Easy Clutch Purse

Ok I said ‘easy’ in the title didn’t I? Well It is fairly easy, especially if you are accustomed to using patterns. I have gotten out of the habit of using patterns, I just sew, which makes it hard to pass on the instructions but my mind is so cluttered with ideas that I just start in. Well for this clutch I decided to use a pattern, which I didn’t follow and I had to use my seam ripper, and go back and follow the instructions.

I found the Free Clutch Sewing Pattern at Ali Foster Patterns. Click here for the tutorial.

I used these two coordinating fabrics that I found at the thrift store.

Added a linen flower, I cute from a skirt, to make it a bit more fun.

I used velcro instead of a snap because I tend to use what I have on hand.

Checkbook Wallet Pattern Tips

This morning I finished a Business Card Wallet and wanted to share another tip about closing the opening neatly.

Those of you who have used my patterns probably discovered my favorite sewing tip--sewing the opening closed first. It really does help make a neat opening, but sometimes it helps to take it one step further. The last few times I've sewn a Business Card Wallet, I ended up re-sewing the opening because it didn't turn out well the first time. So now I'm using this method:

1. Using a ruler, or other straight edge, place it even with the end that has the opening. I find it helpful to line the wallet up on a surface with a grid first. Then I can make sure everything is really straight.

2. Using chalk or a fabric marker, mark the edge on one side. Turn the wallet over and mark the other side. You now have a guideline on each side of the opening.

3. Slip stitch the opening closed by sewing just UNDER the guideline on each side. Don't sew on the guidelines, or above them, or you'll end up with an indented opening.

Here is how the opening looks finished:

purse pouch

This lined zipper pouch is really very easy to make – and perfect to use to stash your keys, phone and makeup.

Materials
1 x zip [the length of your purse]
Cut 2x pieces of material for lining (23x12cm / 9×4.5inches) (my second purse with rounded edges is 20x14cm / 7.5×5.5inches)
Cut 2x pieces of material for outside (same as above)
2x small squares of material for zip end covers (5x3cm / 2x1inches).
Iron
Pins and hand sewing needle
Thread to coordinate with fabric
Scissors

Step 1.
Cover the zip ends with the small pieces of material
Take your 5x3cm piece of material and press a crease 1/2cm hem on both sides and half way along the length. Place these two pieces over both ends of your zip and sew across. This gives your zip a pretty end and helps when sewing.

Step 2. Sew in the zip
(If you would like rounded edges on your purse – trim the corners on bottom edge of your lining and outer fabrics at this point.)
Place your outer fabric right side up and place your zip right side down onto the edge and line up your lining right sides down – pin to hold in place. Using your zipper foot on your sewing machine, and sew along this edge, making sure your zipper foot presses up alongside the zipper teeth but does not sew over them. Turn over fabrics so that your outer fabric and lining are wrong sides together. Attach the fabric to the other side of the zip the same way as before.

Step 3. Top stitching
Press the seams and then top-stitch the fabric on each side of the zip so that your fabric doesn’t catch in the zip teeth, you can do this by hand or machine.

Step 4.
Open your zip. Turn your fabric pieces around so that the rights sides of the outer fabric are facing and the right sides of the lining fabric are facing each other. Pin the outer fabric sides first, then the lining, ensure that the zip ends are pointing towards the lining side. Sew all around the entire square just leaving a 5cm /2inch gap in the bottom edge of the lining side to turn right side out.

Fold your corner seams of your lining and outer fabrics and poke your corners out. Then turn your fabric right side out through the 5cm gap in your lining. Before pushing your lining into the purse – hand or machine sew the gap. Then at this stage press the lining and outer fabrics to create a neat edges on the seams. Push your lining into the inside of the purse and ensure all the corners are pushed out. Press one more time and you are done.

Resources:
The fabric used for these purses is from Micheal Miller fabrics – it is Summer Soiree by Paula Prass – ask for it at your local quilt shop.