How to make a clutch bag

1. Materials & tools

Materials (a size-M clutch)

• Outer fabric (canvas, cotton, denim, faux leather) — about 30 × 80 cm (12 × 31 in)
• Lining (quilting cotton, etc.) — the same amount
• Zip (optional) — about 25 cm
• Fusible interfacing (on the outer keeps the shape) — the same amount
• 1 magnetic or metal snap for the flap

Tools

• Sewing machine (or needle and thread)
• Fabric marker or pencil
• Ruler and scissors
• Iron
• Pins or clips

2. Make the pattern (auto-generated in Katagami)

With the Katagami pattern tool, you just enter the finished size and it drafts a seam-allowance-included pattern, tiled to print at actual size on Letter or A4.

1. Open the tool
   Open the pattern tool and choose “Bags” → “Clutch bag” from the tabs at the top.
2. Enter the size
   Enter the width, body height and flap depth, or pick a card-case / clutch S/M/L preset. The body is cut as one piece folded on the bottom "wa".
3. Set the seam allowance
   Use the slider at the bottom (beginners: 1.0–1.5 cm / about 3/8–5/8 in).
4. Print
   Press “Print (actual size)”, then in the print dialog set Scale = 100% and turn “Fit to page” OFF. Check the 50 mm calibration box on the first guide sheet with a ruler.

3. Cutting the fabric

1. Cut the body
   Place the pattern's bottom edge (the "wa") on the fold and cut one outer and one lining. Unfolded, the body is twice the storage height.
2. Cut the flap
   Cut one outer and one lining flap (2 pieces total).
3. Interface
   Fuse interfacing to the wrong side of the outer body and flap and press.

4. Sewing

4-1. Make the flap

1. Place the flap outer and lining right sides together and sew around, leaving a 5–6 cm turning gap.
2. Clip the curved seam allowance, turn right side out, and close the gap with a slip stitch or edge stitch.
3. Fit the female half of the magnetic snap centred on the flap lining.

4-2. Make the body

1. Fold the outer body in half at the bottom "wa".
2. With outer-to-outer and lining-to-lining right sides together, sew both side seams.
3. Turn the outer right side out and fit the male half of the snap centred on the front (flap side).
4. Slip the lining inside the outer and join them at the opening. To add a zip, sew the zip tape into the opening at this stage.

4-3. Attach the flap

1. Sew the flap to the top edge of the back opening to finish.
2. For a zip-only version without a flap, skip this step.

5. Tips & variations

• Add a zip: sewing a zip into the opening makes storage more secure; combine it with the flap for a double closure.
• Inner pocket: a small divider pocket on the lining makes a handy card and coin slot.
• Wrist strap: catch a leather cord or D-ring in the side seam to make a wristlet.