DIY Clutch You Can Cover in Fabric

In this post you’ll make a cute, fabric covered DIY clutch using Mod Podge. It’s easy and makes a fun fashion piece or gift idea!

Hi there! It’s Ellen here, from Ellen Medlock Studio, and I’m so glad to be writing a guest post for Amy! Today we will show you how to make a fabric covered DIY clutch using Mod Podge (love it!) and my DIY Minaudiere Set.

Minaudiere is French for “little case.” The best part of this project is that the actual crafting time is quick and easy, but produces a professional looking DIY clutch! This little clutch purse is a great gift idea.

To get started, choose your set – The Classic Minaudiere or The Heart Minaudiere. Today we will be working with the Heart set.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Ellen’s shop is closed, but you can purchase mini clutches from a cool store on Etsy HERE.

The sets include the front and back shells, a cutting pattern, instructions, and the metal clutch frame.

DIY Clutch

You will also need the following:

• Mod Podge Gloss
• Flat craft brush or foam brush
• Fabric for the front and back (Two 8”x 7” pieces, ironed)
• Scissors
• Craft glue
• Wax paper
• White primer spray paint (optional)
• Clear Acrylic Spray

Step 1. Cut your fabric per pattern into a heart shape. You can use the same fabric on the front and back or switch it up with a coordinating fabric on either side. I am using 2 coordinating fabrics from my first line of fabric, Enchanted Damask.

Step 2. The Minaudiere shells in my kit are made from a sturdy black molded plastic. We suggest using the optional white primer spray paint (I prefer Kilz Spray Primer) to spray the shells white due to the fact that quilting weight cotton fabrics tend to appear bright and crisp on top of the white background.

Be sure to account for drying time if you plan to spray your shells white. I let mine dry for around an hour – drying time varies per brand.

Step 3. Set out a sheet of wax paper for your work surface. Apply a thin coat of Mod Podge to one shell. Try to keep this first layer as thin and smooth as possible while leaving no bare spots on the shell – we want to avoid Mod Podge seeping through the fabric, but also avoid any loose spots.

Step 4. Gently lay the fabric over the coated shell. Starting in the center and working towards the edges, smooth and press the fabric onto the shell. Take care to smooth out any air pockets that form.

When you get to the edges there will be a few creases and small folds in the fabric. This is normal and can’t be completely avoided.

However, you can minimize the appearance of these creases in your finished bag by manipulating the fabric so that the creases start as close to the edge as possible. By the time your bag is in its frame the creases will be mostly hidden.

Repeat Step 4 on with the second shell. Allow both shells 10-15 minutes to “set” so the fabric doesn’t move around in Step 5.

Step 5. Carefully trim the edges of the fabric covered shells using your scissors. Take care when cutting the “creased” portions that you don’t overcut. These creased areas and small folds might need a small touch up with the Mod Podge so that they are totally stuck down.

Notice that one of the shells has a small indent near the top. Trim carefully around the indent. Go ahead and touch up any spots that need to be secured around the edges with the Mod Podge.

Step 6. Apply a second coat of Mod Podge to the fabric covered shells. This coat can be a little thicker than the first coat. Allow to dry completely.

Step 7. Once totally dry, spray the finished shells with the clear acrylic spray and again dry completely according to spray acrylic’s directions.

Step 8. Almost finished with your DIY clutch! Locate the shell with the indent. This shell will fit over the locking mechanism – the indent allows room for the bag to open and close properly.

It is a good idea to take the time to do a pre-fit of the shells into the frame and get comfortable with popping the shells in and out, before you add the glue. The shells will fit snugly.

After a pre-fit, place a line of glue inside the channel of the metal frame. Do not put glue into any area where it might seep thru, such as the hinged areas. Also, do not put any glue near the locking mechanism.

Step 9. Working quickly, add the shells into the frame – double checking again that the indented shell goes into the side with the locking mechanism.

Once the shells are in the frame, weigh the whole clutch down with a book or other object to ensure that the shells are fully immersed in the glue filled channel. Allow to dry overnight if possible.

Add an optional purse chain, and get ready for compliments on your darling new Minaudiere!

Thank you so much for sharing, Ellen! Your minaudieres are absolutely gorgeous and would make such an awesome gift. It would be awesome to have one to match every outfit.