Watch video Below for instructions
Hey there, fellow sewing enthusiasts! Today, we're diving into a fantastic project: the Clematis Wristlet by Blue Calla Bag. This isn't just any bag; it's a stylish and functional accessory that's surprisingly easy to make, even for beginners. And the best part? It's a free pattern from the amazing Blue Calla website!
This blog post will guide you through the process, step by step. For a visual walkthrough, be sure to check out my two-part tutorial on my YouTube channel, @sewlyjo. Let's get started!
Gathering Supplies and Preparing the Pieces
Before we unleash our inner seamstress, let's gather our materials. You'll need the free Blue Calla Bag pattern (downloadable from Blue Calla Website), your chosen fabrics (I used vinyl for the bottom and corduroy for the top, but you can get creative!), and basic sewing supplies: scissors, pins, an iron, and your sewing machine.
I've chosen vinyl for the bottom of my bag because of its durability and easy-to-clean surface, and corduroy for the top because of its lovely texture and visual appeal. However, you can absolutely use vinyl, cork, or any other sturdy fabric you prefer for the entire bag. The choice is yours!
Once you have your pattern and materials ready, cut out all the pieces according to the pattern instructions. This includes two bottom pieces (from your vinyl fabric) and two top pieces (from your chosen top fabric). Make sure you carefully align your pattern pieces to ensure accurate cuts.
Sewing the Base and Top Sections
Now for the fun part – stitching! We'll start by attaching the bottom (vinyl) pieces to the top (corduroy) pieces. Take one bottom piece and one top piece. It's crucial to align them correctly. The wider part of the top piece should align with the wider part of the bottom piece. You can mark the center of both pieces to help with alignment. Pin the pieces together, right sides facing. The vinyl will curve along the top section; pin carefully to ensure a smooth seam.
Next, take it to your sewing machine and stitch along the edge, using a 3/8-inch seam allowance. Repeat this process for the remaining two pieces. Once sewn, you can top stitch about a 1/4 inch from the seam. This step is optional, but it adds a professional touch and helps secure the seam. You can also pull the seam allowance down and sew it in place along the bottom edge; however, I prefer to only top stitch on the corduroy to avoid sewing directly onto the vinyl.
Creating the Slip Pocket
Now let's create the slip pocket. This is a simple yet functional addition to our bag. Take the two slip pocket pieces and place them right sides together. For a crisper, more structured pocket, I highly recommend adding woven interfacing to these pieces. Pin them together, leaving the top edge open. We'll use this opening to turn the pocket right side out later.
Stitch around the perimeter using a 3/8-inch seam allowance. However, for the opening at the top, use a longer stitch length (I used 4mm on my machine). This longer stitch will act as basting, making it easier to remove later. Once stitched, press the seam open. Then, remove the basting stitch along the opening, carefully turning the pocket right side out. This method ensures a nice, clean finish.
Completing the Clematis Wristlet Bag
With the exterior panels and slip pocket complete, we're ready for the final assembly. Refer to the Blue Calla pattern for detailed instructions on attaching the slip pocket, completing the seams, and adding any remaining finishing touches. The pattern includes clear diagrams and instructions, making the process straightforward.
Conclusion
And there you have it, your very own Clematis Wristlet! This project is a fantastic way to practice your sewing skills and create a beautiful, functional accessory. The free pattern from Blue Calla makes it accessible to sewists of all levels, and the step-by-step instructions make the process easy to follow. Remember to check out my two-part tutorial on YouTube (@sewlyjo) for a visual guide. Happy sewing!
