ruffled fold over clutch tutorial

Hi Friends! Caroline from SewCaroline here today. I am super excited about joining Kate for her Ruffles 2013 series! I am a huge fan of ruffly goodness, so of course I obliged when Kate asked me to guest post. Today I’m going to share with you how to create a ruffled fold-over clutch … and prove to you that adults can wear ruffles, too! :)

For this tutorial, you’ll need: 1/2 yard of fabric for clutch + lining, 1/4 yard of accent fabric, coordinating thread, a 14″ zipper, 1/2 yard of fusible fleece interfacing, + other sewing supplies such as scissors, pins, etc.

First, you’re going to do some cutting.

From the lining fabric: cut two 10.5″x17″ pieces

From the clutch fabric: cut one 10.5″x17″, one 10.5″x7″, and one 10.5″x11″ pieces

From the accent fabric: cut two 4″x14″ and one 3″x7″ pieces

From the fusible fleece: cut two 10.5″x17″ pieces

Next, take the 3″x7″ accent piece and tuck under the raw edges on the long sides about 1/4″ and press. Pin this in the center of your 10.5″x7″ clutch fabricThen, take the two 4″14″ pieces and fold and press them in half long ways. These will be your ruffle pieces. On your machine, set your stitch length to the longest it will go. Sew along the raw edges of the (now) 2″x14″ accent pieces at 1/4″. Pull the bobbin thread and gather your fabric to create a ruffle. Gather it to be 7″ long.

When your ruffle is gathered, tuck the raw edges under one of the sides of the accent piece you pinned to the front of your clutch.

Top stitch along the edge so stitch the ruffle in place!

Repeat this for the other side.

Now, take this piece and place it right sides together with the other clutch piece that measures 10.5″x11″. Pin and sew using a 1/2″ seam allowance.

Press the seam up and add your fusible interfacing to this piece and the other 10.5″x17″ piece of fabric you’re using for the front of your clutch.

Now, we’ll add the zipper… Layer the front of your clutch (face up), then the zipper (face down), then your lining fabric (face down). Pin and sew in place using your zipper foot.

Repeat this for the other side of the zipper.

Now, unzip the zipper about half way, and place the front sides right sides together and the lining right sides together.

Pin and sew all the way around the front pieces, and almost all the way around the lining pieces (leaving about a 3″-4″ opening for turning).

Turn your clutch right side out, tuck in the raw edges on the part that was left open and top stitch it closed. Stuff the lining inside your clutch, press the seams and clutch flat. Fold over and wear!