After completing a few big projects that required a lot of time and effort, I decided it was time to take it a little easy. I needed a simple and quick project, so why not make me a new clutch? Even better, why not make an easy sew clutch from a placemat? It sounded like a good idea to me, so I took a few minutes one afternoon to make me a cute clutch to use this summer.
I ran across this colorful placemat at my local Goodwill Thrift Store a while back, and I immediately knew what I should do with it. I’d made purses from placemats before, but I decided to try something different and make a clutch this time. I wasn’t timing myself, but I bet it only took me about 20 minutes to make this easy sew clutch. That’s from start to finish, and includes the time I spent waiting for my hot glue gun to heat up. It also includes the time I spent eating Oreo cookies in between my tasks. What can I say? Cookies inspire me.
Here is what I used for this project:
- Placemat – You will want to use a thick placemat so the clutch will hold its shape.
- Magnetic Snap closure
- Decorative Button
- Hot glue gun/stick
- Sewing machine/matching thread
This clutch works a lot like an envelope. Lay the placemat vertically in front of you. Fold up the bottom of the placemat about 2/3 of the way up.
Stitch up the sides of the placemat using the sewing machine.
You’re done with the pocket portion of your clutch. Now let’s work on the flap closure.
Fold the flap of your clutch over to determine the placement of your magnetic closure. Measure the placemat to be sure the closure is centered. Once you have the correct placement, mark the position by pressing the prongs into the fabric to form an indention.
Using a seam ripper or pair of scissors, cut small slits into the fabric where you see the indentions.
Insert the snap through the slits of the fabric and slide the metal support over the prongs.
Bend the prongs so that they will lay flat. Do this for both pieces of the magnetic snap closure, making sure the pieces line up for an easy closure.
Use the hot glue gun to add a decorative button to hide the front metal snap piece. Now, fill up your easy sew clutch with your favorite items and hit the road! Or in my case, the beach!
It really doesn’t get much easier than that. Now I have a new, colorful clutch to use this summer, which is perfect when paired with a sundress! The grand total for my easy sew clutch? Less than $2.50 including all supplies. Now I can spend my extra money on sunscreen!
I hope you’ve enjoyed this simple project. It is a perfect project for beginner sewers! Don’t forget that you can make this easy sew clutch in minutes, leaving you with more time to enjoy the beautiful outdoors this summer. Have fun!
This is such a clever idea! There are so many cute placemats I see, and If you get the kind that has the plastic backing then it makes it semi waterproof! Bonus!
I love the color of this one..perfect for summer!