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Introducing the Lapel Clutch Sewing Pattern – a chic and functional addition to your wardrobe (and sewing pattern collection)!
Are you looking for a stylish clutch bag that you can wear for any occasion? Look no further than the Lapel Clutch sewing pattern! This medium-sized clutch is asymmetrical in design, making it a modern and unique accessory that is sure to turn heads.
Read more details about the clutch pattern below, or skip straight to the purchase page here.
The Lapel Clutch is a medium-sized bag with two zipper pockets and two slip pockets, making it stylish and practical. With enough room for your phone, wallet, and makeup essentials, it’s the perfect bag to take you from day to night.
It can be made to be a handheld clutch with removable wrist strap or made for use as a crossbody bag.
The flap closure with magnetic snap keeps your belongings safe and secure, while the removable wrist strap and optional crossbody strap provide added convenience and versatility.
With the pattern difficulty rated for adventurous beginners, you can easily make this clutch even if you’re new to sewing.
It’s a great bag pattern that can be made with a variety of materials (my recommendations are below). The clutch can be made on any machine with the correct materials (more tip and tricks below).
Lapel Clutch Pattern Details
A handheld bag that looks good from all angles.
- Size: 10½” W x 5¾” H
- Exterior: front flap with snap closure, back zipper pocket
- Interior: 2 slip pockets, 1 zipper pocket
- Strap: wrist strap
- Strap Connector: sew-in
- Recommended Fabrics: vinyl, faux leather,
upholstery fabric, home decor fabric, canvas, quilting cotton - Seam Allowance: ¼” or ½” as noted in pattern
- Topstitching: â…›” or less
- Sewing Level: adventurous beginner
What’s included:
- Printable PDF pattern with step-by-step instructions.
- SVG files for all pieces for use with a cutting machine.
- Access to online start-to-finish video instructions.
This is a PDF pattern download, not a physical bag. After purchase, the pattern files will be emailed and videos will be available to watch.
Materials & Supplies
- ½ yard exterior fabric (total)
- ½ yard interior fabric
- ½ yard fusible stabilizer
- ½ yard fusible woven interfacing (optional)
- 18¼” #5 or #3 zipper tape (cut to 8¾” and 9½”)
- 2 zipper pulls
- 1 magnetic snap
- 1 – ½” D rings (2 for crossbody option)
- 1 – ½” swivel clasp (for wrist strap)
- 2 metal rivets (for wrist strap)
- coordinating thread
- bag label(s) (optional)
Lapel Clutch Videos
The Lapel Clutch pattern purchase comes with access to step-by-step videos for choosing materials, cutting pattern pieces, sewing, and installing hardware.
Recommended Fabric, Materials, and Hardware for the Lapel Clutch
To ensure you get the most out of your Lapel Clutch, I’ve included some helpful tips and tricks for sewing success.
Choosing Fabrics for the Lapel Clutch
- Choose a sturdy fabric for your bag, like vinyl, leather, faux leather, upholstery fabric, canvas or denim, to ensure it holds its shape and stands up to everyday wear and tear.
- For some areas of the interior choose quilting cotton (interfaced with woven interfacing), waterproof canvas, lightweight upholstery fabrics. The inside flap and zipper pocket work great in a thicker exterior material.
- Experiment with different fabrics and colors to create a one-of-a-kind Lapel Clutch that reflects your personal style or the vibe you’re going for.
My favorite materials for the Lapel Clutch are a mixture of lightweight leather (especially upcycled leather garments) and waterproof canvas or outdoor upholstery fabric.
Stabilizers and Interfacing for the Lapel Clutch
Stabilize, stabilize, stabilize! Even sturdy leather and vinyl should be stabilized for a crisp and flat outcome.
My favorite fusible stabilizer to use for leather, vinyl, waterproof canvas, and upholstery fabrics is Decovil Light.
My most used woven interfacing for cotton fabrics is Pellon SF101.
Choosing Colors for the Lapel Clutch
I’ve included a line illustration in the pattern to help you choose colors for your Lapel Clutch design. Print out that page, grab some markers, and get coloring.
Tip and Tricks for Sewing the Lapel Clutch Pattern
When you purchase the pattern you get access to all of the videos to make the pattern. These videos also include:
- A walkthrough of all the parts and pieces of the clutch.
- Explanations of the best types of materials to use in which areas of the bag.
- How and what to stabilize.
- Markings! I point out all the markings you’ll need for each step.
- Be ready to sew by using my signature Pattern Stack so everything is in order and ready as you’re working through the instructions.
- Hardware and zipper installation tips.
Which Sewing Machine is Required for the Lapel Clutch?
Can I sew the Lapel Clutch on my home domestic sewing machine? Short answer: YES! Like any sewing project, knowing what your machine can handle is key to a successful sewing adventure. There are many factors that should be considered.
- The Lapel Clutch is domestic-friendly with a combination of the right materials, needle, thread, and pressure feet.
- Certain home sewing machines (domestic sewing machines) may not be able to handle multiple layers of thick material. Always test with the same material, needle, and thread that you intend to you use.
- Thicker leathers and vinyls may require a heavier duty or industrial machine.
- Leather and vinyl require heavier weight thread.
- Leather sews and lasts best with a leather-specific needle and bonded nylon thread.
- Sewing leather and vinyl sews best with a Teflon presser foot or walking foot.
By following these tips and using the Lapel Clutch sewing pattern, you’ll have a chic and functional accessory that you can be proud to wear anywhere. Don’t wait – download the pattern today and get started on your next sewing project!
More Pictures of the Lapel Clutch from the Pattern Testers
The videos are only available to those that purchase the pattern. You must be logged in to view the videos here.
Adventurous Beginner – Having some basic bag-making knowledge and some experience following patterns will make this bag pattern a breeze for you.
Check out my full list of bag-making resources here.
This pattern and instructions are for personal use only. You may not copy, sell, or distribute this pattern or the instructions. You may sell items created with this pattern, as long as you are making them yourself. Items may not be mass-produced from this pattern. The pattern can be used to teach a class, though all makers must buy a copy of the pattern. If selling goods made from this pattern, I ask that design credit is given to Scratch and Stitch.