the battery wears down, the alarm will get
quieter, so be sure to test it before you go out.
A PDF of the pocket pattern and wiring schematic
are online at makezine.com/19/diyspy_purse.
Learn about the Aphrodite Project at theaphroditeproject.tv/diy.
See more of Norene Leddy’s work at nobetty.net.
