How to Sew a Basic Clutch ~ DIY Tutorial Ideas!

Easy Clutch for beginners. Simple Clutch Bag FREE sewing pattern.

To make a clutch, you first need to decide what size you want it to be. You're going to double that and add enough for a closing flap as well. See how in the picture my fingers are indicating about how big I want it to be? So there's another length's worth above it and enough to fold over as well. You can fold it up to see it if seems the right size to you. (Keep in mind it will be a little smaller after you sew and invert it.)

Now you'll need two of these and you'll place them right sides together. Then you'll sew around the perimeter, but leave an area open to invert it. I like to sew where the pink line is. I'll show you why shortly.

Then you clip the corners for less bulk after you invert it.

Invert and press. Ironing it flat is important. Be sure you have the corners fully inverted. You'll also press the opening shut by folding the fabric inward.

Now we're going to multi-task by doing our topstitching and assembling the clutch at the same time. First you'll top stitch across the are you didn't close. Just sew across the pink line below. You want to be really close to the edge for a nice, clean, professional look.

Next you'll fold up the clutch exactly where you want it to be and sew along the pink lines. You'll be topstitching the sides and attaching them at the same time.

Now that is the basic construction. If you want a button that's easy. Just sew one on and add a button hole to the flap. If you aren't comfortable with button holes, just create a little loop on the flap. (It would be best to create it and sew it in when you put the right sides together and sew around the perimeter. That way it's already built it.)

For this one I just sewed a tiny bit of velcro to close it and covered the stitching on the front with a little green button. (Everything I make Rex has so have some green on it. It's his favorite color and he automatically likes anything that has green on it somewhere.)

The fun thing is that once you make one you realize how simple it is and how you can adjust the measurements to make all sorts of things. This one is a scripture case. If you want an actual clutch I would recommend adding fusible interfacing to one side of the fabric to stiffen it up a bit. (I did in the orange clutch above.) Or add a little batting to yours and it can be an iPad case or any other object case.