Pattern and Instructions: the Secrets Clutch
Oh la la! You’ve been asking for accessories, and this fabulous little clutch delivers!
Exclusive to the Glamour Circle tier (and higher), I'm delighted to share this wonderful pattern with you. Our very first bag pattern is a classic midcentury shape, with a kiss-lock frame, tuck pleats, boxed corners, and a full lining. Carry it as a clutch or add a detachable chain for a shoulder bag!
Roomy enough to hold all your clandestine items, the Secrets Clutch is the perfect pairing for all your Charm outfits. Make it in cotton broadcloth to match your summer skirts or in glamorous silk taffeta for evening wear.
This versatile and useful accessory is sure to expand your wardrobe and your sewing skills!
xoxo,
Gertie
PS: The Secrets Clutch is shown here with the upcoming Starburst Skirt pattern, which will be released to all active patrons on January 31. Be sure to check your Patreon messages at the end of the month!
Comments (86)
I know I'm late to the party here but I'm stuck! I'm trying to order the frame and can't work out what size to order for the height because the pattern only specifies the 8" width and the frames here come in 2", 2.5" 2 3/4", 3" I think its likely the 3" because that seems the most readily available option but if someone has suggestions that would be a huge help!
Hi I am going to make this to wear with my outfit this weekend. It says heavy duty adhesive. Any suggestions on what brand? I am in Australia if that helps with brand guidance.
Isn't the Starburst skirt coming out today? I have yet to see it... did the release date change?
Hi Laura, it’s in messages and you can download it from there.
I hadnt expected a clutch. Thank you for this accessory!!
Somehow every time I am looking for a pattern you release it on Patreon. This is awesome.
If we use a directional print, is it easy to just cut two pieces of the exterior fabric? Assuming we add a seam allowance, of course.
We didn't test a version with a seam, but I imagine it would work out okay! The only thing that gives me pause it that the lower edge is curved after sewing. Maybe test it out in some scrap fabric first!
It's SO GLAM! Thank you!
Wish there was a video about how to make it. I'm sure it's easy as heck but I just love Gerties videos so much <3
There are photos in the instructions file!
Those who have sewn it up - does it fit a cell phone? I find that to be the limiting factor for sewing/using vintage style purses.
I would imagine it would fit a phone. I just printed out the pattern and laid my phone over the lining piece it it does appear to fit within in the sewing and pleated area. The opening if for an 8 inch frame, so the opening is certainingly large enough.
This is sooo cute!! Can't wait to give it a try!! This could also be fun on a plain fabric w/ some machine embroidery on it!!
Beautiful project 🌸
It's so cute! Perfect for when I don't need a big purse.
This could not have come at a better time. My sewing machine is at the shop for repairs and won’t be ready for about a month. I still have an old very basic Singer Start that works, but isn’t great for big projects. This little clutch will be perfect while I wait for my good sewing machine to come back!
I know it’s only been 2 weeks but you are knocking it out of the park with patterns in 2023. I am so excited to see what else is coming!
I love it! You can repeat it to have matchy clutch with every single dress ❤️
a local thrift near me has a TON of new old stock clutch frames I'm going to grab after seeing this!
Oh lala! Very stylish!
Yasssss this is why I am a scrap saver! Huzzah for the "cabbage" patch & matching clutches!! 🤣😍🥳
Me I feel STRESSED about the Gluing bit...reckon I'd hand sew this frame on. Glue and I aren't always good with each other :-D
Thank Youuuu!!!
Love it!! I’ve always been a bit intimidated by those frames but have been wanting to make one for forever. Thank you for helping me push past my comfort zone.
Yay!!! I have a number of clutch frames that I have been meaning to use but haven't gotten around to. This is perfect!! Thank you.
Oh my god I have SO many weddings this year and this is PERFECT!! Do you have an example of what fits inside a standard size one? I think all I need is my phone and a lipstick…
It fits an iphone, a small wallet, and lipstick!
I love a good stash buster project. This is also great for those really expensive fabrics that you just can’t afford to make a whole garment.
So lovely!!! Can’t wait to make one to match each of my outfits. 💜
omg i am so excited! I havent sewn in a while but I am in love with this
Ooh yes! I have a pretty frame in need of a purse
Amazing! Obsessed, love it! This will make a perfect mother's day present for all the fabulous women in my life! Thank you! Last year I made the Charlotte Beret for all the ladies and they are loving it this winter!
I see a few of these in my future
Thank you again Team Charm
Amazing!! Thank you so much! Love this year so much!!!
Im already so excited for this year.. and this just brought me to tears because it’s so awesome and can’t wait to make it
I’m glad to hear you say that tears for me too, I was so stressed end of last year but I am excited to be sewing
Coincidentally, I just ordered this kind of frame! This is such an elegant and charming evening bag. Beautiful little beads, Swarovski crystals, or other embellishments can also be added to make it truly one of a kind. Thank you Gertie!
Omg I'm so excited. I have a vintage velvet clutch my grandma gave me, and I've been dying to find a good pattern to replicate it in other fabric to minimize using it. Can't wait to make this 😍
That is BRILLIANT!!!!!! Something, I have always wanted to know how to make. Gertie gets extra credit, because it looks like a High End accessory. The quality shows.
Ok novice question: what’s the difference between fusible fleece and heavy weight interfacing?
Fusible fleece will make your bag a little squishy, padded and have a softer look. Heavy interfacing can also be fusible, and will also affect how the bag will look, giving them a more structured, clean line look. I like using Decovil Heavy or Decovil light. You could also use 2 layers of another interfacing. If you only use fabric and a lining the bag will be very floppy. Hope this helps.
I love making bags, purses and wallets but I've never made one with a frame before. This will come in handy now that we have our circuit assembly and 3 day conventions back in person now, I always hated carrying my purse around all day but this is small and cute enough that I won't mind. Really, thanks for all you do for us, we appreciate it more than you know!
This is beautiful! Could you make it with a sew in frame ? I’d rather not mess with glue
I’m so landing to try with a sewin frame!
Oh yes! This is perfect!
This is something you could use the fanciest fabrics for and have it still be affordable because you'd only need a small amount. I absolutely love it!
Yay! And I already have hardware to make this!!!
Love it 😍❤️
Yasssss!
I ordered supplies SO FAST. 🤣 This is darling; can’t wait to start!
This is so cute! I love it. ❤
This is so amazing! Thank you!! 💖💖
Oh my this is just fantastic! Thank you so much ❤️
This is spectacular! Thank you so much!
Whata perfect companion to your beautiful dresses!🧵🪡💖
In love! Ty!
This is a lovely treat. Thank you so much!
Ah! This is such a treat! Thanks Gertie!
Definitely a sweet treat
The most beautiful stash killer.
What a happy surprise!
A lady always enters a room purse first. I love this style of purses, my grandma had one like that. Now I need a hat to match it. Maybe the Scout or the Mary.
PURSE FIRST
LOVE this accessory!! I'm really getting into bags so this is right up my alley! Thank you Gertie!
Love it!
It’s so cute!!!
I’ve had a kiss lock on my to buy list forever. Thank you so much! This is WONDERFUL!
Beautiful! and I love the photos in the instructions booklet! That is so helpful. Thank you!
LOVE this! Thanks for this one! I can't wait to make a series of coordinating bags and dresses!
Love it! And love the idea of a matching dress and clutch… I’m planning on some black tie do’s later in the year and this would be perfect. 🤩
love this surprise!!! thank you
Very lovely🌹
Ooohhh, the way the purple dress sleeves drape look like the tucks you answered to someone's question on CC last night to shorten! It looks like it would work out great!
❤️❤️❤️
This is great! I love a good accessory! Thank you for branching out to this, Gertie!
Something fun! I love it!
Fabulous 💛💛💛
Yes!!! I need more scrap-busting patterns like this in my life!!
I knew you said accessories but I was not expecting this! So excited!
I've been wanting to make one of these for a long time.
Ooohhh yes! Love it! Thanks Gertie 🥰
OMG YES! Gertie you are spoiling us this year already! ❤️
OMG 😱 I l❤️ve you for this!!!
LOVE IT!!!!!