A few months ago, I got a bunch of black leather fringe in a bargain bag of trims. I didn't have any plans for it (impulse purchase!) until one day the idea of a clutch covered in layers of fringe popped into my head. So of course I had to make one and share how to do it with all of you!
This tutorial is very similar to my Half Circle Zipper Pouch, just in a different shape and with fancy fringe added to the front. I anticipated that sewing around the fringe could get tricky and I wanted to make it as easy as possible to make a gorgeous clutch. Zippers can be tricky little buggers so I decided to add the fringe after sewing on the zipper. That way the fringe wouldn’t get in the way and it could be carefully arranged on the front of the clutch. I also decided to stitch the optional lining in by hand at the very end. But if you prefer to stitch it by machine, just follow the instructions in this tutorial.
DIY Tutorial – Zippered Fringe Clutch
SUPPLIES:
One 9 inch zipper
about 2 yards black fringe (1 inch wide)
2 pieces black fabric 10.25 x 8 inches
2 pieces flannel or wool 10.25 x 8 inches (for backing fabric, heavy interfacing can be substituted)
2 pieces lining fabric 10.25 x 8 inches (optional)
Thread
Sewing machine
For wrist strap:
1 piece black fabric 2 x 17 inches
1 piece black fabric 2 x 2 inches
1 metal lobster clasp
2 sturdy 1/2 inch jump rings
NOTES: Use a .5 inch seam allowance except where noted otherwise.
INSTRUCTIONS
Step 1: Cut fabric to measurements (in supplies). Baste flannel or wool to wrong side of fabric. Finish edges with a zig zag stitch.
Step 2: With right sides together, pin fabric to zipper with zipper stop 1/2 inch from edge of fabric. Stitch 3/8 inch from edge of zipper. Press fabric away from zipper. (This will be referred to as the front side.)
Step 3: Add a loop for wrist strap. Fold 2 x 2" fabric in half lengthwise and stitch. Trim seam allowance and turn right side out. Press. Fold in half with raw edges together and slip jump ring onto loop. With right sides together, baste to the left side of the back piece about 1.5 inches from the top edge. Stitch top edge of back to zipper with right sides together. Press fabric away from zipper.
Step 4: Attach fringe. Cut 7 pieces of fringe 10 inches long or enough to cover the clutch. I chose to overlap mine a little bit so in order to get proper placement I started at the top by the zipper. Glue baste a strip of fringe just below the zipper on the front of the clutch. Stitch in place. Glue baste a second strip a scant inch below the first strip. Holding the fringe out of the way, stitch the second strip in place. Repeat until the front of the clutch is covered.
Step 5: Trim fringe away from the seam allowance. Open the zipper and pin front and back right sides together. Stitch, being careful not to catch fringe. Turn right side out.
Step 6: Make wrist strap. Fold 2 x 17 inch fabric in half lengthwise, right sides together. Stitch long edge. Trim seam and turn right side out using a tube turner and press. Top stitch. Attach lobster clasp to jump ring and slide onto fabric. Overlap raw edges of fabric above ring and stitch in place using a wide zig zag. (The zig zag will hold the strap together and finish the raw edge of the fabric.)
Step 7 (Optional): Attach a lining. Pin lining right sides together and stitch together along two short sides and one long side. Turn wrong side out, place inside clutch and hand stitch to zipper tape.
And that's it! You now have a finished super fun fringe clutch . I hope that you enjoy this tutorial. If you're looking for more, check out more of my tutorials here.