Making a Simple Clutch

On my beginners sewing course I like to teach learners how to use each of the basic sewing feet they will get with a sewing machine. There is the basic presser foot, zipper foot and buttonhole.

 

This tutorial for the button hole foot will show you have to make a pretty clutch.

 

To begin you will need:

• Outer fabric measuring 8.5" by 12.5"
• Lining fabric measuring 8.5" by 12.5"
• Iron-on interfacing measuring 8.5" by 12.5"
• Sew in interfacing - heavy measuring 8.5" by 12.5"
• A button of your choice

Attach the iron-on interfacing to the wrong side of the outer fabric and match with sew-in interfacing with the edges of the panel. Lay the lining right side down on top and match the edges, pin in place:

Start sewing from on of the pins on the shorter edge of the clutch. Seam allowance is 1/2". You will need to go all the way around, pivoting corners, but be sure to leave a gap in the shorter edge you started on.

 Trim the corners:

 

Pull the clutch right side out and iron flat:

 

 

 

You will need to sew the gap shut that we left open. Just stitch across the gap as close to the edge as you dare!

 

 

Do the same to the other short end. Next we need to measure and mark the button hole. Measure the button and add 1/4" for clearance!



On one of the short ends place your ruler and mark the middle of the side 1" from the edge. From the middle point draw half the distance of the button hole out either way. In my case the button is 1" so the hole needs to be 1 1/4" long, half of which is 5/8" - use the small divisions on the ruler of mark the distance:



 

 

Now put the buttonhole foot on your sewing machine. A lot of modern machines have automatic buttonholes, but not all. Use the machine to make the button holes on the markings - if you have never used your machine to do this practise on a scrap first. I always mark my button hole even with the automatic buttonhole feature so I know it is in the right place.

 

Using a seam ripper or sharp scissors to cut the button hole out:

 



 

Check that the button slips through easily:

Now we need to make the clutch up. Fold the clutch in 3, making sure the button hole is on the top:

Pin the sides in place and sew up the clutch:

Close the clutch and using a pencil mark the button position through the button hole. Sew the button in place and voila, a gorgeous clutch for carrying your threads, sewing or ladies essentials!