COTTON + LEATHER CLUTCH PURSE DIY

After we shared our fabric designs last week many of you requested a DIY for the little clutch we made. We whipped this simple cotton and leather clutch up in an afternoon. We love adding DIY pieces to our wardrobe and this clutch is a new favorite! Here's how it's done- 1. Supplies Needed: Leather, patterned cotton fabric + solid lining cotton, 18 inch zipper, scissors, sewing machine. 2. Begin by cutting out the pieces for your clutch. You'll need two 7x16 inch pieces of leather, two 5.5x15 pieces of fabric for the outside pieces, and two 11x15 pieces of fabric for the inside of the clutch. Note: If you want your clutch to be more sturdy, iron on a light fusible interfacing to the back of the patterned fabric pieces.3. Start by sewing together a piece of the outer fabric and leather by facing both outer sides in and sewing all along the edge. The reason the leather is slightly longer than the fabric is because the leather is thicker so this prevents it from laying as flat as the fabric after it is folded. This way the edges are an even width once the project is finished. 4. Flip the bag right side over to make sure all the lines are even. 5. Repeat this step with the other two pieces and then sew both sides together with the outer sides of the fabric facing in. 6. Once that's finished, flip it right side out. Note: If this is your first time sewing leather, read our Tips for Sewing Leather article. 7-8. Next, create the inside of the clutch by sewing together the two lining fabric pieces. Be sure to leave a small hole on the bottom of this so that you can flip the bag right side out once it's finished!9. Now it's time to attach the zipper. Begin by flipping the lining bag with the outer side facing in. Then place the outer bag inside the inner bag so that both outer sides face one another.  Begin pinning the zipper in place so the it's between each piece of fabric. 10. Be sure the top of the zipper facing upwards. 11. Let the other end of the zipper stick out the end so that when you sew it shut it's tucked into the inside of the bag. Sew each side, securely attaching the zipper in place. 12. Last, pull the purse back through the hole in the bottom of the inner fabric. Once you've pulled it through, stitch up the hole.Enjoy your new purse! It's perfect for going out on the town or storing small things, like makeup, when you are traveling.

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