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Color Block Clutch Tutorial

Photo courtesy of Haute Handbags

I was so thrilled this bag was chosen to be featured in Haute Handbags last fall. I love handbags and this was my first attempt at making an actual handbag! Every girl needs a pretty clutch to play dress up with and I change my bags often. In fact, the running joke between my husband and I is when he asks where my keys are, he’s really asking me which bag I’m using at the moment.

Inspiration
My inspiration behind this bag was these must haves – colorful, add the look of leather, must have pattern, interesting shape, cute details.

Tools & Materials: Merino Wool felt, faux leather, cotton fabric, natural-colored canvas fabric, Pellon heavy-duty stabilizer, 10 inch polyester or metal zipper, binder clips, thread, cute zipper pull is a must! And, of course, you’ll need a sewing machine with a standard foot and a zipper foot, as well as, a steam iron. Additional suggested tools: quilting ruler, rotary cutter.

Don’t do this!
I don’t like to purchase patterns because I’m too impatient for them to arrive in the mail and I just want to start creating when I get an idea. So, I dug out my chipboard and started cutting shapes with my paper cutter. In fact, I cut so many different shapes, I had to trash some because I was getting confused when I went to make this bag on what was the front, the back, and how each piece fit together for easy sewing. After several shapes where trashed, I labeled everything clearly so I could just start assembling my pieces to sew. I don’t recommend you do this part. I just wanted to share how I normally bulldoze my way into creating something new! Ha! Below are your cut dimensions for this bag.

Bag Measurements:
This clutch bag is 9-1/2″ tall by 10″ wide finished when folded. So, I basically cut a big rectangle that is 14-1/2″ tall by 11″ wide and cut a 45 degree angle off the top. I recommend you wait to cut your 45 degree angle off your fabric pieces until you have all the pieces lined and cut. Then you can assemble them, like a sandwich, in order like they will appear when your piece is finished. Once you have the “sandwich” created, then it’s easier to cut all your fabric pieces at once in insure the angle will be accurate.

Here are your cut measurements:

Interior fabric: cut two at 11″ x 15-1/2″
These measurements will give you a 1/2″ seam allowance. Your fold for your bag with be at the top of the wool felt appliqué area.

Line your fabrics:
After assembly the fabrics I wanted to use. I cut my pieces using the measurements above. I line everything with Pellon heavy-duty stabilizer. I didn’t want a puffy bag, so I opted for this lining instead of the quilting interfacing most use by other sewers. But, feel free to use whatever interfacing you like. (TIP: If you do use the fleece interfacing that most bag makers use, I recommend you peel the interfacing off the fabric in the seam allowance and trim that off to get rid of bulk.)

Wool Felt Applique:
After each piece was cut and lined. I worked on my wool felt color block look for the front of the bag. I use the same technique on this bag I use for my other colorful patterned pouches seen in my shop. In order for the felt to stay put, I start by ironing a piece of Pellon Wonder-under to the canvas fabric. Wonder-under has two adhesive sides. So, adhere the Wonder-under to the TOP of the canvas using the Wonder-Under instructions. I peel off the top paper of the Wonder-under and add my wool felt shapes being careful to line them up exactly where you want them. Play with your design and don’t worry if you have felt that extends over the fabric. You can cut that off once everything is ironed and sewn into place. Once in place, steam press the shapes onto the canvas. Once they are steam pressed onto the canvas, they are very secure. I also sew the felt in place using the stitches as part of my design.

Wool Felt Pattern Play:
I did a striped pattern play with my wool felt. You can use the above technique to create any pattern play idea you may have. To replicate the striped pattern, cut your felt stripes one inch wide to fit across the canvas. I am currently working on some floral appliqué ideas, so stay tuned!

Sew Your Bag:
Once you have all your pieces prepared, you can start assembling your bag. Sew your faux leather, fabric and wool felt appliqué pieces together using a 1/2″ seam allowance to create the front of your bag. Then sew the two pieces for the back of your bag together, as well. Now you have a full two full pieces and you should already have the interior pieces cut and lined.

Zippers:
There’s many tutorials online on how to sew in a zipper. I recommend you watch several of these to finish this project. My favorite place to look for video tutorials is Craftsy or YouTube. I sew my zippers in using this method here. (Tip: She mentions pressing your fabric after your zipper is in place and please note that will be easy to do on the interior fabric side but will be more difficult on the exterior because of the bulk of the wool felt. Plus, do not get your iron anywhere near the faux leather, it will melt! Also note, top stitching is not needed on these bags.)

Finish it up:
Feel free to follow Made Everyday’s video on finishing your bag. However, because we didn’t do the topstitching, I find facing your zipper to the exterior of your bag seems to work better using the bulky wool felt. But, if you are used to do it the other way, feel free. (Tip: In the video, she only removed a little bit of seam allowance bulk. I remove all the seam allowance bulk and trim that all the way around. Since you are dealing with heavy weight fabrics, the goal is to remove the bulk so your bag looks professional.)

Photos courtesy of Haute Handbags

If you make this bag of something similar with the different fabrics, please show off you bag on Instagram or Facebook and tag me! I’d love to share what you create!

XO,
Vicki

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curlywillowco

Instagram post 2193189946919890001_32908154 I’m heading over to setup and excited to meet new friends!! You can catch me here on Saturday celebrating the holidays!! Swipe left to see a few things I’m bringing. 🎅🏼🤶🏻🎄🎁 Stop by and say 👋🏼!! #curlywillowco #wearethecollective
Instagram post 2192596370796266013_32908154 20 more sleeps until Santa comes to fill your stocking!! Who’s excited! #curlywillowco ⠀
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#itsthemostwonderfultimeoftheyear #christmasiscoming🎄 #tistheseasontobejolly #christmasgiftideas #wholoveschristmas #falala #holidaygifts #readyforchristmas #christmasflatlay #christmasshopping #stockingstuffers #stockingfillers #holidaygiftguide #christmasideas #secretsantagift #christmasgiftsforher #giftsforher #giftsforfriends #giftguide #fixerupperstyle #holidaystyle #christmaslove #wearthisnext #stylehunter #etsygiftguide #etsyusa #etsysuccess #handmadebags
Instagram post 2191841300320188720_32908154 Happy to be included in this amazing gift guide! #curlywillowco ⠀
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Thanks @lynniquejewelry ⠀
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Each of these items are unique and handmade! • monogram wallet and bag @curlywillowco • crystal bracelets @lynniquejewelry • pumpkin spice mug @cobbersonco • traveling makeup brush holder @effiehandmade • keychain @alittlecloudstudio • scarf @tenthousanddandelions • mountain needlepoint @snowbird_stitches • diy cactus craft @mcreativej"⠀
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#makerguide #handmadeedition #christmasgiftguide #christmasgifting #xmasgiftideas #secretsantagift #christmasshoppingtime #shopHER #christmaswishlist #holidaygiftideas #christmaslist #shopsmallthischristmas #holidaygifting #shopindependent #heytheremaker #stockingstufferideas #holidayshoppingmadeeasy #giftguide2019 #monogrammedgifts #scarfseason #pumpkineverything #giftfortraveler #diygiftsandcrafts #yogalovers❤️ #banglebracelet #mountainscapes
Instagram post 2191507128418437319_32908154 Hexies for the Holidays! I made a bunch of mini hexie pouches for Market this Saturday! I hope if you’re local, you come by and see me and all the other great handmade folks! #curlywillowco #wearethecollective
Instagram post 2190790680687440881_32908154 A big THANK YOU to everyone who shopped this past week! ❤️❤️❤️ A big thanks to all that shared, commented and liked my posts here on Instagram. I have quite a few orders to make! All Scallop Wristlets this year! ➿➿ 💯 Amazing!! Thankful and grateful I get to actually make a little extra for my family by creating!! Y’all are the best! #curlywillowco ⠀
📷: @benziedesign ⠀
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#thedulcetlife #theblogissue #thatcolorproject #myunicornlife #letmebeme #doitfortheprocess #psimadethis #handcrafted #artisan #designermaker #mycreativebiz #momswithstyle #styleyourlife #styleblog #giftsforher #colorventures #discoverundet5k #handmadeornaments #diychristmas #diyornaments #woolfeltcraft #woolfeltornaments #woolfelt #christmascrafts #christmasornaments #retrochristmas #holiday2019 #makeityourown #makersofinstagram
Instagram post 2190314611329080130_32908154 Getting ready for markets is really stressful! Hop over to my stories and let me know if you think my display is too full!? If I can find my adjustable coat tree, I can pull the large bags off the table and spread out a bit. Share your feedback here or as a DM. #curlywillowco #itsthemostwonderfultimeoftheyear #christmasiscoming🎄 #tistheseasontobejolly #christmasgiftideas #wholoveschristmas #falala #holidaygifts #readyforchristmas #christmasflatlay #christmasshopping #stockingstuffers #stockingfillers #holidaygiftguide #christmasideas #secretsantagift #christmasgiftsforher #giftsforher #giftsforfriends #giftguide #fixerupperstyle #holidaystyle #christmaslove #wearthisnext #stylehunter #etsygiftguide #etsyusa #etsysuccess #handmadebags
Instagram post 2190035609683159613_32908154 Happy Cyber Monday! Last day to purchase for 20% off! ☕️🍩📱⠀
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Customer feedback: Absolutely beautiful! I am so glad I got this beautiful handmade Wristlet for someone special! Thank you!⠀
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Instagram post 2189665200152373558_32908154 HELLO DECEMBER! Here’s a quick craft idea that makes a big impact! Y’all loved these last year!⠀
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You’ll need:⠀
1) Wool Felt in your fav Christmas colors⠀
2) Bling Stickers
3) White or Fabric Glue⠀
4) Some sort of ribbon for the hanging loop⠀
4) Needle and thread⠀
5) Polyester Filling (polyfill)⠀
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Here’s how:⠀
1) apply a small film of glue to the back of the sticker... this is a little tricky cause it’s a sticker, so just do your best.⠀
2) stick it on to the Wool Felt. Let it dry.⠀
3) cut out the shape of the sticker on the Wool Felt. Make sure to leave room for stitching all around the edge (Seam allowance). It’s totally up to you how you want to make them look. ⠀
4) To Machine stitch- sandwich the Wool Felt front, back and ribbon loop together, however, don’t cut the shape first for the back. Sew around your shape, but leave a small opening for stuffing. Leave your needle in the ornament and take a moment to stuff the ornament before finishing the seam off. Trim off the excess Felt to match your ornament shape.⠀
4) To Hand Stitch: cut your ornament shape and cut a matching shape for the back. Sew or glue your loop in place on the back of the front piece of the ornament. Once completed, back stitch your ornament together, front and back. Stuff with poly fill before you finish off your stitches. ⠀
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It’s super easy! Have fun with it! If you make some... please tag me! I’d love to see them! I’ve got a new DIY Christmas Craft coming to the blog this week!! #curlywillowco ⠀
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#thedulcetlife #theblogissue #thatcolorproject #myunicornlife #letmebeme #doitfortheprocess #psimadethis #handcrafted #artisan #designermaker #mycreativebiz #momswithstyle #styleyourlife #styleblog #giftsforher #colorventures #discoverundet5k #handmadeornaments #diychristmas #diyornaments #woolfeltcraft #woolfeltornaments #woolfelt #christmascrafts #christmasornaments #retrochristmas #holiday2019 #makeityourown #makersofinstagram
Instagram post 2189348826745961041_32908154 H E L L O. D E C E M B E R 🎄 Whether you are 6 or 66... December is just so magical! Soak it all in! 🌟⠀
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I’ve got a fun insta-craft for you tonight! See ya then! ✂️ (I really wish there were some nice craft emojis!)⠀
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#curlywillowco #colorinspo #wristlet #colorcolourlovers #thedulcetlife #thecandyrainbow #ihavethisthingwithcolor #pursuepretty #thatcolorproject #prettylittleinspo #wearethemakers #makersgonnamake #makestuff #etsyhandmade #handmadeshop #handmadewithlove #etsy #supporthandmade #maker #handmadelove #handmadeisbetter #etsygifts #etsyfinds #etsyaddict #alltheprettythings #etsysuccess #handmade #handmadepurse #modernquilting
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