DIY - Faux Fur/Leather Clutch

Over the weekend I was so happy to finally complete some of the many, many sewing projects on my list.  I must admit that it has been a bit of a challenge to organize projects and to think about the next phase of my sewing and creative life.

At the Christmas luncheon, Rhonda Buss, carried a super cute fur clutch.  The minute I saw it, I wanted it and made a mental note to add making a faux fur clutch to my list.  This was an easy, simple project.  And luckily, all of the supplies were already in my stash.

To make it you'll need:

Faux fur (Mine's was leftover from this jacket project.  The scraps were too nice to trash.  So I kept them in a bin along with several other remnants.)
Faux leather (or genuine leather)
Lining (remnant)
Felt
Zipper
Pellon #805 Wonder Under Fusible Web
Thread and other basic sewing tools

Steps:

• Determine the size purse you would like to make
• Cut the faux fur, leather, and lining based on the dimensions you chose.  Add seam allowances. (Mine was 13.5" X 11" plus seam allowances.)
• Fuse one side of the wonder under fusible web to the wrong side of the faux fur.
• Let cool.

• Remove the wax paper backing and fuse the felt to the other side of the Wonder Under.  The wrong side of the faux fur is now felt.  This adds body to the faux fur.  The faux leather already had a felt backing.

• Cut a 2" X 1.25" strip of leather.  Fold it in half the long way.  Edge stitch about 1/8" away from the edge.  This strip will be use to cover the zipper stop.
• Sew the strip to the zipper tape.

• Sew the faux fur and leather to the zipper tape.
• Sew the lining to the zipper tape.  The zipper tape on each side should be sandwiched between the lining and the fabric.

• Edge stitch the lining near the zipper teeth so that it will not get catch in the zipper when you open and close the purse.
• Put the right sides of the purse together.  Sew the remaining three sides together.
• Do the same for the lining, leaving a six inch opening at the bottom to turn the purse inside out.
• Turn the purse inside out and finger press the seams.

• Stitch the remaining lining together.
• You're done!

• You can use it as a purse or a tech case.  The choice is yours. 

Parting Shot:  Rhonda Buss gave a talk on sleeves at the Chicago Chapter American Sewing Guild meeting Friday evening.  The sleeves on this coat are spectacular.

Happy Sewing!
C