Spectrum Clutch Tutorial

I designed today's tutorial as a sample project for my sweet friend Sharon Holland's new fabric collection Tapestry which is making its debut this weekend at Quilt Market in Salt Lake City (look for the rest of my sample sewing in an upcoming post). If you need a quick gift or just a little something fun to make while everyone else is off in Utah without us, this project is a great choice.

Be sure to post your pictures of any finished clutches on Instagram with the hashtag #spectrumclutch and tag me too @fabricmutt. I always love to see what you guys make with my tutorials!

Materials & Cutting Instructions

Finished project dimensions: 8 1/2 x 11 1/4"
All seams 1/4" unless otherwise noted.

Fabric:	For:	Cutting:
12 strips in a spectrum of colors, each one at least 1 1/4 x 6 1/2"	patchwork panel on the front	1 strip 1 1/4 x 6 1/4'' from each print
1/3 yard denim	front clutch exterior back clutch exterior	2 strips 1 3/4 x 6 1/4'' 2 strips 1 3/4 x 11 3/4" 1 rectangle 9 x 11 3/4''
1/3 yard low volume print	clutch lining	2 rectangles 9 x 11 3/4"
1/3 yard batting	front exterior interfacing back exterior interfacing	1 rectangle 10 x 13" 1 rectangle 9 x 11 3/4"
Light fusible interfacing (optional)	Lining interfacing	2 rectangles 9 x 11 3/4”
Findings: 14" zipper, 6" leather thong for zipper pull, adhesive basting spray, binding clips, knitting needle or chopstick

Sewing Instructions

1. Sew all twelve strips together along the long sides to form the patchwork panel for the front of the clutch. Press all seams open.

2. Sew a 1 3/4 x 6 1/4" denim strip to each 6 1/4" end of the patchwork panel. Use adhesive basting spray to fuse the wrong side of the piece to the center of the 10 x 13" batting rectangle. Quilt the patchwork as desired.

3. Sew the 1 3/4 x 11 3/4" strips of denim to the top and bottom edges of the patchwork panel, folding those strips over so that the wrong side of the fabric lies flat against the batting. Press and then trim the exterior front piece to 8 3/4 x 11 3/4".

4. Fuse the wrong side of the denim exterior backing to the other piece of batting using the adhesive basting spray. Fuse the wrong side of the two lining pieces to the two pieces of lightweight fusible interfacing (follow the manufacturer's instructions).

5. Stack in this order from bottom to top along the upper long edge of each piece: exterior front (right side up), zipper (right side down), lining piece (right side down). Clip them in place and then sew them together along the 11 3/4" side. 

If you like, fold the lining piece back from the zipper and stitch it down 1/8" from the seam so that it will hold in place against the zipper. Repeat step 5 on the other side of the zipper with the other exterior and lining pieces.

6. Unzip the zipper at least halfway (don't forget that step!). Use binding clips to hold the exterior pieces with right sides together on one side of the zipper and the lining pieces with right sides together on the other side of the zipper. Make sure the zipper teeth are pointed toward the exterior pieces. Sew all the way around the outside of the rectangle, leaving a 5-6" gap open at the bottom of the lining. 

7. Trim the corners and extra pieces of zipper. Reach in through the gap in the lining to pull the bag right side out and push out the corners gently with a chopstick or knitting needle. Tuck the raw edges of the lining into the gap and stitch it closed about 1/8" from the fold. Push the lining into the bag and press. 

8. Thread the leather strip through the hole in the zipper and knot it to make a zipper pull. Fill with goodies and enjoy!