I’ve decided to start offering some free sewing patterns here on my blog. The first one is for an easy-to-sew basic clutch purse. This is a great project for a beginner.
To complete this project you will need the following:
Exterior Fabric: 1/3 yard (you will need 1/2 yard if you have a one way directional fabric)
Lining Fabric: 1/3 yard (you will need 1/2 yard if you have a one way directional fabric)
Canvas Fabric: 1/3 yard (This is used as a sew-in interfacing. I used duck cloth.)
1 Magnetic Snap
Note: If you are purchasing fabric off the bolt for this project, you will need to purchase the amounts above and you will have fabric left over. You actually only need a rectangle of fabric measuring 11″ x 15″.
Step 1: Pattern Pieces
Click the link below and print the pattern pieces. You will need Adobe Reader (it is free) to view the file. Printing tips: Be sure page scaling is set to “none.” Sometimes this is in the format of a checkbox that says “scale to fit.” You do NOT want it checked. Also, make sure “rotate and center” is NOT checked. A 1” x 1” print test square is included. Measure this square to ensure that the pattern pieces have printed at the correct size. Cut out the pattern pieces. Tape them together at the dotted lines as indicated.
Click here for pattern pieces: Basic Clutch Sewing Pattern
Step 2: Cut Your Fabric
Pattern pieces can be placed with the grainline either perpendicular or parallel to the selvedge. Pin the pattern pieces to the fabric/interfacing and cut the following:
Exterior Fabric: Cut 1
Lining Fabric: Cut 1
Canvas Fabric: Cut 1
Step 3: Interfacing
With raw edges aligned, pin the canvas fabric to the wrong side of the exterior fabric. Baste it in place ¼” away from the edges. Basting stitches are long, easily removable stitches. To machine baste, simply set your stitch length to the longest stitch. Do NOT backstitch when basting.
Step 4: The Snap
Following the manufacturer’s directions, attach ½ of the snap to the exterior fabric 2.75 inches from the bottom edge and centered between the sides. Tip: For added reinforcement, place a square of fabric that is slightly larger than the snap on the back of the snap on the wrong side of the fabric. I like to use felt, fleece or interfacing.
Attach the other half of the snap to the lining 1.25 inches from one short edge and centered between the sides.
Step 5: Finishing
With the wrong sides facing out and raw edges aligned, pin the lining to the exterior fabric. Make sure the snaps are on opposite sides. Stitch 1/2″ seams along all 4 edges. Leave a 4” (approximate) opening for turning along the short end closest to the exterior fabric snap.
Clip corners to reduce bulk. Reach through the opening and pull the clutch right side out. Fold the raw edges of the opening in and pin. Press all 4 sides of the clutch for a more finished look. Topstitch along the short edge, closing the opening along the way. Topstitching is a row of straight stitching sewn 1/8” to 3/8” from a seam or from an edge.
Measure down 4.5 inches from the edge closest to the lining snap as shown in the picture below. Mark with pins. Fold the clutch up to the pins. Pin in place. Topstitch along the 3 sides.
Step 6: Admire Your Work!
You can also embellish your clutch with a fabric flower, buttons, lace, etc.
You can find Ali Foster Patterns here:
Thank you for offering this pattern!
Thanks so much!
Thanks so much for this!
Thank you so much for the free pattern! You make the most beautiful patterns and have easy-to-follow instructions. I am a big fan!
Best wishes!
Great Pattern thanks for sharing i loved that flower embellishment…do u have a tutorial for it?
Great pattern Ali! Would you allow bags from this pattern to be sold?
[...] found the Free Clutch Sewing Pattern at Ali Foster Patterns. Click here for the tutorial. I used these two coordinating fabrics that I found at the thrift store. Added a [...]
Very simple but beautiful!! thank you!
Yes, you can sell clutches made from this pattern!
I just put a tutorial up for the flower!
OH MY GOD!!!!!!!!!!! THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS TUTORIAL. i’m totally gonna make this.
cute clutch!
Thank you so very much .
[...] made the clutch using Ali Foster’s clutch tutorial and used this tutorial by Pink Suede Shoe for the flower [...]
Another Secret Santa handmade Christmas present–done! Thank you so much for the how-to!
[...] http://site.alifosterpatterns.com/blog/2009/12/29/free-clutch-sewing-pattern/ [...]
thanks! i’ve been looking for a clutch pattern
[...] Classically Shaped Clutch Sewing Pattern [...]
I love this pattern, will be making a whole lot.
Thank you so much! I am a beginner and have just bought a bunch of new fabric. The plan was to dive into purse making but it seemed overwhelming. This will help a lot!!
[...] sweet and basic clutch made elegant or simplistic with material choices. Thanks to Ali [...]
Thank you so much for the tutorial!
omg! thank you for sharing, just made my first clutch. so adorable!! can’t wait to use it.
[...] Get the Pattern ♥ Get the Instructions [...]
My mom made tons of these in the sixtys and seventies out of store bought placemats!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I “Pinned” this tutorial yesterday and my email was loaded today with “repinners”!! It has 28 “Likes” and 99 “Repins” so far!! Should bring lots of traffic to your blog!! Don’t you just love Pinterest!
Thanks for the tutorial! I am making a clutch today!!
Darlene