chic-diy

Tutorial:

Envelope Clutch


The Inspiration:

The tutorial of this envelope clutch came from the vast amount of bohemian inspired bags that are currently available in the market. All bags above are from Urban Outfitters and are here just in time for Spring fashion. So why not add a boho inspired clutch to the mix.

Here it goes:

What you'll need:

1. 1/3 yd of vinyl (exterior of bag)
2. 1/3 yd of felt (interior of bag helps give it support)
3. Roughly 4 1/2 yds of suede string or ribbon 
4. Scissors
5. eyelet punch or any object like a needle that can puncture
6. pen/sharpy
7. Ruler

Step 1:

Draw directly on the back of the vinyl two 6 x 11 inch boxes adjacent to one another like in the photo. Where the two boxes meet will be your fold line for the body of the clutch. If the back is a darker color draw on paper to create a pattern to transfer to the vinyl.

Step 2:

Add a 2" extension to one end of the boxes and shape as desired. This extension will become the flap that closes the clutch. I chose to do a point.

Step 3:

Cut out the piece and use it as a pattern to cut an exact piece in the felt as pictured above.

Step 4:

With a ruler mark dots a 1/2" apart 1/2" from the edge around the entire piece except at the fold line like the image above.

Step 5:

Using the eyelet punch poke holes where markings were made around the edge.

 

The final result should look like the picture above. Note how there is no hole on the fold line. The holes on either side of it is 1/2" from the fold line.

Step 6:

Lay the vinyl over the felt and use a pen to transfer the markings of the holes onto the felt. Use the eyelet puncher again to poke out the holes in the felt.

Tip: My eyelet puncher was dull but if yours isn't you could use spray adhesive to adhere the vinyl and felt together and punch both layers at the same time!

Step 7:

Place the felt over the vinyl with wrong sides together so the right sides are facing out. Fold both layers on the fold line with vinyl side out. Use the suede rope to secure the edges of the clutch using the pre-punched holes starting at the base of one side.  I used a blanket stitch method but a regular whip stitch can be used as well. Below is a link to a video on youtube on how to do a blanket stitch.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eXkSE2TTF4s

Step 8:

Go around the entire edge of the clutch and finish at the base of the bag on the other side and knot it. Finish the inside of the bag as well once the outer edge is complete.

The Finish Product:

The final product is boho inspired envelope clutch for a casual day out. Experiment and change the size, flap shape, edge finish, and so forth. If you are feeling adventurous you could even try adding pockets to the inside of the felt layer.

 

Good luck, have fun, & enjoy!

xoxo,

Linh M. Nguyen