Wednesday, September 23, 2015

Bag of the Week Lined Clutch Tutorial

Hello all,

I have a crochet tote in the works, but I thought I'd shake things up a bit this week. It's a relatively easy crochet project with a little sewing thrown in the mix. I'd recommend reading all the directions before beginning. I'm terrible about that, myself. That's probably why I've had to wing it a few times with certain patterns. Anyway, moving along. So here's what I'll be making.









I'm going to focus on the basic pattern, so I'll be showing the steps for the blue one.

Things you will need:

1 skein Premier Home cotton yarn Turquoise 140yds
(Any yarn will do, this is just what I like to use for this project. You won't need it all)
Hook size: 6 mm
Square of approximately 10in X 10in 100% cotton fabric
(Again any fabric will do and you will cut it to size later.)
Yarn needle
Scissors
Thread (matching yarn choice or fabric choice)
Sewing needle
Button
Stitch counter (Optional, but they are handy)

Now that you've gathered everything you need, let's get this ball rolling.

Starting off with the crochet portion.
Chain 26
Row 1: sc in second ch from hook and across (25 sc)
Row 2-23: ch 1 turn sc in each sc across
DO NOT FASTEN OFF

















 For the edging you will begin by turning your work to the side. (#2)
sc in same stitch (#3) and along the edge evenly.


You will be working around 3 sides of the work. (#4)
3 sc in each corner. (#5)

Forth side (this will be the flap): *There should be 3 sc in the corner already* sc in 11 sts across, ch 5, sc in next st, sc in next 11 sts, 2 sc in corner, sl st in top of 3rd sc. (#6)


Now you have the crochet portion finished. Not so hard huh?
Next up, the fabric lining. This has to be sewn on by hand. There will be no visible seam from the lining showing on the outside of the clutch this way. The stitch I use is the blanket stitch. Great tutorial here on blanket stitch. I feel this does the job and gives it a nice look as well. You can use any stitch you're comfortable with though. I double up my thread. Again, whatever you prefer. 
So here goes. 
First lay fabric over the whole work and cut to size. (#7)                                                                                 Tuck in sides to match up with the top of the third stitch in.                         Outer edge will consist of edging round and the top of the previous row.                    Pin to crochet. You want to try to get it relatively tight, but it can be adjusted while sewing, so it's not absolutely necessary. (see mine's not perfect)


Now that it's all pinned to your crochet work. Blanket stitch along the bottom edge first. This will help hold it firmly in place for the next step. Once that is complete then you can remove pins from the sides and fold work in thirds. This will form the pocket and flap. Make sure it is even on both sides with both fabric and crochet work. You'll stitch side of the fabric pocket first.(As pictured on the right) Should end up looking like the above picture. 

Follow suit with the rest of the sides being sure to keep it even. Attach button to match up with button hole and seam up the crochet sides. Once it's washed those wrinkles will smooth right out.                                                                  
And that's it!     
The same basic idea applies for the lining if you decide to switch up the crochet stitching to something a little more decorative. These will be added to my shop soon and can be special ordered to match your favorite bag or theme. 
Black - sc with hdc & treble for flap
Blue - all sc
Aqua - Tunisian stitch (Purchase here.)

       As always if you have any ideas on a theme or bag you'd like featured let me know. Any support via Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, or Etsy is more than welcome. Share it with someone you think will like it. 
Tweet
#totebagofweek
with your idea. You'll get a shout out if yours is chosen.

See ya next time!
Shay



   
                                                       

2 comments:

  1. Oooh wow, these are so cute! I'm not even going to pretend like I could do that, even with your fab tutorial! I am terrible at all things crochet but I am very jealous of your clear talent haha!

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