Instructions for Making Clutch Bags
Clutch bags are fun and functional ways to carry items to needed places. They can be made from a variety of materials, from yarn to candy wrappers. One of the most fashionable and versatile is that made of yarn. They are easy to make and can be made in a variety of colors.
- Choose your yarn. A yarn that is
100 percent wool or mostly wool is the best choice for a making a
clutch bag. Wool yarns felt well, and shrink as needed in the washer
and dryer. Use a heavy yarn that will hold up to the
felting process. You will need about 125 yards of the yarn, and be
certain to get all yarn from the same dye lot. - Use size 11 knitting needles and
cast on 56 stitches. - Knit all stitches for row one.
- Purl all stitches for the second
row. - Repeat rows one and two, alternating
knitting and purling until you have knitted about 25 inches of
fabric. End on a purl row. - Bind off your stitches, but leave
them somewhat loose. - Fold your cast off edge up (about
5-inches) from the bound off edge. Make sure to line up the side
seams. - Stitch your side seams using a
yarn needle and matching yarn. Try to do this accurately, although
the seam will blend easier after the felting process. - Cut the seaming yarn, and leave
about a 3-inch tail and weave this into the stitches. - Place the finished the piece in a
pillowcase and zip or use a rubber band to close the pillowcase. - Wash the pillowcase with the purse
inside of it. A top-loading washing machine will work best. Use a
hot wash, cold rinse cycle and a very small amount of detergent. Add
some jeans or towels in the wash to help felt the knit. - Take the purse out of the
pillowcase and pull it into shape. Press the top flap down and place
the purse on a towel to dry. Placing a large book or heavy item may
help to keep the purse flat. - Sew a magnetic closure on the bag,
taking care to center the pieces. - Stitch a pretty button on top of
the magnetic closure. - Use your purse! You now have a
fashionable clutch purse to use.