Strawberry Handle Clutch Tutorial

During the summer I am a big fan of yard sales.  Every Saturday morning I pop out of bed, load a few kids {if they are ready to go} and zoom around town after the best deals.

I usually have a few things I am looking for and say them out loud the whole time.  This helps me remember and you know that if you say it enough times it comes true!

Digging in my pockets for money, dropping coins…those are not my favorite things to do.  Neither is hauling around a big floppy bag to hold it all.

This little strawberry handle wristlet is the perfect thing.  The zipper goes on two sides, letting you have full access of the goods inside.  The handle is big enough to quickly pull your hand through for easy ‘hands free’ shopping.

I can look at everything, touch, hold, or whatever I like while keeping my money safe.  {have you ever set your wallet down and lost it? Not fun at a yard sale!}.

Zipper Clutch Tutorial

Materials Needed:

1 fat eight- lining

1 fat eight- outside

zipper- 9″ long

strawberry handle or other wristlet handle.  I found mine here.

Instructions for sewing your 2 sided zipper pouch:

I found a great tutorial on the SewCanShe site:   2 sides zipper pouch.

My bag had an additional outside pocket.  I cut an extra piece of fabric and then folded it on the front before stitching the bag together.

Adding your handle:

1)  Place one side of the handle to the side of the pouch.  It will be at the BEGINNING of the zipper at the top of the bag.

2)  Pin in place, or hold in place with one hand.

3)  Sew by hand with the whip stitch or buttonhole stitch to secure.  The strawberry handle that I had has holes that were pre-made.  This made it easy to sew on. Other handles might have instructions on how to attach it to your bag.

4)  Repeat with the other side of the handle.

It also comes in handy when I need to make a quick run to the store, but don’t need all the other heavy things I carry around.

Are you a yard sale go-er?  How do you handle your money?

---