DIY Denim Clutch

Hi guys! I still had a ton of left over material from some of my previous DIY's so I decided to make myself a Denim Clutch! I know there are a lot of templates online, but most of the ones I found only had one pocket, where I like the functionality of a two pocket clutch. I didn't find a template so I just came up for one myself! I used a Denim Bow from a previous post to make it a little more "pretty" and I think it came out pretty nicely. I hope you like this post and that you feel inspired to try it for yourself!


Materials:
- Denim, or any kind of fabric really... (mine are from a pair of old jeans)
- Pins
- Ruler or measuring tape
- Velcro square
- Shears
- Needle and thread (I chose a blue that kind of matched my fabric)



Steps:

1. Cut out your fabric/template. I realize mine looks pretty uneven, but I was using the the leftover material from my other projects so I had to improvise. Ideally you'd have square corners and straight lines! The length of mine at the longest point was about (since it's not really straight) 15 inches, the middle length was about 8 1/2 inches, with the width (or height?) was around 15 inches (from top to bottom) and at the shorter part 5 inches wide.

 

2. Now I highly recommend taking the time to plan for your next couple of steps by pinning your hems down. Use a measuring tool to make sure the top and bottom of your clutch are the same width while you pin. Fold those flaps in to make what will be your first pocket! In this step, you can kind of start to see the size of your clutch (especially in terms of width).

3. Once your got your hems in place, sew the flaps together. Make sure not to sew this part all the way through. Now, sew across the purse going all the way through to the other side to make your pocket. This should be going through the middle of your clutch with the pocket opening downward. Be careful sewing this part because you will be able to see the thread on the outside of the purse.

*I don't have a sewing machine, so I sewed everything by hand (obviously you can use your machine if you have one). I'm saving up for one!*

 4. Next, I hemmed the sides above the pocket you just made. As your hemming, take your pins out. Again, keep in mind that your thread will be seen on the outside of your clutch. Once you've finished hemming that part, fold your first pocket up to create two pockets! Before this step, your pocket should have opened facing downward. Now those two sewn-together-flaps will be the divider between your two pockets.

In the third picture below, you can see how I sewed my two pockets. I used an "invisible" hem technique, sewing in between the pockets on the outside. You can choose to sew this the same way you did the other hems if you find it easier or if you want your thread to show. This entire step is long one so when you get through it, give yourself a little pat on the back!

 5. I used Velcro as a "clasp" for where the top of my clutch will open and close to. You can use other buttons, zippers or magnets to do something similar if your prefer (Velcro isn't exactly glamorous!). I made sure to sew both pieces in the middle, one on the top flap, one on the outside pocket. Just make sure you line it up right beforehand!

6. Here's where I attached my DIY Denim Bow! I just simply sewed it in place, making stitches until I felt like the bow was really secure. Not only is it cute, but it also covered my threads from the Velcro patch! ^.^ At this point you can go back and trim some of those loose threads if you haven't done so already!

Congratulations! You just made your very own DIY Denim Clutch!

What I've learned:

- When hemming, you can make smaller stitches for those on the outside of your clutch and larger ones facing the inside of your clutch so the thread isn't as noticeable. 

- Measuring and pinning everything in place is really important. Stop every once in awhile and make everything is in line to see if you need to make any adjustments.

- Try not to stab yourself when pinning your hem line... 

- A two pocket clutch is way better than a one pocket clutch!

Here's what I'm going to wear with my new clutch, when I go out for an iced coffee (love iced coffee)! I like that this clutch is super casual and its great to just carry your essentials in when you're on the go! I love that I can take this bag anywhere, even if it gets dirty because:

     1. Isn't a big deal because you didn't spend a ton of money on it,
     2. It's totally machine washable! 

What you thought of this DIY post! I hope you try it, and let me know how your clutch turned out!

Also... I am considering attaching some kind of strap, maybe make it into a wristlet, or a cross body bag. What do you think?



Alison :)