Sewing: Clutch with Wrist Strap

Clutch with a wrist strap tutorial. I needed this for a wedding back in May and do you think I could find anything anywhere? No. I was wearing a bright orange (almost neon) dress and I needed something a bit funky, yet a bit neutral to match my nude pumps and the style of the dress. After I made the Big Zip Bag, which is a great tutorial, too, I decided I loved the fabric and wanted to create a clutch with some of the left over squares. The wrist strap is perfect for a wedding because it leaves your hands free to dance and it’s small enough to just sit on the table (and keep your phone in sight).

Okay…on to the tutorial.

What You Need

Fabric One: 2 pieces of fabric 7×4 for the outside
Fabric Two: 2 pieces of fabric 7×4 for the inside
7 inch zipper
Fabric Three: 2 pieces of fabric 7×1.5 for the wrist strap
Fabric Four: 2 pieces of fabric 3×3 for zipper ends
machine
serger
matching thread
pins

First, gather all of your material.

Step One

Next, attach your zipper ends to the end of each zipper – then clip the excess zipper. Check out this tutorial for more detailed photos.

Step Two

Sandwich the zipper between the inside and outside fabric (inside right side up, zipper right side up, outer fabric, wrong side up) line them all up and use the zipper foot to stitch. Do the same to the other side.

Step Three

Now, to give the clutch some strength and add a professional look, top stitch along the zipper.

Step Four

Time for the wrist strap.

Serge the two pieces together (or use one long piece if you have it…I didn’t) so your piece now measures 14×1.5 inches. Fold like a hotdog, with right sides together and serge both short ends. Serge about 4 inches from the ends towards the centre. Leave a large opening. Turn the strap right side out. Pin the large opening closed and top stitch all around the strap (even along the fold) and close the hole.

Step Five

Time to close up the bag and add the strap.

Open the zipper just a bit and place right side of the outside together and the outside of the inside together. Pin the strap in place and be sure it’s tucked in between the outside of the fabric. Serge all along the edges, leaving a small opening on the bottom of the inside fabric. This will help you turn it right side out.