DIY Clutch Zipper Bag

Hello! Here's a project that you can make over and over, in all sorts of fabrics. Every bag will turn out differently.

It's a great size measuring at 8" x 10" your phone, keys, and wallet will fit with room to spare.

Here's what you'll need to make your bag.

Fabrics:
Cut 2 pieces for the top 3 1/2" x 10 1/2"
Cut 2 pieces for the bottom 5 1/2" x 10 1/2"
Cut 2 pieces of lining 8 1/2" x 10 1/2"
Cut 1 piece for the handle 3 1/2" x 17"
Cut 2 pieces for zipper tabs 1 1/2" x 2 1/2"

You'll also need:
12" of ribbons and/or trim
12" zipper
1 3/4" D ring

Instructions:

1. Start by placing the right sides together of a top and bottom pieces for the bag. Align and pin one of the long sides together. Sew along this edge and press open. Repeat for the second set of top and bottom pieces.

2. If you are using ribbon or trim top stitch across the front of the bag along the seam.

If you are new to sewing zippers, here a video I created that shows you step by step.

3. Fold the zipper tab in half and press. Open up and turn the raw edges in towards the fold approximately 1/2" and press . Insert the zipper into the tab. Stitch across to secure.

4. Fold the second zipper tab just as you did the first tab. On your work table place the front bag fabric on the table. Align the sewn zipper tab with the end of the bag front. Trim the other side of the zipper so that when inserted into the tab, the length will be the same as the bag front. Sew to secure.

5. Flip the zipper over so that the zipper head is facing down, Line the edge of the zipper up with the edge of the fabric. Pin in place. Place a piece of the lining fabric, face down, on top of the pinned zipper. Make sure the outer and lining side edges are lined up. Pin the fabric in place. Using your zipper foot on your sewing machine sew using a 1/4" seam allowance. The edge of your zipper foot should line up with the edge of your fabric.

6. Keeping the fabric pulled back from the zipper as shown in the last photo, lay the zipper onto the remaining piece of outer fabric. Once again make sure that the zipper head is facing down. Line up the side edges with all three fabrics as well. Pin the zipper onto the outer fabric and then the remaining lining fabric to the zipper. The lining should be facing down as shown in the photo. Sew along this seam just as you did the first side of the zipper.

7. To make the strap, fold the fabric in half lengthwise. Open up and fold the raw edges in approximately 1/2" and press. Fold back in half again. Note: Interfacing can be added here for more stability. Stitch down each side of the strap.

8. Cut a 2" piece off of the strap. Slide the D ring onto it, align the raw edges and pin to hold. 

9. Slide the long strap over the D ring, fold over 1/2" and pin. Take the opposite end of the strap and fold over onto the pinned end. Sew across the raw edge and strap to secure. I sew a couple places to make sure the strap is sewn really well. 

10. Pin the short part of the strap approximately an inch down from the top on the front left hand side. Be sure the strap is facing inward.

11. Be sure the zipper is opened 2/3's of the way so you can easily turn it. Now arrange the bag pieces so the two outer bag pieces are right sides facing and the two lining pieces are right sides facing. Pin everything together. When you are ready to pin the zipper tabs, fold them in half. Make sure that the teeth of the zipper are facing the outer bag fabric pieces.

(Pin this)

12. Sew around all of the edges. Leave a three inch section at the bottom of the lining for turning. Clip the corners. Trim all of the excess ribbon, zippers, etc. Turn the bag right sides out. Hand stitch the opening in the lining closed. Push the lining in to the bag.

You're finished! Now when I make these bags, I sew a flower pins to go on the bag as well. If you sign up for my newsletters you'll receive the pattern for free.

I also have a book with 19 more bags to sew. You can find it here on Amazon or in my shop.