Today’s tutorial has a simple beauty.
A refashion, using natural fibers and vintage buttons.
Start by washing a 100% wool sweater in hot water and drying it in a hot dryer to cause the fibers to become tight so they won’t fray. This is the process called “felting”.
Then cut a rectangular piece to use for your clutch. Cut one corner to your desired shape.
Next, fold up the bottom and pin to hold in place while you use the blanket stitch around three sides.
Start the blanket stitch by coming up through the bottom, then a short distance from the first stitch bring your needle down through all the layers.
Bring needle around and back up through the loop. Pull tight and continue all around the three edges.
Now to choose some buttons.
The button fairy came to my house last year and dropped off a huge can of various buttons. I spent hours sorting them and now keep them in various mason jars so when I have have a project, it makes it easier to find what I need. I searched through and found a few possibilities:
I then just started playing with different ways to place the buttons until I found one I liked.
I finally settled on these very old buttons. I’m not sure what they are made from, almost look like they might possibly be ivory. I loved the different shapes and details.
Sew them on and your clutch is ready.
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The Renegade Seamstress 
I absolutely love the clutches! Great work 🙂
Thanks! 🙂
I love the second one down in the left hand column with the diagonal blue/green buttons! Adorable:)
Oooooooooh, too cute! Love, love! You’re so creative and talented.
Paula
Thanks so much, Paula for all of your kind words! Love getting comments from you!
Beth
Turned out really nice.
Thanks, Barb!
I can’t wait to try the fingerless mittens and the wine bottle covers!
I can’t wait to se them!!!
Beautiful!!! 🙂
Thank you! 🙂
Beautifu!
Thanks!
I’m a fan of the blue/green buttons, too. I never could wear wool sweaters. I find them way too itchy. But a wool clutch I could carry. Too cute!
I can’t wear them either. But I love making, hats, mittens and now…clutches! 🙂
I’ll take one in green and gray, please. Thanks, Beth, E-mail me for my address. 😉 Hee-hee.
Hope you’re well, my friend!
~ Cara
I DO have a gray wool sweater just waiting in the wings…… 🙂
Weeeee!
love!!! i picked up some wool sweaters at goodwill a while ago, to make pillows out of….now im thinking one of them will become a bunch of clutches as gifties for the Girls Night Out club! 🙂 thanks so much for all your wonderful tutorials!
You are so welcome, RACY! Have fun sewing!!!!
Beth
thanks so much for your ideas
You are so welcome. I love doing it!
Grazie !!!
🙂
After reading this yesterday I went to Goodwill and bought 2 wool sweaters and felted them last night. When I’m finished I’ll send you the pictures.
Oh, I can’t wait to see them!!!
I love it! Very cute!
Thanks!!!!
This is so attractive – love the colours together. Thank you for the inspiration!
You are so welcome! I hope you get a chance to make one of these. So fun to make!
Beth
I absolutely love your wool clutches! I think I may have to try make some of these for christmas gifts. Thanks for the awesome holiday inspiration!
Oh, they would make great gifts. Have fun! I’d love to see what you make.
Beth
Once again a terrific project! I’ve got to get to the thrift store!!
Thanks so much! Have fun thrift shopping and let the games begin……. 🙂
Beth
looks so great!! I must do this with my old wool sweater!
thanks so much for posting this!!! 🙂
Very cute ideas for Christmas!!!
Thanks!
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Thanks for sharing such a inspirational post. It seems quite easy to make a clutch bag at home..
Yep, it’s pretty easy and fun to do.
Pingback: Ten Ways to Refashion a Sweater | The Renegade Seamstress
Thanks so much for the inspiration! I liked both of the white button placements. Too cute!
Thank you, Anny!
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Did you use any lining? Also did you use any closure other than folding the flap over? I have wool sweaters of my father who has passed away and I am making these using wool to add roses on the flap.