More Cute Clutches

I finally started to sew again after a really, really long break and what did I want to do? More gathered clutches!! Soooo easy to make and just the right size to hold the essential stuff!

THE CUTEST CLUTCH

I love this zippered gathered pleats clutch!!!!!! It's a brown tweed with a cotton band in the middle. I can't wait to make more and in different sizes!

PLEATED CLUTCH WITH ZIPPER

After this project, I think my new favourite thing to sew will be pleated clutches! If you made a pleated handbag, you are well on your way to sewing a pleated clutch. I have been a little picky with the design because I really wanted to insert a zipper and the tutorials I found, did not have any instructions for that so i was left to figuring it out on my own It was not an easy task but I certainly learned quite a bit for my next project.

Here are some links to get you started or inspired!

1) Classy pleated iridescent clutch from Craftster

2) Make a pleated pouch bag from Threads Magazine

3) Fat quarter pleated handbag from Sew Mama Sew

PLEATED HANDBAG

This bag was supposed to be just a simple pleated handbag, instead it turned out into a HUGE beach-size tote!!! I made the mistake of adding a couple of inches thinking that the bag would turn out to be too small for my liking!

Things to learn from this project:
-Make larger pleats
-Don't use interfacing, or if you do, apply it after pleating the fabric
-Make slimmer handles or use braided handles
-Don't add a border
-Think of adding a magnetic snap or zipper closure
-Think of adding a zipper pocket inside
-Use heavier fabrics [canvas, linen]


For more information/tutorials on the pleated handbag check out the following links:

1) Green wool + brown plaid handbag "how-to" from sewtakeahike
2) Butterflies and Fruit Pleated Tote from Cut Out + Keep
3) Good posting on Craftster

MY FAVOURITE CLUTCH

This was one of the first things I made on my own soon after I was comfortable with sewing. It's a simple clutch made with polka dot linen on the outside and strips of scrap fabric on the inside. I used batting in between layers to cushion it a little. I used a blanket stitch around the flap, used snap buttons for closing and added a strap, which can be tucked on the inside. It's suprisingly roomy!  I simply love it!

The yellow clutch is what I made for my sister. I used a vintage print fabric which I bought from a rummage sale for 50 cents!!!

BATHINA HANDBAG

Here is my take on the Bathina bag which you can find on Burda Style.

After cutting all the pieces, it came together easily enough until I hit a bump- I couldn't figure out how to place the handles!!!! I was playing with the handles for the longest time and I couldn't figure it out so I left it be for a week. Every time I saw the bag unfinished, I was thinking about this handle until one day, walking to the library, I figured it out!!!  I came home, I sat at the machine and finished it! 

Just a few days ago I saw an how-to that clarifies the sewing of the handles! If I had that before!