DIY Zippered Clutch

DIY Zippered Clutch

Supplies

Fabric- I purchased discount upholstery fabric for a thicker clutch (1/3 yard for $1.30)

Zipper- I used a 14 inch exposed zipper in the color Parakeet ($1.99)

Sewing machine or needle and thread to sew by hand

Pins

Scissors

Optional- clutch bag to trace fabric for desired clutch size

1. I traced my clutch, leaving about an inch extra on each side for the seam

2. With the fabric print side up, pin the zipper, face down. 

 It took me a few times to get the seam correctly, so play around with it before sewing into place. Sewing it this way ensures the raw sides of the fabric are hidden and it leaves a clean line.

It should look like the photo below when sewn.

3. Before sewing both zippered sides, I made sure to unzip the zipper to make sure there were no complications when I turned it right-side out.

4. Next, turn fabric so the print sides are touching

5. Pin the rest of the way around the clutch where you plan on sewing. 

I pinned about an inch in where I wanted my seam to be.

6. Sew around the remaining length. I used a zig zag stitch and tucked the zippered edges in.

Turn right-side out and done! 

A bright, summer clutch for less than $5. Can't beat that!

Sequin Mini: H&M ($15) (similar here)

MM Couture Blouse: Plato's Closet ($11)

Heels: Plato's Closet ($11) (also here)

DIY Clutch

 I would say I’m a pretty experienced sewer, but there is one specific thing that has always been intimidating to me- zippers. If there were a project involving one, I would either skip it or choose an alternative method. But today I conquered my fear of zippers by doing a project where a zipper was necessary. I made a cute zippered clutch, in a fun printed fabric, scored on mega sale. I was planning on making pillows, but I decided the fabric was too beautiful to be tucked away in a room! It needed to be celebrated, and by celebrated I mean made into a lovely statement bag for the whole world to see.

 This project was WAY easier than I had expected and only took about 20 minutes. I think I will be making/carrying many more clutches in the near future.

I couldn’t wait to use this clutch so I planned my outfit around it. I wore a navy blouse with Aztec embroidery and beading on it to keep with the colors in the clutch. I thought the navy blouse really made the colors on the bag pop and complimented the pattern beautifully. I dressed up my look with a little daytime sparkle on my skirt and some strappy nude sandals. 

Good luck and thank you so much for reading!