This cute summer clutch isn’t just perfect to tote around all your essentials, but it only requires a few hand stitches! That’s because this beaut is made with a placemat! Crazy huh? Placemats are the perfect size to turn into cutest fold-over clutch you have ever seen. Best part is it will be done and ready to use in under 10 minutes. For serious.
I found this placemat at Walmart of all places and it was under $3. Score! For the placemat you will want to look for one with as much structure as possible so that your clutch isn’t completely flimsy. I really loved the colors in this one and the woven jute had the perfect structure.
Follow along for the simple tutorial.
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- Structured placemat (here is a colorful option on Amazon, or a denim option)
- Embroidery floss in a complimentary color
- Large embroidery needle
- Magnetic Purse Snaps
- Tassels (optional, I found mine on Etsy, but you can easily make your own too!)
Begin by folding your placemat over 1/3 of the way to create an envelope shape. Use your needle and embroidery floss (doubled over for strength) to stitch the bag up on each side using a simple running stitch. I stitched by bag together about 1″ in from the sides and made sure to stitch through both layers of placemat.
Once your bag is stitched up on each side, tie off your ends to prevent the bag from unraveling. Now find the center of the bag opening and insert one side of your metal snap through the weaving of the placemat and fold over the metal ends to secure the snap.
Foldover the top flap and line up the second snap with the first and add your second snap to the clutch flap. The last step is to stitch on your tassels to the middle of the flap. Then you are ready to stuff your new summer clutch with your belongings and hit the town.
How crazy simple was that?!
Not into sewing your own bag? Then check out my etsy shop for all my handmade clutches, totes, and wallets instead!
June 16th, 2016 at 3:06 am
Love this colorful clutch!
June 16th, 2016 at 3:10 am
Thanks Amy!
October 15th, 2017 at 3:06 am
I’m planning to make a set of placemats like this, but I want to add a layer of clear vinyl on both sides to protect them from spills. But I can’t find any instructions on how to do that. What would I have to add or alter to this pattern/tutorial to add those extra layers? I’m a novice to sewing so any advice you could give me would be great!
October 15th, 2017 at 3:08 am
The craft store (like Joann Fabrics) sells iron on vinyl that you can literally iron onto fabric to give it a waterproof surface.
February 12th, 2019 at 1:39 am
[…] A colorful and cute clutch of this kind would surely add some perks of boho style and fashion to your summer dress up and its hell easy and fun to make at home. A colorful place mat here has been turned into this pretty clutch with some added tassels at the front to make it look more enchanting. akailochiclife […]
March 18th, 2019 at 3:41 pm
[…] Here’s another unique bohemian clutch that is a marvelous compilation of colors. Just looking at it feels mesmerizing! You are definitely going to be noticeable with this one, so kick off summer on a high note and snatch the full instructions at A Kailo Chic Life! […]