Creating A Wedding Clutch Purse: A Step-By-Step Guide

Making your own wedding clutch purse is a fun and creative way to add a personal touch to your big day. Whether you're looking to save money or incorporate a specific theme, designing your own clutch can be a rewarding experience. You can choose from a variety of materials, such as silks, satins, patterned cotton, or even upcycle a vintage wedding dress as seen in a tutorial by Little Red Window. This DIY project allows you to customize your clutch with embroidery, appliques, or colours that match your wedding theme, making it a unique and special accessory. With some fabric, a few simple tools, and a bit of creativity, you can create a stylish and meaningful clutch for your wedding.

How to Make a Wedding Clutch Purse

Cut fabric into a house shape, then layer and pin

To make a wedding clutch purse, you'll want to start by cutting your fabric into a house shape. If you want the finished size of your clutch to be a certain length and width, you need to add an extra inch to both measurements to get the overall size of your fabric shape. For example, if you want a clutch that is 8 inches by 4 inches, cut your fabric to a size of 9 inches by 13 inches. Cut one each of outer fabric, lining fabric, and cotton batting.

Now you have your fabric pieces, it's time to layer and pin them together. Place the batting down first, followed by the lining fabric with its right side facing up. Then, place the outer fabric on top with its right side facing down. Pin all the way around the edges to hold the layers together.

At this point, you should have a neat stack of fabric ready for sewing. The next step is to sew around the edges, leaving a small opening on one side, which will be used for turning the clutch right side out. Sew with a 1/2-inch seam allowance and be careful not to stitch too close to the edge, as this will make it difficult to turn the clutch later.

Once you've sewn the layers together, carefully clip the corners, being mindful not to cut through your stitches. Now, turn the clutch right side out through the opening you left earlier. Use a tool to push out the corners for a crisp finish if needed. Press the clutch with an iron to smooth out any creases, and don't forget to press the edges of the opening neatly inside. You can pin this closed if you prefer.

Insert magnetic snaps

To insert magnetic snaps for a wedding clutch purse, follow these steps:

Firstly, cut a small piece of fusible interfacing to add to the back of the fabric where the snap will be inserted. This provides stability and reinforcement for the snap. Place the interfacing on the wrong side of the fabric, following the instructions on the packaging for application. Ensure it is securely attached before moving on.

Next, you will need to mark the position of the snap. Measure and mark the centre point of the clutch, both on the outer fabric and the lining fabric. You can use a fabric pen or tailor's chalk to make a small mark. Carefully following the manufacturer's instructions, insert the prongs of the snap through the fabric from the right side, so they poke through the marked centre point on the wrong side. You will then need to place the corresponding snap piece on the prongs and fold or flatten the prongs to secure the snap in place. Repeat this process for the second snap piece, ensuring it aligns with the first.

Once the snaps are securely attached, you can continue with the rest of the construction process for your clutch purse.

Sew around the edges, leaving a small opening

Now that you've cut your fabric to size and inserted your magnetic snaps, it's time to assemble your clutch. Layer your fabrics, placing the batting down first, then the lining fabric with its right side facing up, and finally the outer fabric with its right side facing down. Pin all the way around the edges to hold the layers together.

Take your fabric stack to your sewing machine and sew around the edges with a 1/2-inch seam allowance. Remember to leave a small opening along one side, as this will be needed for turning the clutch right side out in the next step. Sewing a consistent seam allowance is crucial to achieving a neat and tidy finish.

After sewing, carefully clip the corners, ensuring you don't cut through your stitches. Clipping the corners will help create crisp corners when the clutch is turned right side out. Now, turn the clutch right side out through the opening you left in the previous step. Use a pointed tool, like a chopstick or knitting needle, to push out the corners gently. Press the clutch with an iron to smooth out any creases. At the opening, press the raw edges inside, and pin it closed if desired.

In this next step, you will close the opening and finish the clutch. With the opening neatly closed, fold your clutch into thirds and pin the sides. Sew up the sides close to the edge, and your clutch is now complete! You can add a wrist strap or a chain strap at this point if desired, or embellish your clutch with embroidery, appliques, or other decorations to match your wedding theme.

Turn the purse right side out, then press

Now that you've sewn your clutch, it's time to turn it right side out. This is a simple process but can be a bit fiddly, so take your time. Using your fingers, gently begin to push the fabric of the clutch through the opening you left at the side. Work slowly and carefully to ensure you are pulling the fabric through the gap and not pulling on any of the stitches. Once you have pulled the fabric through, you should be left with a neat, seamless clutch, with the right sides of the fabric facing out.

Now it's time to press your clutch. This will ensure that it looks neat and professional. Using an iron on a medium heat setting, gently press the clutch, taking care not to burn yourself on the hot metal or the steam. Press the sides first, ensuring that the seams are crisp and straight. Then, move on to the body of the clutch, pressing it flat. You may want to place a thin cloth between the iron and the fabric to protect the material, especially if it is delicate.

Once you have pressed the body of the clutch, open it out and press the inside, taking care to avoid the magnetic snap. You should now have a crisp, neat clutch that is almost ready for use. The final step is to close the opening you used to turn the fabric right side out. Pin the opening closed, then carefully sew it shut, using small, neat stitches. Now your clutch is ready for use!

Fold, pin, and sew up the sides

Now that you've cut your fabric into a house shape, it's time to fold, pin, and sew up the sides!

First, layer your fabrics. Place the batting down first, followed by the lining fabric with its right side facing up, and finally, place the outer fabric with its right side facing down. Pin the layers together all the way around the edges. This will ensure that your fabrics stay in place as you sew.

Next, sew around the edges of the fabric layers with a 1/2-inch seam allowance. Remember to leave an opening along one side, as shown in the diagram, for turning the clutch right side out. This opening can be on any side you prefer, but it should be a straight, unobtrusive line that will be easy to sew closed later.

Once you've sewn the edges, carefully clip the corners, being mindful not to cut through your stitches. Clipping the corners will help create neat and crisp corners when you turn the clutch right side out. After clipping, turn the clutch right side out through the opening you left in the previous step. Use a pointed tool, like a chopstick or knitting needle, to push out the corners gently if needed.

Now, press the clutch with an iron to smooth out any wrinkles and give it a crisp finish. At the opening, press the raw edges inside, towards the wrong side of the fabric, and pin it closed. This will ensure a neat finish when you sew it shut.

Finally, carefully fold your clutch into thirds, pin the sides, and sew along the sides close to the edge, as shown in the diagram. This will create the envelope shape of your clutch. And that's it! You've successfully sewn up the sides of your wedding clutch purse.

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