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How to Make a Clutch Purse With Metal-Hinged Clasps

Clutch purses with metal-framed clasps are created using purse frames. These frames, reminiscent of vintage-style clutches, add structure and security to purses. They are also fairly simple to use, although they may take some getting used to for inexperience sewers. Readily available at craft and sewing supply stores, purse frames come in a variety of finishes and shapes that allows you to customize your purse to your personal specifications. They are easy to make without a pattern; simply make your own pattern using your purchased purse frame as a guide. Then enjoy the beautiful, functional clutch purse you just created.

Things You'll Need

Metal purse frame
18-inch exterior fabric
18-inch lining fabric
18-inch padded interfacing
Fabric glue
Thread
Sewing machine
Pins
Scissors
Pattern paper

Instructions

- 1
  Create a pattern using your purse frame. Because purse frames come in a wide variety of shapes and types, it is easiest to create a custom pattern using your chosen purse frame. Trace the outside of the purse frame on a piece of paper. Draw your pattern around it. The top edge should be a straight or curved edge -- depending on your frame shape -- at least 1 inch wider than the frame. Create the bottom as wide as you want, then connect the two lines to create a triangle shape, minus the point.
- 2
  Cut fabric for the bag lining and exterior, as well as the interlining, to your pattern's specifications. You need two of each piece -- one for each side of the bag. On the lining fabric and padded interfacing, mark where your hinges will be placed, using your metal frame as a guide.
- 3
  Place the right sides of your bag exterior together, then place a piece of the padded interfacing on either side, creating a sandwich with the lining on the outside. Pin together and sew around the edge, from hinge mark to hinge mark.
- 4
  Place the right sides of the lining together. Pin, and sew from hinge mark to hinge mark, leaving a 3-inch opening at the bottom of the lining.
- 5
  Turn the bag exterior right side out, so the padded interfacing is inside. Slip it the exterior inside the still-inside-out lining, so the right sides of the lining and the exterior touch.
- 6
  Sew the layers of the purse flaps -- above where you made your hinge marks -- together, sewing the lining, interfacing, and exterior together. Be careful not to sew the purse flaps themselves together.
- 7
  Turn the bag right-side out by pulling the exterior layer through the hole in the lining. Once it's pulled through, tuck the lining inside the exterior. Stitch the hole closed by hand.
- 8
  Carefully insert the fabric glue into the channel of the frame, one side at a time. Use a lot of glue to ensure a proper hold. Apply fabric glue to the top edge of the clutch's flaps. Let the glue set on both pieces for 5 minutes.
- 9
  Carefully insert the clutch purse body into the metal frame. After aligning the pieces, use a small pointed object to thoroughly insert the fabric into the frame's channel. Let dry for at least half an hour before using.

Sewing