Applique Fox Diaper Clutch Tutorial

Fox Applique Diaper Clutch Tutorial

So this year I have gone out of my comfort zone and learned two new sewing techniques. Bags and zippers. Let me tell you that if I can do it I know you can too. So come along with me and I will show you how to make this most adorable clutch with a cute fox applique!

So here is what you will need.

Two pieces of fabric 11×12 for the main part of the clutch

Two strips of fabric 11×3 for the top of the clutch

Two pieces of fabric 11×14 for the lining

One piece each orange and white felt

One 9″ zipper

3 buttons

Triangle Template

To get started you will want to trace triangles onto the felt. 3 white and 5 orange. Also from the orange you will trace two triangles bottoms together to form a diamond (as pictured below).

Once you have cut the triangles out you will pin them onto the front of your main fabric.

Next we will sew around each piece of felt. It is possible to sew around each side without reaching a dead end and having to start in a new spot. If not just try and leave as few loose threads as possible. Once you have sewn the fox on line your 11×3 strips right side down onto the top and back panel.

Sew these strips on and then topstitch the seam into place. Throughout this project I used a seam that was a tad larger than 1/4″.

Line the buttons up to make the foxes eyes and nose and sew them in place.

Now we are ready to add the zipper. Place the zipper right side down onto the top edge of the fabric strip we just added. Then put your lining right side down on top of the zipper.

You will want to use a zipper foot to sew the zipper in place. Once the first side is done you will be ready to add the pieces to the other side of the zipper. Fold the fabric back to expose the other side of the zipper and line it up just as you did the first side. Zipper right side down on top of the front piece and lining over top right side down. Sew the zipper into place.

Now open the piece up as shown above and OPEN THE ZIPPER most of the way! Don’t skip this step or you won’t be able to turn the piece out after the next step.

Next put the two main panels right sides together and the two lining pieces right side together and pin in place. Mark a spot along the bottom edge of the lining to leave open for turning out. Sew the entire way around except for the marked edge.

There are two options for finishing. If you want to leave the bag straight skip the next step. If you want your bag to have a wide bottom so that it stands easily and is easy to see into here are the steps.

Take the bottom corner and pull the sides apart to form a triangle and place a pin. The fabric I used was very thick so I pushed the seam in the back to one side and the seam in the front to the other side before sewing (not pictured). You will do this step to all four corners.

Sew them all in place making sure that they are all even.

Trim 1/4″ away from the seam and you are ready to turn the piece right side out. Push the corners out with a pen or scissors and then pin the raw open edge of the lining together.