The foldover clutch is definitely the epitome of lazy-chic. Oversized, slouchy, it’s a glorified sack to carry all of a girl (or guy)‘s precious daily essentials. We’ve seen it all over Chictopia lately, and finally realized since it’s so easy to wear, it must be even easier to make! Keep reading for our tutorial.
On Chictopia
OnTheRacks sports a green clutch with her Jeffrey Campbell lace-ups and a maxi dress.
cayleem goes for boho-chic with wide-legged denim and a black clutch.
flattery wears more of an envelope style with a cute cat tee.
turquoisepassion also wore an envelope-style clutch with a girly petticoat.
Materials
- A canvas tote bag. I don’t know about you, but I get these a lot as freebies, so I had a few laying around the house. You could also purchase one for pretty cheap at a craft supply store, or even use a fabric shopping bag (Urban Outfitters always give out nice ones).
- A seam ripper, or precise scissors.
- A zipper. It should be approximately the same length as the opening of the bag.
- Sewing machine or hand-sewing skills
- Embellishment: Studs, fringe, dye…
The Steps
1. Carefully remove the straps of your tote with the seam ripper or scissors. You can also just cut the straps off if you’re lazy, but be careful not to cut into the bag.
2. Align the zipper along the inner edge of the bag, leaving at least 1/2" of space between the zipper and edge of the bag. You don’t need to use a zipper foot with your sewing machine, as long as you are careful—you don’t want the zipper to be attached right along the teeth.
Read this article for more tips on installing zippers.
3. Sew up any loose threads
4. Embellish! I went with my tried-and-true favorite, studs; but there are so many other options! You can dye it, embroider it, sew buttons on, attach fringe…or just leave it plain. It’s totally up to you!
And that’s it! A slouchy foldover clutch in less than 2 hours.
Will you try this DIY? Tweet us a picture @everybodyisugly!
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by Heather (headbandit)
image via AMICA Italy, May 2011
