Lined Sequin Clutch With Zipper: a tutorial

As promised, I've created a tutorial for the clutch that matches this skirt. I honestly love these bags. They really help to dress up an outfit. I've taken them out with me twice now, both black and gold, and have gotten so many compliments. It's even more fun to surprise people by telling them I made it. I also love that there is plenty of room for all of my essentials. 

Of course, if sequins aren't your thing you can use this tutorial to make any zippered, lined pouch. I'd recommend a quilting cotton or any no-stretch fabric. You can also change up the dimensions to any size to fit your needs. 

Materials:

1/4 yd +  Sequin/Outer Fabric (use a no-stretch fabric if possible)

1/4 yd + Lining Fabric

One 9"+ Zipper

Let's talk about the zipper. I chose a more expensive black/gold zipper (Hobby Lobby)  to up the style factor. These heavy-duty metal zippers are a little harder to work with than your average zipper. If you're not careful you could break a needle or two trying to sew through the teeth. I'll give you my tips on avoiding that a little later. 

Do you need a zipper foot for this tutorial? 

No. If you have one or are planning on buying one anyways then yes, but otherwise you really can get away without it. The trick is to buy a zipper that's too big. You really only need a 9" zipper for this tutorial, but if you're working without a zipper foot you'll want to go up to a 14". They just so happen to be the same price in this case. 

Using a too big zipper means that the zipper tab won't get in the way of your presser foot, making it much easier to sew with. In the following tutorial I've used a too big (14") zipper without a zipper foot.

Cut two lining pieces and two outer fabric pieces to the dimensions of 11.5" x 9".

Sew with a 1/4" inseam.

Pin and sew with a 1/4 " inseam. Now you should have something like this:

Top stitching helps to keep the lining fabric from getting caught up in the zipper. 

It's very important that you unzip the zipper a little over half way before going on to the next steps. Otherwise you won't have a way to turn your bag right side out. 

With the zipper over halfway un-zipped, join the two sequin pieces, right sides together and the two lining pieces, right sides together. Pin in place and sew as shown. Make sure to leave a gap at the middle of the bottom edge of the lining so that you can turn the bag right side out. 

This is the tough part about sewing with these heavy-duty metal zippers that I mentioned earlier. First of all, make sure that the zipper is bent toward your sequin/outer fabric when it goes through your machine. 

When you get to this point where your needle is about to hit those metal teeth, stop the machine. Use the hand turn on your machine (turning towards you) to slowly make it through, past the teeth. If you get to a point where your needle will absolutely not make it through then pick up your presser foot and push the needle just past the difficult spot. Continue sewing as shown above. 

Now you should have something like this:

Make sure the seams are nice and straight because they determine the shape of the bag. Snip out extra seam allowance and the corners as shown. 

Snip the extra zipper off with heavy duty scissors or wire cutters.

Stick your hand through the gap in the lining bottom and pull the bag right side out. It's kind of like a magic trick (;

Poke out the corners of your outer fabric. Pin the gap in the lining closed.

Machine or hand sew.

Poke the lining down into the clutch and...

Try out other styles as well. I love this black and blue mint combo.

Tutorial for the matching sequin skirt here!

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If this all looks like a little too much for you, but you still love this clutch, come check out my Etsy shop. I've just listed 7 clutches (4 black, 3 gold).  The gold are a bit more expensive because the material itself is very pricey. 

Another thought I had, for those that may have a hard time finding the materials, is to sell "Make Your Own Clutch" kits. Of course these would be cheaper than the finished clutches. Please let me know if you'd be interested in purchasing something like this. 

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