Before You Begin

This tutorial uses the Winter Tears ITH Wrist Clutch. Keep the supplied color-change sheet close by and read through the full tutorial before stitching.

You will need

• 1–2 layers of cut-away stabilizer, sized for your hoop
• Two hoop-sized pieces of thin batting (optional)
• ½ yard of main fabric for the front and back
• ½ yard of coordinating fabric for the lining
• One fabric strip, approximately 3 × 12 inches, for the wrist strap
• Temporary fabric adhesive spray, such as 505
• Embroidery thread, scissors and masking tape
• Hand-sewing needle and matching thread
• 12-inch zipper for the 6 × 10 hoop size, or 10-inch zipper for the 5 × 7 size

1Embroider the Main Panel

1. Hoop the cut-away stabilizer securely.
2. Place a design-sized piece of thin batting over the stabilizer.
3. Position the main fabric over the batting and secure it.
4. Stitch the embroidery design, following the supplied color-change sheet.
5. When stitching is complete, trim the embroidered piece to a 9-inch square.

2Make the Wrist Strap

1. Cut a fabric strip measuring approximately 3 × 12 inches.
2. Fold it in half lengthwise and press.
3. Open it, fold both long raw edges inward toward the centre crease, then press again.
4. Fold it closed and topstitch along both long edges with matching thread.
5. Set the finished strap aside for the final assembly.

3Stitch File A

Load and stitch File A by following its color-change sheet. When finished, trim away the excess fabric while leaving approximately 1 inch of fabric around the stitched area. Keep this panel nearby.

4Begin File B and Add the Zipper

Color Stop 1: Placement line

Stitch the zipper placement line. Position the zipper right side up, centring the teeth over the line. Secure it with masking tape, keeping the tape away from the stitching path.

Color Stop 2: Secure the zipper

Stitch the next stop to secure both sides of the zipper, then carefully remove the tape.

5Add the First Front and Lining Pieces

Color Stop 3

1. Print File C and use it as a cutting template.
2. Cut one piece from the main fabric and one matching piece from the lining fabric.
3. Press an approximately 1-inch fold along the edge of each piece.
4. Align the folded edges neatly with the centre of the zipper.

Color Stop 4

Use a light application of temporary adhesive spray to keep the layers smooth, then stitch the next stop.

6Complete the First Half

Color Stops 5–6

Continue stitching in the order shown on your color-change sheet.

7Add the Second Half

Color Stops 7–8

Repeat the fabric preparation for the other side: use File C to cut the main and lining pieces, press the folded edges and align them with the zipper centre.

Color Stops 9–14

Continue stitching according to the color-change sheet.

8Add the Back Lining

Color Stops 15–18

Position the coordinating lining fabric on the back of the hoop. Smooth it carefully and use a light application of temporary adhesive spray to hold it in place. Stitch the indicated stops.

9Join the Clutch and Add the Strap

Color Stop 19

1. Fold the wrist strap and position its raw ends at the correct side edge.
2. Secure the strap with masking tape so it cannot shift into the stitching path.
3. Place Stitch-out A over Stitch-out B with right sides facing.
4. Align the panels carefully and tape them in place.
5. Stitch Color Stop 19.

10Finish the Lining

Color Stop 20

Cover the back of the hoop with the final lining piece, keeping it smooth and correctly aligned. Stitch the last color stop.

11Trim, Turn and Close

1. Remove the project from the hoop.
2. Trim the excess fabric and stabilizer, taking care near the seam.
3. Trim away the extra zipper length at both ends.
4. Carefully remove the stabilizer covering the zipper area and open the zipper fully.
5. Turn the clutch through the lining opening, then turn it through the zipper opening.
6. Gently shape the corners and edges.
7. Close the lining opening with small hand stitches.

Your double-sided, fully lined wrist clutch is complete!