First we will prepare the pattern for the back and flap of the clutch. On a large piece of paper or tag board, draw an 11 inch wide by 6 1/4 inch high rectangle - leave at least 4 inches of excess space above the shape.

Then, measure in 1/2 inch at each top corner. Draw vertical lines 3 1/2 inches up from the marks you just made. Then, draw a line connecting the ends of the vertical lines

Next, round off the top corners of the top shape by tracing a round object. We used the edge of a ribbon spool.

ut out the shape.

Trace the shape onto the back/flap fabric.

Draw a horizontal line connecting the tabs at the top of the back (bottom) section.

Find the center of the back section by measuring the top and bottom edges and dividing by two. Then, draw a vertical line connecting the marks.

Measure and mark 1 1/4 inch up from the each bottom corner of the back section and draw a horizontal line connecting the marks. The area above this line and below the top edge of the bottom section is the embroidered area.

Create paper template(s) of the designs by printing them at full size using embroidery software. If you don't have embroidery software, you can cut a piece of paper the shape and dimensions of the design to help with placement and centering.

Continued:

Arrange the design(s) along the center vertical line where you would like them. Leave about 1/2 inch of space between the edges of the design(s) and the top and bottom edges of the back section. Poke holes in the centers of the designs and mark the fabric. Also, mark the horizontal and vertical axis points. We are creating a monogram using a single letter and a 2-piece label design. For more information on using these designs, click here. 

Remove the labels and draw lines connecting the axis points - these lines will be used for hooping. Spray a piece of medium weight cutaway stabilizer with temporary adhesive and smooth the fabric on top. Hoop the fabric and stabilizer together by aligning the marks on the hoop with the lines on the fabric. Attach the hoop to the machine and load the design. Move the hoop so that the needle is directly over the center point on the fabric. Embroider the design.

If you are embroidering more than one design, repeat the hooping and embroidering process for each design. When the design(s) are finished, cut out the shape. We are leaving the stabilizer on the back of the fabric to give the fabric more rigidity.

To prepare the fabric for the front of the clutch, cut a piece of print fabric to 11 inches wide by 6 1/4 inches high. Then, back the fabric with medium weight fusible interfacing (follow instructions on interfacing packaging). Align the front fabric on top of the embroidered back fabric, right sides together, and pin in place. Sew a 1/2 inch seam along the sides and bottom edges only - leave the top edge open.

To create the bottom of the clutch, align the side seams with the bottom seam and pin in place. Measure and mark in 1 1/2 inch starting at the outer tip of the corner. Then, draw a line perpendicular to the seam at the mark.

Sew a seam along this line and then trim the corner leaving about 1/2 inch of excess fabric at the seam.

To create the inner lining, trace the pattern piece onto the inner lining fabric and cut out the shape. Also, cut a piece of the inner lining fabric to 11 inches wide by 6 1/4 inches high. Assemble the inner lining just as you did the outer embroidered shell.

Turn the outer shell right side out. Then, with the inner lining left wrong side out, insert the outer shell inside the inner lining (right sides are together). Align the side seams and the outer edges together, and pin in place. Sew a 1/4 inch seam along the top edge of the front of the clutch only from one side seam to the other (do not sew the flap).

Turn the inner lining out and insert the outer shell inside the inner lining. Align the outer shell and inner lining flaps together and pin. Press the front seam and top stitch a 1/8 inch seam along the front seam. Also, sew a 1/8 inch seam along the entire outer edge of the flap.

We are adding a buttonhole design to the front flap to create the closure. For more information on using buttonhole designs, click here. You may also add a buttonhole using your sewing machine. Find the center of the front flap by measuring the width of the flap and dividing by two. Mark the fabric about one inch from the bottom edge and sew the buttonhole.

Now we will add the bias tape. Cut a piece of bias tape long enough to cover the entire outer edge of the flap leaving about 1/2 inch of excess at each end. Unfold the tape and pin the bottom edge of the tape along the outer edge of the flap.

Sew a seam along the fold closest to the outer edge of the flap. Then, remove the pins and fold the tape around the edge of the flap. Fold the ends of the tape in 1/2 inch and sew the tape in place by sewing a seam along the inner edge.

To add the button, fold the flap to the front and mark the front of the clutch through the center of the buttonhole.

Sew a button at the mark.

You can also add a strap to the clutch. Cut a piece of decorative cord to 46 inches long. Tie knots at each end about one inch from the ends and sew the ends in place at the top corners of the clutch.

And you're finished! Create one for yourself and as a beautiful personalized gift for friends and family.