Instructions for making a pattern and sewing a clutch yourself

An invariable attribute of a woman's evening look is a clutch. A small handbag is a great addition to any outfit, but its cost is not always acceptable and does not correspond to the image. Below is a description of how to sew a clutch with your own hands so that it matches the chosen dress and causes admiration among others.

What types of clutches are there and what to wear them with

A clutch is a small bag without handles or with a strap for carrying on the shoulder. Most often, clutches are made for women, but there are also men's versions. The following varieties exist:

• rectangular classic without decoration;
• envelope;
• in the form of a cigarette case;
• figured;
• on a chain strap.

They are worn with casual and evening wear, mostly with dresses. There are business versions of handbags, they are suitable for both sexes.

Materials and tools for work

Sewing a clutch is not difficult, you will need:

• suitable fabric for the top and lining (leather, thick cotton, denim, suede);
• scissors;
• thread and a needle (a gypsy needle or awl should definitely be at hand);
• buttons, snaps or zippers;
• beads, ribbons for decoration;
• thick cardboard for the base.

If the clutch has a strap, you also need a chain.

Master classes of different models with patterns

A beginner master should practice on the simplest rectangular models, the pattern of which will not take much time. Experienced seamstresses can take on the production of a figured or decorated clutch. A beautiful hand-made bag is always relevant and attracts attention.

DIY Women's Clutch Bag Made of Genuine Leather

To make a clutch using this pattern you will need:

• a piece of genuine leather;
• cotton fabric;
• threads;
• rubber glue;
• hammer;
• scissors;
• ruler;
• needles;
• chalk;
• foam rubber;
• carabiner and half ring;
• lightning.

The sequence of actions is as follows:

1. Determining the size. To do this, draw a rectangle with sides of 40 and 30 cm on a piece of thick cardboard. About 2-3 cm will then be left on the fabric as seam allowances.
2. Transferring the dimensions from the stencil to the leather fabric. Select suitable leather (it should be soft, otherwise there is a risk of breaking the needle), apply a rectangle to it and outline the edges with chalk. Repeat the operation one more time. After the cut, you get two identical pieces of leather.
3. Cutting out the lining. Perform the same actions as in the case of the base.
4. Giving shape. To make the bag hold its shape, foam rubber is glued to the leather base, leaving about 3-4 cm from the edge.
5. Making the fastener. The clutch is made with a zipper. It is sewn onto the leather rectangles that have not yet been sewn together. The seams are treated with glue and hammered.
6. Edge processing. The edges of the leather base are folded and stitched. The same is done with the cotton lining.
7. Connection. Both parts of the bag are connected along the seams, and they begin sewing with the lower part. The bag is turned inside out through the zipper.

The strap is made of leather, two half rings need to be attached to the edges of the bag on the front side. As a result, a flat handbag should be obtained from the pattern of the leather clutch.

DIY Leather Envelope Clutch

The sequence of actions is the same as in the case of a leather bag. But since the envelope assumes the presence of an upper, overlapping part, more fabric will be required, as well as rivets. Sew like this:

1. On a piece of fabric, determine the dimensions for two identical rectangles.
2. They cut them out.
3. Cut out the lining (you can use cotton or lining fabric, which is sold in the store).
4. From the top of the bag, measure about 15 cm (the bag is 30 by 40 cm) and sew in a zipper.
5. Don't forget about the need to maintain the shape of the bag; glue the fabric to cardboard or foam rubber.
6. The lining and base are sewn along the edges, without touching the part located above the zipper, and the bag is turned inside out.
7. Sew the top.
8. Rivets are attached to the top and middle of the bag and it is folded over to close it.

The clutch is ready, you can attach a strap to it, but envelope bags are usually carried in hands. If you follow the step-by-step instructions, sewing takes no more than 3-4 hours.

How to sew a men's clutch from genuine leather

A man's handbag is sewn at home using the same pattern as a woman's. But a man's clutch, the pattern of which most often does not provide for a shoulder belt, also differs in a more restrained color. If a woman's clutch can be cut out of a light or colored piece of leather, then for a man's clutch you only need dark black or brown fabric. Otherwise, the sewing process is the same.

Clutch from an old bag

Old bags should not be thrown away. Often, only the edges of the seams are damaged, while the base and sides remain intact. The bag needs to be ripped apart, separating the handles and small parts, and the lining removed. From the resulting pieces, you can sew an excellent clutch. If you can’t cut out a suitable even piece, don’t get upset. It’s worth remembering how to sew a patchwork quilt.

A small handbag, square or rectangular in shape, as shown in the pattern below, can be sewn using this principle. The main condition is the availability of a sewing machine, it will be more difficult to do it manually.

Suede clutch

A suede bag can be sewn in a round, rectangular or square shape. The color is chosen individually. The sewing shape is a regular envelope or a folder with a zipper.

Faux leather clutch

When working with leatherette, keep in mind that genuine leather reacts more strongly to glue and heat treatment. Leatherette is less sensitive. Sewing a clutch from leatherette is no different from sewing it from leather. The substitute holds its shape better, so you can do without foam rubber or cardboard.

Clutch bag

The main advantage of this model is the comfortable handles. Different materials and fabrics are used. The final result depends on the sequence of actions:

1. Cut out 4 pieces of the same shape (2 for the base and 2 for the lining).
2. The edges are hemmed.
3. All the pieces are sewn together at the bottom, the sides are not connected, to create a bag, but without handles.
4. A semicircle is cut out of cardboard to fit the size of the hand (stencil).
5. Apply the stencil to the top of the bag from the back side, outline it with chalk and cut out.
6. The resulting holes are folded over and stitched with a zigzag stitch.
7. The sides of the bag are sewn together.
8. Below the handle line, sew on the zipper; this can be done before sewing the side seams.

The clutch pattern is complete, the finished model is decorated with ribbons or buttons.

Men's clutch made of genuine leather

A man's handbag can be cut out of an old black woman's bag or any thick fabric. Any shape is suitable, except round. Also, such bags are rarely made in the form of a package with handles made in it. Most often, handles are sewn on. Men's clutches are more voluminous, so you can think about creating 2 compartments and pockets inside. You can make sides and a bottom. This will require additional pieces of fabric.

Felt clutch

Felt is not quite suitable as a material for making a bag for everyday wear. But a felt clutch for going out can be sewn. This material does not crumble, it is easy to work with. The choice of colors is large, you do not have to cut anything, the store sells ready-made pieces of different sizes. Sew according to any of the patterns you like.

Round clutch

A clutch, the pattern of which is made by hand, is sewn as follows:

1. Place a plate on the fabric and trace the outline with chalk (4 pieces are needed).
2. A zipper is attached to the base.
3. Cut out a rectangle 60 cm long and 5-6 cm wide, fold it in half widthwise, and stitch it to create a belt.
4. Insert the ends of the belt on both sides of the zipper between the lining and the main fabric and stitch (everything is done on the inside).
5. The clutch is turned inside out through the zipper.

The round bag is suitable for children and young girls.

How to decorate a clutch with your own hands

To decorate a small bag use:

• felt cut out flower petals, butterflies;
• lace;
• various beads;
• ribbons;
• buttons;
• tulle;
• pieces of colored fabric.

You can embroider something on felt, for example, flowers or animals, an inscription. You can attach a large bow to a fabric bag, decorating it with beads.

A hand-sewn bag is not only economical, but also very original. You can easily make a beautiful clutch yourself, if you have cardboard, thick fabric and a needle and scissors. If you follow the instructions, the finished product will turn out better than a store-bought one.