The current century (as well as the previous one) is gloriousnot only the rapid development of technical progress and digital technologies. This is also a time of emancipation and feminism. But we, women, are contradictory natures. Without abandoning our irrepressible ambitions in the pursuit of independence and the fight for gender equality, we try to emphasize our femininity in every possible way. And we continue to be sensitive to those wardrobe items and accessories that allow us to do this. Among such very feminine accessories is a clutch - an elegant evening bag without handles. Today, a clutch is not only a lady's companion at special events and social gatherings. A clutch can be voluminous and serve as an everyday bag. Ideally, a clutch should be present in the fashionable arsenal of any modern woman. But if for some reason you cannot buy it, or want to have something special and original, or just like to sew, then you can make a clutch yourself. How to sew a clutch with your own hands?
Stylish tips
A clutch is considered to be an almost ideal accessory for any outfit (except for a sporty style). But when you start making it, remember the laws of fashion, rules of etiquette and dress code requirements:
- clutch for a business suit should be concise: restrained forms and calm colors;
- Evening clutch can be bright and extravagant, with decorative finishes, sequins and rhinestones;
- The everyday clutch for winter should be different from summer and be made of dense (winter) materials: leather, drape, wool or fur;
- materials for the summer clutch should be light: silk, satin, velvet, velor;
- The clutch must blend in with your overall style and mood;
- The clutch must be of reasonable size and carry out the function of only a handbag, but not a purse or cosmetic bag, beach bag or shopping bag.
And now, having understood the fashion wisdom, proceed to the most creative process – making a clutch.
Manufacturing process
How to sew a clutch at home?First, decide on the dimensions. For example, for a rectangular bag measuring 15x20 cm, you will need a little more than half a meter of fabric and the same amount of material for the lining. In addition, prepare cardboard for the pattern, chalk (or a piece of dry soap), a button (snap, Velcro) for the clasp, and a sewing machine. Before sewing the clutch with your own hands, cut out a rectangle of 17 by 22 cm from cardboard (the dimensions of the clutch, plus seam allowances). Lay the fabric with the wrong side up and so that the cardboard pattern can fit on it three times. Place the cut rectangle on the fabric and trace it with chalk. Above it, close to the already outlined line, another one, and once more above it. As a result, you should “draw” a large rectangle (22x51 cm) consisting of three bricks identical to the cardboard pattern: front, back, and flap for the clasp. Shape the top brick into a triangle (as the flap pocket should be). Make exactly the same pattern of the future clutch on the lining fabric. As a result, you will get two patterns that look like an unfolded envelope. According to the pattern, fold the lining fabric face inward to make an envelope. Sew the sides of the future clutch and process the edges. Do the same with the fabric that will go on the “dress” side of the bag. Turn both pockets inside out (that is, onto the face of the bag). Now fold the main and back fabrics to each other with the right sides together and sew along the flap line and along the line of the opening of the clutch. Next, fold the connected parts like this: lining in half face inward, main fabric as well. Match the seams connecting the lining to the bag. Sew both parts along the edge (do not forget to leave an opening for turning). Turn the clutch inside out, sew up the opening. All that remains is to make the clasp. Sew a button to the clutch and make a neat hole for it on the flap. Your clutch is ready.
Decoration
After you sew a clutch with your own hands, yousucceeded, it can be decorated. What your clutch should be like depends on your age, style and purpose of the bag itself. For decoration, use satin and silk ribbons, decorative braid and laces, sequins, rhinestones, beads, glass beads, lace, fringe, ready-made appliques, buttons and much more. This is only a matter of your taste and your imagination. Or you can do without additional decorations (if you like it better). The main thing is that the resulting bag is to your liking, that you like it, that it performs not only a utilitarian function, but also brings aesthetic pleasure. So that with a clutch in your hands you feel like a true lady! We recommend reading: