https://www.cutoutandkeep.net/projects/diy-folding-clutch • Posted by Stephanie P.
This clutch is not only pretty but fun to make. It only takes 1 yard of fabric, some paint, and a zipper, and you're in business. You can personalize the print however you like and make it 100% your own.
This clutch is not only pretty but fun to make. It only takes 1 yard of fabric, some paint, and a zipper, and you're in business. You can personalize the print however you like and make it 100% your own.
Before you get started, cut out all your fabric pieces and iron them if necessary (especially the white canvas, which is much easier to paint when wrinkle-free).
Next, paint your canvas. There is no rhyme or reason to this. I simply laid my canvas on a piece of cardboard and went to town. I used three colors - light pink, hot pink, and orange and mixed them as I went along. I found it much easier to paint if the canvas was slightly damp because it didn't absorb as much paint, making it go farther. When you're finished, set your piece aside and let it dry for about 30 minutes.
We'll start by covering the ends of our zipper. Unzip your zipper about halfway. Take one 1.25 x 1.5 inch piece of canvas and lay it right side down over the end of your zipper.
Pin it in place and stitch across the teeth of your zipper right where the zipper ends. If you're stitching over a metal zipper, go slow so you don't break a needle or simply stop sewing when you reach the teeth, backstitch to complete your stitch, and then pick it back up on the other side of the teeth. This will keep you from messing up your thread tension.
Trim the end of your zipper just beyond the end of the teeth. Fold the small piece of canvas end over end and pin. Topstitch across the teeth again. Do the same with the other end of the zipper, making sure the entire length of the zipper (including the covered ends) is roughly 11 inches.
Place your piece of leather right side up, then center your zipper along one of the edges face down so the right sides are touching. Lay a piece of your lining face down on top of the zipper. Pin into place.
Stitch together being careful not to get too close to the zipper teeth. Trim excess fabric. When you're done, do the same on the other side of the zipper using your painted canvas and remaining lining piece.
Next, flip the bag over so the right sides are facing up. Top stitch along the edge of the zipper so it lies flat.
With the zipper still opened to halfway, pin together the matching pieces with right sides touching (i.e. pin your leather piece to your canvas and your two lining pieces together) leaving a 3 inch gap at the bottom corner of the lining to turn your bag right side out. Sew around the outside of the bag.
When you're done, put your hand in the gap of your lining and turn your bag right side out. Hand stitch the gap in your lining shut. Use a blunt knitting needle or a corner turner to poke the corners out.