DIY Network

Multi-Yarn Clutch Purse Craft this cool couture clutch. From "B. Original" episode DBOR-605

Accessorize with a work of art!

Michele Beschen has the perfect project for your yarn leftovers: a clever couture clutch that looks like it took hours to weave on a loom. But it only takes a fraction of the time to get this great look, when you follow her tips and use a sewing machine and water soluble stabilizer to create this fab bag.

The fun doesn't have to stop with purses, though: Michele Beschen's stabilizer-and-yarn technique lets you make wall hangings, placemats, throws or other fun textiles. Try it out wherever you want to B. Original with texture and color.

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Materials:

variety of yarns and strings
latch hook canvas or burlap, 15" by 15"
water soluble stabilizer, 15" by 15"
sewing machine
straight pins
rug binding
fabric glue
sewing machine
spray bottle filled with water
snap closure

	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D

Note: Available at fabric stores, water-soluble stabilizer is extremely helpful for this project. This material holds the yard and string in place for sewing, then dissolves and disappears in water. It sometimes is called Rinseaway.

• Gather a colorful assortment of yarns and strings – the more color and texture the better!

• To prevent fraying, use fabric glue to attach pieces of rug binding around the edges of one side of the canvas or burlap. Miter the corners of the binding or burlap for a tidy finish (figure A).

• Cut several pieces of various yarns and strings about 19" long.

• Lay out the canvas or burlap, binding side down, on a work surface. Starting in the center, position the yard pieces across this background with all pieces of yarn going the same direction. Leave an even amount of overhang on both ends and position the piece so that the yarn pieces are right next to each other (figure B).

• When the entire piece is covered with yarn, position the stabilizer over the yarn and pin it loosely in place
  (figure C).

• Use a sewing machine to sew with straight stitches perpendicular to the yarn. Start in the middle of the piece and space the seams about 1/2" apart. Continue sewing until the entire piece is stitched (figure D).

• When the stitching is complete, spray the stabilizer with water or blot with a we sponge to dissolve it. Machine washing also will dissolve the stabilizer.

• Comb out the yarn ends and trim them evenly to create about 1" of fringe on either end.

• Fold the piece in half with wrong sides together and the fringe on top. Use the sewing machine to stitch a seam on each side of the bag. To hit the seams, fold the piece in half with the yarn side inwards, then stitch the seams and turn right-side out.

• Attach store-bought handles, create a handles or straps from additional yarn or leave the clutch as is. Add a snap closure, load up the purse and get ready to show off your handiwork.