How to Make a Clutch Purse From a Necktie
- 1). Measure two of the ties to 14 inches in length and the third to 15-1/2 inches, beginning at the widest end of each necktie. Cut the ties using sharp scissors or a rotary fabric cutter with a ruler as a guide.
- 2). Arrange the two shorter ties side by side on the cutting mat with the wide edges slightly overlapping. Keep the outer edges straight along a rule mark. Center the third tie on top of the others, adjusting it until all three tie ends form one larger point and there are no gaps between the ties.
- 3). Measure for uniform width along the length of the layered ties and make any adjustments. Pin and stitch the ties together twice along the edges of the center tie using a straight stitch and invisible thread. Trim the cut necktie ends evenly and any loose tie remnants close to the seam.
- 4). Cut a 9-inch length from one of the tie remnants, trying to get as even a piece as possible. Turn it inside out and trim any stabilizer without cutting the stitching. Turn it right side out and tuck in both ends until it's the same width as the cut ends of the joined ties. Fold it over the area with the seam facing inward and pin.
- 5). Double stitch the ends of the binding closed and sew the binding to the purse body. Cut a piece of stabilizer or interfacing about 1/2 inch smaller on all sides than the purse. Hand stitch it to the underside, careful not to poke through the top fabric layer.
- 6). Measure and cut lining fabric about 1/2 inch larger on all sides than the inside of the purse, including directly inside the end binding. Fold a 1/2-inch seam on all sides, press it flat and pin it, wrong sides facing to the purse.
- 7). Stitch around the entire outer perimeter of the purse about 1/4 inch from the edge. Do this right side up using metallic or invisible thread, and again along each seam where the ties meet using a zigzag stitch. Take care to catch the lining and backstitch to lock the seams.
- 8). Fold the bound end of the purse up toward the center, fitting and adjusting the depth as desired. Pin and stitch the side seams. Hand stitch half of the fabric snap to the center inside of the purse flap and the other to the outer area beneath the binding. Embellishments may be added.
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