Tutorial for DIY Handmade Leather Clutch

A clutch is a handbag without straps.

Purchasing leather goods can be expensive, but because of the smooth, stylish look, leather clothing and accessories are widely sought after. Making a handmade leather clutch is a great way to save money and stay in fashion. Purchase leather from a fabric store or re-purpose an old worn-out leather jacket. Choose the color of the leather, and match the inside lining to customize your handmade leather clutch.

Things You'll Need

• Leather
• Fabric tape measure
• Fabric marker
• Fabric
• Scissors
• Paper clips
• Heavy-duty thread
• Leather needle
• Sewing machine (optional)
• Utility pressure foot (optional)

Instructions

1. Lay the leather on a flat work surface, right side down. Measure and draw a 14 1/2-inch vertical line on the left side of the leather. Draw a 9-inch line extending to the right from the bottom of the first line. Turn the tape measure vertically to make a third line off of the end of the bottom line. Measure and draw 10 1/2 inches up from the bottom line. This line is parallel with the first line but is slightly shorter. Position the tape measure along the top of the first and third lines, creating a rectangle with a diagonal top line. Draw the final diagonal line across the top of the rectangle to complete the shape of the clutch. Repeat this process on a second piece of fabric to create the lining of the clutch.

2. Cut and remove the two shapes from the leather and fabric lining. Lay the pieces on top of one another, right sides facing. Match up all of the corners and secure them together with paper clips. The paper clips hold the pieces together without puncturing the leather.

3. Prepare the sewing machine to sew the leather, if necessary. It is possible to hand stitch the leather clutch, but it is harder and will require a leather sewing needle and heavy-duty thread. Install a leather needle on the sewing machine and thread the needle with heavy-duty thread to avoid breaking and tearing. Install a utility pressure foot on the machine to handle the tough leather without puncturing or tearing the material. Set the stitch tension to the loosest setting to avoid bunching.

4. Sew along the three straight edges creating a 1/2-inch seam along the bottom and a 1/4-inch seam on each side. Remove the paper clips as you sew. Leave the top diagonal edge open.

5. Turn the clutch right side out through the top opening and push out all of the corners with your fingers. Lay the clutch flat with the lining facing up.

6. Fold down the lining about a 1/2 inch along the open end of the clutch to create a smooth edge. Leave the leather piece straight. Hold the two materials together along the open edge with paper clips.

7. Sew along the folded lining, securing it to the leather piece. Remove the paper clips as you sew. Cut along the diagonal edge, removing excess leather and trimming it evenly with the folded lining.

8. Lay the clutch on a flat surface with the lining facing up and the diagonal edge along the top. Measure up 4 1/2 inches from the bottom edge. Mark a dot along the right and left sides, indicating where the clutch will be folded.

9. Fold up the material with the two marked points now at the bottom fold of the clutch. Match up the side edges and hold them together with paper clips.

10. Raise the pressure foot on the sewing machine if it is too low to accommodate the folded leather. Sew a 1/4-inch seam along each side of the bottom of the clutch, securing the fold. Without the guidance of the pressure foot, it may be necessary to advance the material manually and sew slowly to ensure the seams are straight.

11. Fold down the top of the clutch and insert a safety pin on the right side, securing the shorter side of the flap to the side of the clutch. Sew a short 1/4-inch seam through the side of the flap, securing the edge to the clutch. This holds the clutch partially closed without the use of a clasp or button.