Turn a Placemat into a Chic Clutch: An Easy DIY Sewing Project

Have you ever wandered through the aisles of a store and spotted something you didn’t necessarily need, but an idea sparked in your mind? That’s exactly what happened to me with placemats. While their primary function is to protect your table during meals, I’ve found countless other uses for them. And in this case, I decided to transform a simple placemat into a stylish and functional clutch. This DIY project is perfect for beginners, and you can complete it in under 30 minutes!

This tutorial is incredibly adaptable, even if you don’t have a placemat on hand. You can easily use regular fabric instead, following the same general steps. The best part is that you don’t need to be a seasoned seamstress to achieve a beautiful result. Forget about complex sewing rules like turning fabric inside out for clean seams. This project is all about having fun and creating something unique!

Many placemats come with a backing, and whether you choose to remove it is entirely up to you. I personally removed mine because it added extra thickness and complexity to the project. Removing the lining makes the sewing process simpler and results in a more streamlined clutch.

Materials You’ll Need

• Fabric placemat (or any piece of sturdy fabric)
• Matching zipper (approximately 9 inches)
• Thread that complements your fabric
• Pins to hold everything in place
• Scissors for cutting fabric
• Sewing machine (or needle and thread if you prefer hand-sewing)
• Embroidery floss (optional, for making a tassel)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Placemat

Begin by removing any tags or labels from your placemat. If the placemat is larger than you desire for your clutch, trim it down to the appropriate size. The width of the clutch should be approximately the same as the length of your zipper. If your placemat has a backing, you can remove it at this stage.

For my clutch, I cut the placemat to approximately 10 inches by 15 inches. Once sewn, the final dimensions were about 10 inches by 7.5 inches.

Step 2: Attach the Zipper (Part 1)

Fold the placemat in half with the right sides facing out. Position the zipper in the middle of the placemat, where the two ends meet. Pin the zipper along one side, ensuring it’s centered on the fabric. For a cleaner look, fold the edge of the fabric before pinning it to the zipper, especially if the placemat doesn’t have a finished edge.

Step 3: Sew the First Side of the Zipper

Carefully sew along the pinned edge, removing the pins as you go. Secure the zipper in place by backstitching at each end to prevent the stitches from unraveling. Trim any loose threads for a neat finish.

Step 4: Attach the Zipper (Part 2)

Pin the other side of the zipper to the other side of the fabric, folding the seam in the same way as the first side. Open the zipper before proceeding. Remove the extension plate of your sewing machine, if possible, so that you can sew only one side of the clutch at a time. This allows for greater control and precision.

Step 5: Sew the Second Side of the Zipper

Sew along the pinned edge, removing the pins as you secure the zipper in place. Remember to backstitch at each end and trim any loose threads.

Step 6: Sew the Sides of the Clutch

Zip up the zipper. Sew a thin seam up each side of the clutch, squaring over to meet the zipper if needed to ensure all sides are securely sewn. Backstitch at each end and trim any loose threads. Don’t worry if it’s not perfectly symmetrical – the beauty of DIY is in the imperfections!

Step 7: Create a Tassel (Optional)

This step is entirely optional, but adding a tassel to the zipper pull can add a touch of personality to your clutch. To make a tassel, wrap embroidery floss around a small piece of cardboard until it’s thick enough to your liking. Tie another piece of string tightly around the top of the wrapped floss, threading it under the string. Cut the bottom of the wrapped floss to create the tassel fringe. Remove the tassel from the cardboard.

Tie a string around the mid-top section of the tassel to create a defined head. Trim the strings so they appear even and neat. Lastly, tie the loose top strings of the tassel securely to the zipper pull and trim any excess string.

Your DIY Placemat Clutch is Complete!

Your unique placemat clutch is now ready to be filled with your essentials! Feel free to customize this tutorial to your heart’s content. Add embellishments, experiment with different fabrics, and create a clutch that truly reflects your personal style. I bet no one will ever guess that your stylish new clutch was once a simple placemat!

This project is not only a fun and creative way to repurpose materials, but it’s also a great way to save money and express your individuality. Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or a complete beginner, this DIY placemat clutch is a project you can proudly show off. Enjoy!

Further Customization Ideas:

• Add a lining: For a more polished look, consider adding a fabric lining to the inside of the clutch. This will also provide extra durability.
• Experiment with embellishments: Sew on beads, sequins, or patches to add some sparkle and personality.
• Try different closures: Instead of a zipper, consider using a snap, button, or Velcro closure.
• Add a strap: Attach a chain or fabric strap to create a shoulder bag or wristlet.
• Play with different fabric textures and patterns: Use a variety of placemats or fabrics to create unique and eye-catching clutches.

With a little imagination and creativity, the possibilities are endless! Happy crafting!