Making a handbag or clutch from old fabrics is a fantastic way to upcycle your clothes, reduce waste, and create a unique accessory that reflects your personal style. Whether you're a sewing pro or a complete beginner, there's a simple method for you to transform a forgotten garment into a stylish, new piece.
How To Convert Old Fabrics Into Handbags Or Clutches
Method 1: The Simple Pouch-Style Clutch
This is the easiest method and requires only basic sewing skills. It's a great way to make a pouch-style clutch from an old scarf, a shirt, or any beautiful fabric piece.
What You'll Need:
- A piece of your chosen fabric
- A lining fabric
- A zipper
- Scissors, thread, and a needle or sewing machine
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Cut two identical rectangles from your main fabric and two from your lining fabric. The size will determine the size of your clutch. A good starting point is about 10x14 inches.
- Take one main fabric rectangle and one lining fabric rectangle. Place them right-side up and sew the zipper onto the top edge of both. Repeat with the second set of rectangles.
- Unzip the zipper halfway. Place the two main fabric pieces together, right sides facing, and the two lining pieces together, right sides facing. Stitch around the sides and bottom of both the main and lining fabric, leaving a small gap in the lining.
- Turn the pouch right-side out through the gap in the lining. Sew the gap closed, and push the lining inside. You now have a stylish, lined clutch!

Method 2: The No-Sew Braided Tote Bag
This creative method uses fabric scraps to make a beautiful, textured tote bag without a single stitch.
What You'll Need:
- Fabric scraps
- Fabric scissors
- A hot glue gun

Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Cut your fabric scraps into long strips, about 2-3 inches wide. You'll need a lot of them.
- Take three strips and tie them together at one end. Begin braiding them as you would hair. Keep the braid tight and consistent. When you run out of a strip, simply tie a new one on and continue braiding.
- Take the long braid and start coiling it into a flat spiral. As you coil, use your hot glue gun to apply a small dot of glue every few inches to the side of the braid to secure it to the adjacent coil.
- To create the straps, make two more long braids. Fold the ends of the braids and glue them to the inside of the bag. You now have a unique, no-sew tote bag!
- By choosing one of these methods, you can easily turn your old fabrics into stylish and unique accessories that are sure to turn heads.
Image credits: Freepik
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