Tutorial: How to Make a Clutch Purse WITHOUT a Zipper

In this tutorial, I’ll show you step-by-step how to make a large clutch purse with an inner pocket and magnet closure. I’ve also provided the pattern that I made for this bag (for free) so you can follow along with the steps. I also decided to make a decorative handle to make the clutch look a little more interesting.

Since I have the tendency to get an extra 1/2 yard of fabric “just in case” when I purchase fabric for my sewing projects, I always have a bunch of extra half yards laying around, so I decided to make a cute bag and lining with these one.

This page contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases. That being said, I encourage you to use your local sewing shop whenever possible, or to look for supplies second hand.

Supplies Needed:

½ yd fabric
½ yd lining
½ yd heavy weight interfacing
medium weight interfacing (for the straps)
Magnetic snap

Pattern includes:

back and flap (cut 1 fabric, cut 1 interfacing, cut 1 lining)
front (cut 1 fabric, cut 1 interfacing, cut 1 lining)
side and base gusset (cut 1 fabric, cut 1 interfacing, cut 1 lining)
strap (cut 2 on fold, cut 2 on fold interfacing)
ruffle (cut 1 on fold)
inner pocket (cut 1 lining)

(all of my patterns include 1/2″ seam allowance)

sewing Pattern pDF

Step 1

Apply interfacing

Apply interfacing to the front, back, and gusset pieces. Since I’m using a heavy interfacing, I find it useful to trim the seam allowance to reduce bulk when sewing. However, this is not entirely necessary.

For the straps, I used a lighter weight interfacing, since they will be folded in half.

Step 2

Apply the magnet snap to the front fabric and flap lining

Use the dot on the pattern to help with placement. The way you apply the magnet can vary, so check the instructions that come with your kit. I recommend applying a bit of interfacing to the back of the lining layer to reinforce the magnet (the front of the bag should already have interfacing applied)

Step 3

sew the gusset to the front

With right sides together sew the side/base gusset piece to the front of the bag.

Step 4

sew the back and flap to the gusset

Then add the back and flap and sew with right sides together. The gusset will only extend halfway up the back piece, since the rest will fold over. When finished, turn right side out and be sure to press the seams.

Step 5

sew the straps in half and turn them to right side out

Press the two strap pieces so that they lay flat.

Step 6

sew the two strap pieces together at a diagonal at one end

Step 7

Fold the two pieces around each other

Fold according to the diagram above. Fold the first piece over, and then fold it so that it’s parallel with the other strap piece. Fold the second piece over, and then fold it parallel with the first. Continue with this pattern for the entire length of the straps.

Step 8

sew the strap twist in place

Pin the strap and sew a zigzag edgestitch along the entire strap to sew it in place.

Step 9

baste the straps to the side of the bag

Step 10

hem the ends of the ruffle and fold in half

Fold the ruffle with WRONG sides together.

Step 11

Using a wide basting stitch, gather the ruffle

Change the stitch length on your machine to 4 or 5 and then stitch down the length of the ruffle. Pull one side of the stitching to gather the ruffle.