Vintage Wedding Clutch: Diy Guide To Create Yours

A vintage wedding clutch is a great way to add a unique touch to your bridal attire. You can make a vintage wedding clutch by upcycling a wedding dress or purchasing materials from a fabric store. The process involves cutting the fabric to size, inserting magnetic snaps, layering and sewing the fabric, and then folding and sewing the clutch into shape. You can also add embellishments like lace, beading, or pearls for a more ornate look. This DIY project allows you to create a one-of-a-kind accessory that complements your wedding ensemble and can even become a cherished family heirloom.

Choosing a vintage fabric

• Colour and Pattern: Opt for colours like ivory, beige, blush, and pastel shades like light blue and mint. These colours are often associated with vintage style and can be easily paired with a variety of wedding themes. You can also consider floral patterns, which add a whimsical touch to your clutch.
• Texture and Material: The fabric's texture and material will impact the overall look and feel of your clutch. Consider using lace, satin, silk, or chiffon for a soft, romantic feel. If you want to incorporate beads or pearls, look for fabrics with embellishments or add them yourself. For a unique touch, you can also use a combination of fabrics, such as satin and tulle, or lace and chiffon.
• Durability: Choose a fabric that is durable enough to withstand some wear and tear, especially if you plan to use the clutch throughout the wedding day. Consider the lining and interfacing to add structure and stability to your clutch.
• Amount of Fabric Required: Before making your purchase, ensure you know the exact amount of fabric needed for your project. This will depend on the size and style of your clutch. Most clutch patterns will provide fabric measurements, so you can buy the appropriate amount.
• Source of Fabric: You can find vintage fabrics at thrift stores, fabric stores, or online marketplaces like Etsy and eBay. When sourcing your fabric, consider the story behind it. Using fabric from a family member's wedding dress, as mentioned in the Little Red Window blog, adds a sentimental touch to your clutch.

Remember to choose a fabric that aligns with your personal style and the theme of your wedding. Taking the time to select the right vintage fabric will ensure your wedding vintage clutch is not only beautiful but also meaningful and well-constructed.

Cutting the fabric to size

To make a wedding vintage clutch, the first step is to cut the fabric to size. This is a crucial step as it will determine the final size of your clutch. Here is a detailed guide on how to cut the fabric accurately:

Firstly, decide on the desired finished size of your clutch. For example, if you want a clutch that measures 8 inches by 4 inches, you will need to cut your fabric slightly larger to allow for seams and folding.

Next, choose your outer fabric, lining fabric, and cotton batting. These three layers will give your clutch structure and body. Cut one piece of each fabric in the shape of a house, following the provided diagram. The overall size of each fabric piece should be 9 inches by 13 inches to achieve the desired finished size of 8 inches by 4 inches.

When cutting the fabric, use a sharp pair of fabric scissors to ensure clean, precise cuts. It is also recommended to use a rotary cutter and a cutting mat for even more accurate cuts. Place your fabric on the cutting mat and carefully follow the measurements to cut out the house shape.

If you want to add any additional features, such as a flap or a fold-over design, you will need to cut additional fabric pieces accordingly. For example, if you want a flap, cut a rectangular piece of fabric that is the same width as your clutch and about 2-3 inches in height.

Once you have cut all the necessary pieces, you can move on to the next step of assembling your vintage wedding clutch. Remember to take your time during this process, as accurate cutting will ensure a neat and professional-looking finish to your project.

Inserting a magnetic snap

The magnetic snap comes in two parts: the male and female sides. The male snap goes on the tab of your bag, and the female snap goes on the body of the bag, unless you want it the other way around. Place the prongs through the fabric. Place the little metal washer over the prongs. Fold your prongs in as tight as you can to the closure to make sure it's tight to the fabric. Add a small piece of fusible fleece over the back of the magnetic snap. Repeat these steps for the other part.

Most patterns will include directions for where and when to place a magnetic snap. It is traditionally inserted towards the end of the project. If there will be a final seam or edgestitching near the snap after it's been inserted, make sure you allow room for the presser foot to pass alongside the snap. A magnetic snap is rather thick, and without adequate space (1/4" is best, although 1/8" may work as well), it may be hard to sew past the snap with a straight seam. A Zipper foot can help you get in closer.

Your magnetic snaps will not install properly if your fabric is too thin. The weight of this type of closure is not made for thin fabric. If your chosen fabric is lightweight, you can overcome this by adding one or more squares of mid-weight fusible interfacing behind each part of the snap to provide stability. Some people like to use a heavier fabric square as a stabilizer or even a small piece of cardboard.

Layering and pinning the fabric

• Preparing the Fabric Layers: Cut your chosen fabric into the desired shape, ensuring that you have three pieces in total: one each of the outer fabric, lining fabric, and cotton batting. The size of these fabric pieces will depend on your preferred clutch dimensions. For example, if you want a finished clutch size of 8 inches by 4 inches, cut your fabric to a size of 9 inches by 13 inches (X+1 inch by 3Y+1 inch).
• Arranging the Layers: Place the cotton batting down first on your work surface. This provides a soft and sturdy base for your clutch. Next, place the lining fabric on top of the batting, with the right side facing up. The lining fabric is the inner layer of your clutch, so choosing a complementary colour or pattern is essential. Finally, place the outer fabric on top, with the right side facing down. The outer fabric will be visible on the outside of your clutch, so select a material that matches your desired aesthetic.
• Pinning the Layers Together: Once you have your layers arranged, it's time to secure them in place. Use pins to carefully pin through all three layers of fabric, working your way around the perimeter of the fabric pieces. This will hold the layers together and prevent them from shifting during the sewing process. Make sure to pin within the seam allowance area to ensure that the pins don't get in the way of your stitching.
• Sewing the Layers: With your fabric layers pinned, you can now sew around the edges. Use a sewing machine or carefully stitch by hand, maintaining a consistent seam allowance of 1/2 inch. Leave an opening along one side, as indicated in the diagram or pattern you are following. This opening will be used for turning the clutch right side out in the next step.
• Clipping the Corners: Before turning the clutch, carefully clip the corners of the fabric, being cautious not to cut through your stitches. Clipping the corners helps create neat and crisp corners on your finished clutch.
• Turning and Pressing: Reach through the opening you left in Step 4 and gently pull the clutch right side out. Use a pointed tool, like a chopstick or knitting needle, to push out the corners and ensure they are nice and sharp. Once your clutch is fully turned, give it a good press with an iron to smooth out any wrinkles and create a crisp finish. Don't forget to press the opening edges inside, and you can pin them closed if needed.

By following these steps for layering and pinning the fabric, you will create a sturdy and well-constructed base for your vintage wedding clutch. Now you can continue with the remaining steps to complete your beautiful handmade accessory!

Sewing the clutch together

Now that you have your fabric cut into the right shape, it's time to sew your vintage wedding clutch together!

First, insert the magnetic snaps. You can add a little fusible interfacing on the back of the fabric where the snap will be for some extra stability. Next, layer your fabrics. Start with the batting, then place the lining fabric on top, right side up, and finally, place the outer fabric on top, right side down. Pin all the way around the edges.

Now, it's time to sew! Sew around the edges with a 1/2-inch seam allowance, leaving an opening along one side, as shown in the diagram. This opening will be used to turn the clutch right side out. Once you've sewn the edges, carefully clip the corners, being careful not to cut your stitches.

Turn the clutch right side out and press it with an iron. At the opening, press the edges inside, and if you want, you can pin it closed. Don't worry; you will sew this opening closed in the next step.

Now, carefully fold your clutch into thirds, as shown in the diagram. Pin the sides and sew up the sides close to the edge. And that's it! Your vintage wedding clutch is now sewn together and ready to be used or gifted!

Frequently asked questions