The Statement Clutch – Pattern Hack!

The Statement Clutch - Pattern Hack! - Andrie DesignsHello everyone! I can’t help but LOVE pattern hacks and thought it was about time for a pattern hack for one of my more recent patterns, The Statement Clutch! I know many people have asked how to add an inner zipper pocket to the clutch (instead of the slip pocket as per the pattern), so I thought I would help you out and make that the topic of this pattern hack! (If you’re yet to grab your copy of The Statement Clutch, you can find it here).

To add an inner zipper pocket to your statement clutch, you will need:

  • A 7″ (18cm) dress/all purpose zipper
  • A piece of fabric for the pocket measuring 9″ x 13″ (23cm x 33cm)
  • A piece of light-medium weight fusible interfacing (such as SF101) measuring 9″ x 2″ (23cm x 5cm)

The Statement Clutch - Pattern Hack! - two pretty poppets

Work through steps 1 – 8 of the pattern and then continue below…

Take your inner zipper pocket piece of fabric and fuse the piece of interfacing to the wrong side of the fabric at the bottom (this is important if your fabric is directional). Draw three horizontal lines almost all the way across the interfacing using tailors chalk or an air erasable marker at 1 1/2″, 1 3/4″ and 2″ (3.8cm, 4.4cm and 5cm) up from the bottom raw edge of the fabric.

Find the center of the bottom line (4 1/2″ (11.5cm) in from each side) and then measure 3 1/2″ (9cm) out from both sides of the center line, ensuring the total distance between the two marks is 7″ (18cm). Draw a vertical line at both ends to join the first and third lines together at the marks you’ve just drawn, creating a rectangle frame on the fabric

At each end of the (middle) line, measure ½” (1.3cm) in and make a mark. Draw diagonal lines at each end, connecting the ½” (1.3cm) marks to the outer corners of the rectangle.

Turn your pocket piece around so the bottom/rectangle is now at the top, and place on top of one of your lining panels, right sides together. Ensure the top raw edges meet and the pocket piece is centered horizontally on the the lining panel. Pin in place and stitch along the outer lines of the rectangle to join.

Carefully cut the rectangle open along the middle line, between the two ½” (1.3cm) marks. At each ½” mark, follow your diagonal lines out to the corners and cut as close to your stitching as you can, but be careful not to cut the stitches!

Lift up the bottom (unsewn) end of the pocket piece and feed it through the open rectangle, turning your pocket through to the wrong side of your lining panel. Roll out your rectangle seams and press from the front/right side to ensure they sit nice and flat. Don’t worry if you have a few small creases on the back (pocket) side.

On the inside of the pocket, place a strip of wash away tape or glue around all four edges of the rectangle. Lay your 7” (18cm) zipper down on your work surface face up and open it slightly. It is up to you which side your zipper opens from. Place your fabric over your zipper, centering the zipper in the frame vertically. Ensure the bottom zipper stop is showing just inside the rectangle so it won’t get in the way of your stitching.

Topstitch around the edge of your rectangle to secure the zipper in place using a 1/16” (0.2cm) seam allowance. Reinforce well over the ends of the rectangle where the beginning and end of the zipper sit. As you reach the zipper pull, drop your needle down into your fabric, lift your presser foot and wiggle the zipper pull out of the way. Lower your foot again and continue sewing.

If you’ve used a longer zipper, trim the ends of the zipper down so they finish at the edge of the pocket piece. Seal with heat/fray check etc.

Lay your lining panel face down so you are looking at the inside of your pocket. Fold the bottom edge up to meet the top raw edge of the pocket/lining panel, matching the sides of the pocket together. Pin and stitch the side seams of the pocket using a ½” (1.3cm) seam allowance, ensuring you fold the lining panel out of the way so you don’t catch it in the seams.

Baste along the top edge of the lining panel/pocket piece to join using a ¼” (0.6cm) seam allowance and you are done! Just like that, you have a gorgeous little zipper pocket for the inside of your Statement Clutch! Woohoo!

From here, continue making your Statement Clutch from step 12 of the pattern (page 6).

The Statement Clutch - Pattern Hack! - two pretty poppetsIf you’re yet to grab your copy of The Statement Clutch, you can find it here.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this little hack and can’t wait to see all your beautiful Statement Clutches pop up over the next wee while with lovely little zipper pockets inside them!

Happy sewing!

Lisa x

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