Is it just me or do I begin every post with "it's easy!" or "no sew!"?
I know it may sound lazy but I just can't get excited about something complicated. Everyone I know is busy. No one has extra time. My DIY philosophy is that projects should be simple, stylish and useful.
Maybe one of these days I'll buckle down and tackle a learn-to-sew boot camp. Until then I'm mastering the art of avoiding that darn machine!
And I have to say I'm pretty proud of how well I avoided it with this one. Especially since I have wanted a clutch for ages. What self respecting blogger doesn't have a clutch?! And having one with sequins is like bringing the party with a purse. It just makes me smile. Even better, it only cost me $1. Happy dance!
Sequin DIY Clutch
To make your own clutch you will need:
- A small pouch with a zipper. I found this mesh one at the Dollar Store.
- Sequin fabric. I used an old Jennifer Lopez shirt that I bought ages ago and only wore once. If you don't have sequin fabric on hand, you can buy ¼ yard of fabric at a craft store or even buy a cheap sequin shirt or skirt at Forever 21.
- Liquid Stitch
- Scissors
- Foam brush
- Clothespins
Cut a length of fabric that wraps around both sides of the mesh pouch. I cut my shirt horizontally underneath the arms and used one of the side seams as the bottom of the pouch. I don't have a great photo of this (sorry) so feel free to ask questions in the comments.
Then glue the sides together with the Liquid Stitch and clamp. Give it plenty of time to dry.
For the top of the pouch, clean up any stray sequins or threads. Put a piece of cardboard in the pouch and then glue the fabric to the mesh just under the zipper. Clamp again and let dry.
Here's a peak at the inside. And here's the finished product. I love it!
Crystal says
How did you get the sides to look nice?
Jeane says
I am thinking it is time for a trip to a thrift store!
Pink Ronnie says
Wow, Steph, this is pure genius! Looks amazing too!
Ronnie xo
Lia says
Simple and stunning! I love the idea.
Oteando Estilos says
I love it! Great and easy! :)
Kris says
What a great idea, thanks for sharing!
Tan says
So simple and gorgeous! I love it
Susanna says
Very fancy!
A.Co says
Smary pants! Whoa!! This is AWESOME! Well done!
Michele Ng says
Great idea! I totally love that it's no-sew even though I know how to sew :) Inspired to make a little something for my bridesmaids coming up. Thanks for sharing!
Jolleen The Graffitied Gardenia says
Cute!!
Angie@Angie's Recipes says
I love this! It might be easy for you...but for me...that's another story. Thank you for sharing it.
Nell says
I love so sew projects!!!! Gives me a break from the machine. Excellent job! Thanks for sharing.
Clemence - Oh The Lovely Things says
This is brilliant! Sequins + easy + no sew + dollar store + gorgeous result? You have my equation of DIY perfection.
gerbermom says
Thank you girl! One day I'll learn to sew but until then Liquid Sew will have to do! :)
Stephanie says
Love this! I can barely sew a button on, so that Liquid Stitch sounds right up my alley. You are so creative!
Claire @ Claire K Creations says
Stephanie's brilliance strikes again! I heard on the radio here that sequins, metallics and (can't remember) are going to be big in winter. I can say I'm ahead of the trend because I've been following you!
gerbermom says
Girl, sequins are always in, haha :) I think metallics are supposed to be big here for summer too - I want a pair of silver shoes!
Kiersten @ Oh My Veggies says
This is unrelated to anything, but I love your ring! I feel like I'm always touting my recipes as easy too--I try to come up with other ways to sell them, but who doesn't like easy, right? :) I still haven't learned how to use my sewing machine, so I love all your no sew projects!
gerbermom says
It's funny but I feel I should almost apologize for things being easy - like shouldn't this be harder?! Glad you like the ring :)
truebluemeandyou says
What I really like about this tutorial is using the Dollar Store mesh bag with a zipper as the foundation. Really clever and your DIY looks great! Posted the bottom photo with a link back to you on truebluemeandyou.
gerbermom says
Yes! That Dollar Store bag made it a cinch. Thanks so much for posting. I'm totally stalking you on Facebook b/c I love your posts! :)
Jen @ Cuddles and Chaos says
Adorable! I'm a sucker for sequins AND clutches. This is great!
Kanae says
I am so making this. Thank you for sharing
gerbermom says
Awesome Kanae! Let me know how it turns out :)
Audrey - This Little Street says
ha, you got me at sequins, so let's not mention the easy and no sew :D such an awesome project!
Mo says
Easy and no sew are my best friends! Great idea.
gerbermom says
Yes, aren't those a beautiful combination? Add Dollar Store in there and I get a little craft giddy :)
Mo says
Dollar Tree!! Awesome!
Francesca says
I swear i'm getting lazier! I love how you can do any kind of colour! I love this one! I've made purses before, (once by Knitting one!) but this is pretty cool :)
gerbermom says
A knitted purse sounds very cool! And you could totally make this one with any color or fabric - the options are endless :)
Tonia@thegunnysack says
I love both "it's easy" and "no sew"! The clutch looks so cute!
katherine says
Love it! That old shirt was made to be a clutch, it has a much better life now!
Rachel says
What an easy idea! I don't own a sewing machine, and hand sewing can be a pain, so this is a good idea!
Anne @ Domesblissity says
I don't care if you say 'no sew', 'easy' or 'diy'. Whatever you do is always stylish and looks way more than it was to make, no matter how easy it is. What more could a girl want. You're just fantabulous!
Anne xx
gerbermom says
Fantabulous is an awesome word - I think I'll start using that instead of 'easy' or 'no sew' - that will sell it! :)
Sydney says
okay, this is seriously cool.
Amanda @ Dangerous Enough says
This is so cute- I know how to sew and still often feel too lazy to want to bust out the machine for simple projects. I've never used Liquid Stitch before, though- How does it hold up?
gerbermom says
I've used it a couple of times now and it holds up pretty well. It's stronger than you would think!