MAKING FAB ENVELOPE STYLED CLUTCH PURSES JUST GOT EASIER!
With my purse tutorials, you can create a stunning clutch purse in no time!
It really doesn’t matter if your style is over the top or more reserved like the one we’re making in the video, you can begin making the perfect clutch purse today! Our step-by-step video tutorials (below) will have you creating your best purses ever.
Our techniques are simple. You will learn how to:
- Discover your tools and materials
- Design your Clutch Purse
- Create Patterns
- Maximize interior bag space to fit more goods
- Cut & Sew Your Purse
- Install your twist closure
- Sew your binding and more
Sewing Machine: Portable/Domestic Level of Difficulty: Easy
materials & tools for making clutch purses
I get excited when finding new tools for my projects. Although the tools and materials are probably something you’ve seen before you probably didn’t know about using some of them for making your purses. No worries, we’ve got you covered in this quick video. Just so you know, these items have been tried and tested.
Here’s a short list of a few of the tools. I go into greater detail in the video: A poundo board, cutting mat, L shaped ruler, rawhide mallet, and a french curve. A few people have asked what fabric I use to paint my designs on. My favorite is cotton duck. The reason I use white or ivory is because the colors are more brilliant on a white/light neutral background. You’ll see that I’ve highlighted some of the products needed in the description for your ease of reference. You can click on the link to add it to your Amazon cart or you can also get my What’s in Your Handbag, Girl? book for a list of suppliers. So let’s get started!
How to design your envelope clutch purse
I don’t know about you, but I’ve had many a sleepless night thinking up new designs for my purses. At first I just handed it over to someone else to make because I couldn’t design or sew it myself. Thankfully that’s changed for me and now it can for you as well. One simple design can unfold so many others. There’s really no limit. My advice to you is to have fun, follow my lead and get some sleep! 😆
how to make a clutch purse pattern
Your pattern is like a road map. Not just for you, but for anyone who may use your pattern to sew bags for you. So it’s important to be accurate. Just remember the purse needs to do more than look good. Form follows function. I’m on a little island in the Bahamas so supplies are limited here. In place of pattern paper, I use a sturdy poster board. A good item to have on hand when making multiple patterns are pattern hooks. These help you to stay organized by keeping all your pieces together. Quick note: a number of my students have relied on eye-balling their designs and measurements, if you want to make a professional-looking purse, get to know your ruler and use a good cutting tool for your pattern. Say bye-bye to tearing your patterns or cutting them with scissors.
Materials
- Pattern paper or poster board
- Cutting board or larger
- L shaped ruler combo set
- Straight ruler
- French curve (optional)
- Dress maker’s tape measure (optional- handy when measuring curved sides)
- Document clips
- Tailor’s awl
- Pencil
- Tailor’s chalk
- Xacto knife
- Scissors
- Pattern hanger
Cutting your purse materials
There are a few items in your purse that need to be cut. They require different tools. For cutting one or several layers of fabric at one time, I recommend using the electric rotary cutter (especially if your hand gets tired squeezing scissors) I demonstrate this in my How to Make a Structured Handbag video. If you’re just doing a single layer and don’t have one of these gems you can get away with a sharp pair of scissors. Just be sure not to use those scissors for cutting paper products! So far, my best cutting tool for patterns and foam would be the xacto knives. Watch the video and see how easily it all comes together.
Assembling an Envelope Clutch Purse
This is as simple as making a sandwich. You are going to simply layer your pieces. The secret ingredient here is the adhesive. I’ve used this product for years and it does not only keep my fabric attached, but it also does not carry an unpleasant odor, nor does it turn yellow as many other adhesives do which can really mess us your project. Incidentally, you can use Bontex in place of the chipboard if you have it on hand. It will last longer, but it is a little costlier. So stick around and watch this one.
sewing binding to your clutch purse
For some reason, people are intimidated by this step. You shouldn’t be. It’s as simple as folding the webbing in half, making a channel, and placing your purse board between it. If you are in doubt, practice on a mockup before going to your final purse. Take your time doing this…it’s actually easy and therapeutic.
sewing sides & completing purse
We’re at the last leg of the journey. We can sew the sides by hand (which I’ll show you) or you can push the easy button and sew it on your machine providing you have sufficient lift space under your presser foot. Then we’ll complete it by punching a hole for the closure.
I hope you enjoyed the tutorial. Let me know how your purse came out.
There you have it! Simple steps to creating your fabric clutch purse. Be sure to add your special touch. Whether its bows, leather, shells, or other ornaments, make it yours, make it fun. Be sure to share this page with your family and friends.
Happy Sewing!