Tuesday, April 2, 2013

DIY: Zipper Clutch by Marilyn

We were recently browsing a few stores and found these Springy little zip up clutches that seemed to be made for multi-uses (i.e. ipad case, paperwork, food, make-up, etc.) We realized it was such a simple pattern and decided immediately that I might as well make one and share with you guys! I chose a few bright prints and some that I thought friends would like. Handmade items make great one-of-a-kind gifts, and people love it when they know you made it. So go out and be inspired! Pick some friendly prints to make your own zipper clutch.

Materials Needed:
1/4 yard fresh spring fabric (I chose duck canvas so that my clutch would be more stiff and durable)
1/4 yard fabric (for the liner on the inside)
1/4 yard Fusible Interfacing
12" zipper to match your outside fabric
Thread to match fabric and zipper
Fabric Scissors

Follow Steps with Photos above (Reads from left to right, top to bottom):
Steps 1-2: Gather all of your fresh new Spring fabrics and cut your fabrics to be 10"x13" (you can alter these measurements to suit your needs. I decided to go with a size I would be able to put paper in).

Step 3: Cut out your interfacing to be 10"x13" as well and follow instructions that comes with this material. Typically you would iron this face down onto the inside of your outside fabric. This will help your clutch to be more stiff and durable.

Steps 4-5: This is the hardest part. Fold and iron your inside and outside fabric 1/2" from the top so that the extra folded fabric will be on the wrong side. You are basically creating a seam here so that when you open your bag, you will see a pretty inside and outside with no seams showing. Once you have ironed these, you will pin them as close as possible to the zipper on either side of the zipper (about 1/4" away will do). With sewing, think about how it will look when it's finished and try to pin it that way so you can sew it into place.

Step 6-7: Put your zipper foot on your sewing machine and sew on top of the fold you just ironed. Be sure your seams is as close as possible to the edge of your fabric (and 1/4" away from the zipper). Remove the pins as you sew along. Don't be afraid to take your time on this! Once you finish one side, you will pin and sew the other side exactly the same way (your inner and outer fabric will both be facing outward with the zipper in the middle).

Step 7a: You can also choose to make a strap for your clutch. You can sew this to the zipper depending on the size of the hold on the zipper. Or you can sew this into the bag when you are sewing the sides. To make the strap, you will cut a piece of rectangle fabric. I cut about 6" on the fold (so 12" total). You would fold this in half long-ways with the right side inside. Sew a 1/4" seam and flip this inside out.

Step 8: Match your outer fabrics to each other (what would show on the outside should touch). Pin this and pin your clutch strap in the top corner (near the zipper with the open part on the seam where you will sew). Sew the 3 sides that have no seam. Be careful not to go over the zipper or you can easily break a needle.

Do the same with your inside fabric. You will match the pieces and the right side should be facing inside. Pin this so the corners meet and sew the 3 seamless sides, but be sure to leave a 4-5" hole in the bottom center.

Step 9: Pull all of your fabric through the hole in your inside fabric. Things may get a little wrinkly, but don't worry! Pull your outside fabric out so that it will look the way it does when it's finished. Before flipping your inside fabric inside the outer part, sew up the hole you left with your machine as close to the edge as possible. This seam will not be visible. Last, pull your lining inside the outside clutch. and iron everything out! And now you are ready to carry your new Spring clutch!

Photos/Layout by Marilyn Nimz

26 comments:

  1. Thanks for leaving such a darling comment on my blog! Love how this turned out, so need to try that, too!

    Have the best week ever,
    -Kati

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    1. Thanks Kati! And thanks for stopping by to check ours out as well!

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  2. Cute DIY! And it seems so easy to make, I should definitely try soemtimes:) Have a look at my blog: http://morgirunsaway.blogspot.fr/

    All the best from sunny South of France!

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    1. Thanks Morgi! It is truly easy to make. Thanks for stopping by. We will definitely be stopping by yours as well!

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  3. Cute! Great tutorial, thanks for posting. :)

    sewcookgardenrepeat.blogspot.ca

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    1. Well thanks for stopping by and enjoying what we have to share! :)

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  4. How awesome, thanks for the share!

    www.kajalmaharaj.blogspot.com

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  5. This is such a great tutorial! Thanks for sharing! :)
    And I love the fabric you used, so pretty!

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    1. Thanks Laura! We were really going for a spring-like fabric that would be bright and cheerful. :)

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  6. ou i really want to try this! except i dont have a sowing machine so i'll probably use just my hands..
    great tutorial!

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    1. You could also make this by hand sewing as well and it might actually be a little easier! Let us know if you decide to try it out. We would love to hear some feedback. Thanks for stopping by! :)

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  7. Hey..thanks for stopping my My Soulful Home! Appreciate the comment as well...we started blogging at the same time January 2013. I love it..do you?
    Kelly
    www.mysoulfulhome.com

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    1. You are so welcome. We truly love checking out new blogs and seeing all the amazing creativity that is out there! Thanks for stopping by. We are in love with blogging!

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  8. Very cute! Thank you for this ;)

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  9. That turned put so nicely! I love your choice of fabrics. Would be very handy too.

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    1. Thanks Loulou! We are hoping to make some nice uses from this. Thanks for stopping by!

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  10. Super simple and do-able. I love this DIY!

    Kate from Clear the Way

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  11. Super cute!

    Love the pattern.

    x,
    Eliza

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    1. Thanks Eliza! We were going for a spring-like fabric. :)

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  12. Great idea! I love your fabric!

    Kim

    azulhome.com

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  13. Love this! So cute - great fabric too! x

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