Clutch

I made this clutch/pouch/wristlet out of an old scarf of my stepMiL’s. The fabric had been attacked by moths, so it was no good as a scarf anymore, but there was enough to make a clutch without any moth holes, and I made a larger tote bag with some iron-on patches on the holes.

Things I learnt from this project: mitering the bottom corners of the bag is a quick and easy way to make a more shaped and wider base… I’m not sure if it’s true mitering, but I don’t have another word for it; you can see an example of the technique in this placemat bag tutorial. Also, sew the zip in before the other seams! I didn’t decide to use a zip until all but the top seams were done, and I’ve never used a zip in my sewing before. It was rather a pain to get in! Definitely do that step first if you can. On the topic of zips: it looks best if the zip is sewn quite closely to the fabric (i.e., not too much extra zip fabric showing), but don’t sew the fabric so close and with extra space on the edge that it will get caught in the zip.

Maybe obvious stuff for more experienced sewers, but I’m a bit of a noob. 😉