25 Crafts Until Christmas: Day 4 Cash/coupon clutch

We have all seen this little envelope/clutch system floating around. It's a great idea to designate money for certain purchases to help eliminate impulse buys. However, there isn't a tutorial anywhere so I decided to give it a go and make a few of them as gifts to my coupon loving sister and in laws.

Please first note, that the thread choice I used was only in order for you to better see the stitching in the areas that I am talking about. Normally I would choose a matching color to the velcor and fabric alike. This one was just a demo for everyone to see with contrast.

Materials:

8x10 cut of main fabric
8x10 cut of lining fabric
8x10 cut of heavy duty fusible web
thread
rotary cutter/scissors
sewing machine
1 inch cut of sewable velcro
optional material (fleece,felt, fabric for embellishment)
Dollar bill just for spacing purposes

First cut out all of the fabric you need.  Then you want to iron the fusible web to the WRONG side of the Main fabric.

Layer both the lining and main fabric with RIGHT sides together. You want to take a cup/bowl or eyeball it if you must, and cut rounded corners on one end. This is going to be your flap to close the clutch. Please Note that I left a small area on top of the main fabric a little longer.

Next with right sides together, pin the fabric, leaving a 2 inch opening on one side to turn.  fold that little extra length of the main fabric over. This just adds a little extra stability to where you will add the velcro later. Sew a 1/2 inch seam allowance.

Now you see this small opening? you want to use it to turn your fabric right side out.

This is what it should look like.

Next you want to press the fabric. After pressing, turn in that small opening and pin it.

Now simply top stitch all around the fabric square being mindful of catching that small opening in your stitch to ensure you close it.

Now once again with your iron, Place your dollar at the bottom and fold up and pin the sides together. This is going to be the pocket of sorts where you would house your coupons or bills.

Now fold the top over that dollar bill just to be sure that you have proper spacing. You don't want that flap to quite meet the bottom of the pocket. as depicted below.

Next. simply sew the side seams along that top stitched line and be sure to back stitch adequately to make sure the is enough support.

Now simply pin and stitch the velcro closure where you would like it to lie. I used a red thread to show you how I stitch and secure the velcro in place. Normally I would use a matching color thread to the velcro so that it blends well together and isnt noticable.

 VOILA DONE

 You can add embellishments if you like. Perhaps a flower, some bling, an applique or monogram. Some people will use an iron on label that can be written on or printed words such as farmers market, gas station, etc. to deligate where the money will be going or where the coupon is to be utilized.

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