IFB Project 14: DIY Oversized Clutch

Anyone who knows me knows that I love to DIY.  I've been sewing since I was twelve and I love to make my own clothing.  I will also take any opportunity to make jewelry, bags, and accessories.  I love to be creative, so when I saw that this week's IFB Project was DIY, I really got excited!  Here is my contribution:

I love the oversized clutch trend.  American Apparel sells some really cool ones, but they are so expensive!  I've been meaning to make one of my own for a while, and this was the perfect opportunity to share it with you!

Tools needed:

Some kind of heavy fabric (I used a gorgeous pink faux-leather)

Marking pen (A regular marker would work)

Scissors

Pins

Sewing machine, or needle and thread

Something to base your size off of

Heavy duty needles (I didn't use them, but it's better to be safe!)

Zipper (Not pictured, but you still need one!)

First, lay out your fabric, wrong side down, and then fold it in half.  You can see that gold color (that nicely blends in with my floor - good thinking, Kate!) that is the wrong side of my fabric, or the inside of my bag.  Then, lay out your magazine or whatever you're using for sizing on top of the fabric.

As you can see, you want to make sure the edge of your magazine (or size tool) is right up against the bottom fold in the fabric.

Then just trace around the magazine!  You don't need to trace the bottom, since we'll be using the fold in the fabric as the bottom of the bag.

I wasn't happy with the size of mine, so I added a couple of inches on either side.

This should be the finished tracing (with my added two inches on either side.)

Then cut it out!  Make sure to leave a little room on each side for seam allowance.  I didn't measure it, just guessed.  I used a 5/8 seam allowance, but you can use whatever you want!

This is what the right side of the unfolded fabric now looks like.

Next, lay the zipper UPSIDE DOWN along one edge of the fabric.  The top edge of the zipper should be flush with the top edge of the fabric.  Ideally, your zipper would be a little longer than mine is.  Those darn extra 4 inches threw me off!

Then pin the zipper.  Pin it to both sides of the fabric, right sides together.  If you need more help with the zipper there are loads of wonderful zipper tutorials out there.  I'm not an expert!

Sew!  Preferably using a zipper foot on your machine, but whatever you're comfortable with will work.  

Finally, pin along each side edge and stitch together, making sure the zipper lines up at the top edge.

And there you have your finished bag!  Perfect for a quick grab before heading out the door.  I also love this pink color - it's great for spring.

Now I have a whole bunch of this faux-leather hanging about.  I'm not sure what to do with it!  If anyone has any ideas, let me know!

I hope everyone has a wonderful day!  Keep your eyes peeled later today for an outfit post featuring this bag.

xoxoxoxoxoxoxo

View my other DIYs and sewing projects by clicking on the tags below!