The Claire Fold-over Clutch was my very first published pattern just over a year ago. I can’t believe it’s been that long already. I put my own twist on the popular bag style with a large easy access pocket on the back and the simple use of leather one side of the bag – making it easier to sew. You can read more about my design here and see lots of different versions with #clairefoldoverclutch on Instagram.
My designs are meant to be practical, but also chic enough to work with new trends and fashion with just a change of fabric. This is the case with the Claire. Although it was written to use both fabric and leather, I thought it would be fun to make a full leather version — in cobalt blue for a real statement bag. This blue leather is pretty edgy and gave me rock ‘n roll vibes right away. So, I thought a guitar strap would give the bag a new look all on it’s own…even after making dozens of other Claire Fold-over Clutches!
This amazing woven tapestry-like ribbon was found at a yard sale a few years ago. I think I bought it for $1-2 and was drawn to the bright blue edges contrasting against that moody floral motif. I like mixing up new and old looks, so this trim was definitely all me. The leather was picked up from a destash group and so I was able to grab an amazing deal. The seller was getting out of her baby shower business and had so many pretty pieces of leather to get rid of. Her loss was definitely my gain!
Make the Claire Fold-over Clutch
To make the bag itself, you will need the pattern and instructions from my shop here. The main modification I made was to use leather on both sides of the exterior, instead of just one. (I would only recommend this ONLY if you have a machine strong enough to handle all of the layers.) But if you are just beginning, try out an all fabric version or one with very thin leather/vinyl.
Since the bag is made of solid color all around, I made sure to add in some accents and interest with metal. I used metal zippers (which I actually installed at the wrong places — I should definitely remember to read my own instructions…but I thought going from memory was good enough. Wrong!) If I was using fabric, I would have swapped out the zippers, but with leather, the needle holes are permanent and I didn’t want to mess with all of that and just moved on! In light of my zipper faux pas, I added a line of rivets along the top zipper (through the lining) to play with the same edgy feel of the cobalt leather. What do you think?
Make the Guitar Strap
For the strap, you will need the pattern pieces below. I drafted the ends for 1 1/2″ or 2″ wide straps. Anything else more narrow won’t give you that guitar-strap, but feel free to widen/narrow the pattern for your own look!
Instructions:
1. Use the templates to cut out pattern pieces based on whether you have 1 1/2″ wide or 2″ wide strap. You will have (2) Strap ends and (2) Reinforcements.
2. With each Strap End wrong-side facing up, center a Reinforcement as shown with wrong sides together. Glue baste in place. It’s tempting to skip this step, but this will help your leather from stretching and distorting with time and wear.
3. With the leather needle installed, stitch 1/16″ around all four sides of the Reinforcement. Repeat with other Strap End.
4. Take Ribbon and center it on one half of the Strap End with wrong sides together, aligning it to the Reinforcement. (You may need to cut off the ribbon’s corners so they don’t hang out of the Strap Ends.) Clip or glue into place. Repeat with other Strap End.
5. Slide one Swivel Clasp onto the Strap End. Repeat with other Strap End.
5. Flip the other side of the Strap End up so it is folded in half with wrong sides together, encasing the clasp. Clip or glue together. Repeat with other Strap End.
6. Use your Zipper Foot to sew a seam to secure the Strap End onto the Swivel Clasp, sewing as close to the clasp as possible. Back-stitch well. Repeat for the other Strap End. TIP: Add washi tape under the foot if you don’t have a Teflon Zipper Foot like me.
7. Switch to a Teflon or Walking Foot and top-stitch each Strap End together with the Ribbon using the stitch guide on the template. Repeat with other Strap End.
8. Finish with rivets, if desired. Congratulations on your new guitar strap!
It doesn’t stop here! I’ve been seeing beautiful striped belt strappings used on designer bags like here on my Pinterest page. I’m already planning out my spring bags with these looks! You can use this same method to easily update any bag for the changing seasons or add new life to a great hand-me-down or thrifted find. The options are really endless. Enjoy and let me know how you like the tutorial!!!
Happy Sewing Friends!
Cristy
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I can’t believe a whole year has passed since I released the Colleen Tote Bag sewing pattern! It’s such a great classic carry-all style for the beginner bag-maker and I’ve been so happy to see all the different versions all over social media with #ColleenToteBag. With the simple clean lines, this bag comes together quickly and I’ve seen it become quite a popular gift! Thank you to everyone who has shared their makes with me <3 You can find the Colleen Tote Bag pattern here.
Since you know I love to hack patterns (both with bags and garments) to make uniquely mine, it should be no surprise that I even hack my own patterns. You can check out the posh “Shortie” version of the Colleen here with metal ring handles and leather accents. This time, I added in a purse flap to help keep the contents secure, as well as, adding instructions for purse feet.
I was recently asked to teach a Colleen Tote workshop with the American Sewing Guild – Cape Fear Chapter and they wanted some additional hardware added on to gain some new bag-making techniques. I thought this flap would be such a great addition to the bag. On top of learning how to install a turn-lock and purse feet, the guild also learned how to add special details like rivets to take their bags up to the next level. It was my absolute pleasure to oblige and created the add-on instructions and pattern templates (which you can find at the end of this post.)
While I was making this sample for the class, I rushed a bit and of course, paid the price for it. (I wanted to bring this tote along to Jeni’s Strawberry Jam which was just the next day.) Instead of using the purse feet washer to mark my holes, I accidentally grabbed the washer for magnetic snaps and thus, had my holes for the prongs that were too far apart. Doh! Luckily, I have a nice little stash of leather and cut out leather circles to use as exterior washers. I glued them over the wrong holes and then went back to cut the right ones. Now, you would never know I made a mistake! This process has definitely been used a few times to save my projects….maybe it can help some of your’s too.
When I was in Austin, TX last year, I grabbed this Japanese canvas from the (now closed) Cloth Pocket. It’s just the cutest fabric and I’m glad I saved it for this Colleen Tote project. The pandas are just too cute! The Colleen is definitely a great bag to show off a print, both for small and large scale designs. For the interior, I used a lightweight shirting from my stash which gives this bag picnic vibes. The accents are made of Art Gallery Fabrics Textured Denim (aff link) which is nice and heavy — perfect for bag-making.
Fabrics: Japanese Canvas (unknown mfr), Lightweight Gingham Shirting (unknown mfr since I purchased it from a destash), and Textured Denim by Art Gallery Fabrics (aff link)
I hope you enjoy the FREE add-ons with your Colleen Tote Bag!
Happy Sewing!
Cristy
Please note this post may contain affiliate links for which I may receive a small compensation if you would make a purchase. This helps keep my website live and ad-free. Thank you for your support.
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