The process is simple and quite easy for learning how to make a clutch purse. I will list the steps in great detail for those of you who may be a complete newbie when it comes to making a purse. Follow along with me and you’ll be a master at this is no time creating your own glorious fashionable clutch purses.
Determine What You Want
- Get style ideas from magazines.
- Determine the size you would like to have.
- Choose whether it will be for casual or formal wear.
- Decide what fabric you would you like to feature on your purse.
- Choose the type closure or hardware that best suits you and your purse.
- Select your lining fabric.
There are so many details that can be added to your purse which will raise a number of questions for you to consider but for the moment I think we have covered much of the basics.
Required Materials
- 12″x15″ Chipboard (a cardboard that’s somewhat like poster board)
- 12″x15″ Fabric (try painted- you will love the results)
- 12″x15″ Lining (light cotton drapery weight in coordinating colors to the outer fabric)
- 1# Twist lock closure (other styles are available too)
- Approx. 54″ of 1″ webbing (binding) in coordinating or contrasting color
- Thread (that blends well with your fabric)
Required Tools
- Sewing machine
- Needle (for hand sewing)
- Scissors
- Hole puncher set with mallet (not required for magnetic snaps or toggles)
- Ruler
- Pencil
Let’s Begin with The Chipboard.
- Measure where the folds or creases will be in your purse. There are 3 horizontal lines in all. You will be measuring across the 12″ width of the chipboard.
- Start at the bottom- The total height of the chipboard is 15″. Measure from the bottom up and mark each side of your chipboard at the 5″ point.
- Draw a horizontal line across to connect the two lines; from left to right. This will be the bottom crease of your clutch.
- From the 5″ mark, measure 5 1/2″ up on both sides of the chipboard. Once again, draw a horizontal line to connect the two measurements.
- The extra 1/2″ space is crucial to have in order to make it easy to close the purse properly when the binding is attached.
- Mark a 1/2″ above the last 5 1/2″ point on both sides if the chipboard. Again, draw a horizontal line to connect the two measurements.
- With the sharp edge of your scissors, score the chipboard along the drawn lines to allow an easy fold.
- Fold the chipboard at each crease. The first crease will be your base. The second crease will allow your purse flap to turn towards the top. The third crease allows the bag to close while still creating a little room to store your personal items.
- With the chipboard folded you can now determine where you want the closure to go. Measure 3″ up from the base fold to the center horizontal mark at 6″.
- The twist lock comes in 4 parts. The first part you are interested in is the twist section with the washer. This washer has two holes. Place the top of the washer on your 3″ mark. Ensure that it is properly centered. With your pencil mark out your holes from the washer. This should be done on the inside of the clutch.
Adding The Fabric
- Cut the fabric and the lining at the same size. They will be identical in size to the chipboard. If you wish to add a pocket; sew it on the lining before attaching it to the chipboard.
- Attach the outside fabric to the chipboard. This can be done with an adhesive or by sewing it in place around the perimeter. Stitch as close to the edge as possible; an 1/8″ to 1/4″ is ideal.
- Now that the exterior fabric is in place, pierce the cardboard and insert the prongs of your twist closure. Place the washer on the inside and fold in place to secure.
- Attach the fabric lining in the same way. Trim off any excess fabric.
Applying The Binding
- Fold the tip of your binding over about 3/8″ and stitch in place. This will eliminate it getting frazzled and shifting.
- Fold the binding in half leaving a 1/2″ on either side of the crease. At the bottom of the bag, in the center, place the binding on the covered chipboard and begin sewing it in place. When the bag is folded as the finished product this joining will only be visible when the purse is opened. Continue around the entire purse until you meet up to your starting point. Cut off excess binding leaving enough to fold over and stitch down the final piece.
- Take your needle with the matching thread to your binding and stitch the two sides in place. Ensure that your stitching is small, discreet and secure.
Installing The Closure
- Hold the flap in place over the twist closure and mark at least 3 sides on the underside of the flap, where the twist lock touches.
- Take your die/hole puncher, and place it over the marked area ensuring that your positioning is accurate.
- With your rubber mallet, hit the die until it cuts through both pieces of fabric and the chipboard neatly. (This should be done a piece of wood or cutting board.)
- Take the second two pieces of your twist lock and install them on the flap.
- Fold the top flap over the twist lock and secure.
Voila! You now know how to make a clutch purse. Get creative with your fabrics by accessorizing prints or customs painting your very own designs. If art is not your strength, consider purchasing painted fabrics from another source. Either way your clutch purse is a sure winner.