Learn to make a DIY envelope clutch with this easy tutorial. These clutches are great for using fat quarters or for decreasing your ever-growing scrap box. Use a pretty contrasting fabric on the inside that will make you smile every time you open your clutch.
DIY Envelope Clutch Purse Tutorial
This classic clutch style is perfect for a fun night out or can be used in your day bag to keep your valuables, such as your phone or glasses, separate and unscratched. DIY envelope clutches make great gifts and are beginner-level sewing projects.
Supplies
- ½ Yard FABRIC - The best fabrics are a little thicker and stiff. Look for quilting cotton and decorator fabrics. You will need one fabric for the outside and another for the lining piece. Your DIY envelope clutch looks great if you choose a contrasting fabric for the inside for a pop of color and fun.
- FUSIBLE INTERFACING - It is up to you how stiff you want your clutch to be and it may depend on the thickness of your fabric. Because I used quilting cotton without a lot of body, I opted for heavy interfacing.
- CLOSURE - For the closure, you can use Kam snaps, snap studs, a button, or Velcro circles.
- SEWING BASICS - Sewing machine, needle, thread, pins, iron
Envelope Clutch Pattern
You can easily make your own pattern using the following measurements. After making the template, add seam allowance. I recommend a ½ inch (12mm) seam allowance.
| Purse | Small (6x10") | Medium (8x12") | Large (10x14") | |
| A | 4.5" | 10" | 12" | 14" |
| B | 7" | 12" | 16" | 20" |
| C | 2" | 4" | 6" | 8" |
How to Sew an Envelope Clutch Step by Step
Step 1 - Cut the Fabric
Using your template, you will need to cut:
- 1 x Main Fabric
- 1 X Lining Fabric
- 1 x Interfacing
Step 2 - Fuse the Interfacing to the Lining
On the wrong side of the lining fabric, fuse the interfacing. The reason we fuse it to the lining is to prevent any wrinkles from showing on the outside. If your fabric is thin, you may put a little extra circle of interfacing in the spot where your closure will go. An extra layer of fabric or flannel can be substituted for the interfacing if you don't have any.
Step 3 - Stitch the Edges
Put the outside and lining right sides together and stitch around the outside with your seam allowance. Leave a gap on one side, as shown, in order to turn it in the next step.
Step 4 - Turn and Press
Clip the corners and the point at the top of the DIY envelope clutch. Turn the clutch the right way out through the gap and give it a good press. The seam allowance should be pressed to the inside.
Step 5 - Fold
Fold the clutch up so the corners match the beginning of the top flap. Press the fold at the bottom so it sits nice and flat. Use pins or clips to hold the edges together.
Step 6 - Topstitch
Topstitch all the way around the clutch, making sure you backstitch at the beginning and end. If you are feeling adventurous, you could even use a zig-zag instead of a straight stitch.
Step 7 - Add Closure
Add the Velcro or snaps in the appropriate position. Take your time to make sure they all match up. I used Kam snaps as they are always the quickest and easiest option. You can also sew a button and buttonhole if you are a confident beginner.
DIY Envelope Clutch - In Conclusion
Now that you know how to make a DIY envelope clutch, you can make a matching small purse as well! Mix and match and give these as gifts to friends. Choosing the perfect fabric takes much longer than the sewing part.
Tools
- Scissors
- Kam Snaps or Velcro or press studs
- Sewing Basics Sewing machine, needle, pins, thread
Materials
- ½ yard Fabric
- Fusible Interfacing
Instructions
- See the full tutorial for cutting instructions in 3 sizes. You will cut 1 main, 1 lining and 1 interfacing.
- On the wrong side of the lining, press the fusible interfacing.
- Place the lining and main right sides together and stitch around the edge, leaving a gap on one side.
- Clip the corners and turn right way out through the side gap. Press. Fold the clutch, so the corners meet the base of the flap. Pin or clip at the edges. Topstitch the sides making sure you backstitch well.
- Add your closure - Kam snap, velcro or sew in press studs.
More Clutches and Purses
Here are some more free clutch sewing patterns from the Treasurie blog.
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