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:

alifosterpatterns.com

alifoster.etsy.com