DIY: 10 Pretty Little Clutches

Ten pretty little clutches that you can easily make at home.

The clutch is, without a doubt, this fall’s it-bag. Instead of dropping major dough on one, revamp one that you already have or make one yourself from scratch. Here are ten of our favorite DIY clutch projects, some which require as little as tape and spray paint.

Placemat Clutch
Sometimes you come across things that are so brilliant in their simplicity that you can’t believe you never thought of it yourself. This DIY placemat clutch by Vannalisa Scafaria is such a thing. Of course a placemat would make an excellent clutch!

Miniaudiere with Golden Horse
Sometimes elaborate parties call for desperate measures. This DIY tutorial by Trinkets in Bloom shows you how to turn a humble sunglasses case and plastic toy horse into a glamorous miniaudiere fit for the Kentucky Derby. Pretty brilliant.

Glitter Bow Clutch
Fall is all about glitter and adornment, in every which way. This tutorial by The World is My Oyster shows you how to make a glam glitter bow clutch inspired by a Betsey Johnson bag. We think it would be perfect for all those holiday parties you will soon be attending.

Gold Colorblock Clutch
Colorblocking is still going strong this fall, but try metallics to give the look a bit of an update. Transforming an old clutch into a fashion-forward statement can be as easy as spraypaint and tape. Have a look at this tutorial by I Spy DIY for some pointers on how to do it right.

Handcuff Clutch
Are you one of those people who constantly misplace your pretty little clutch wherever you go? In that case, this DIY handcuff clutch by A Matter of Style, inspired by Louis Vuitton’s fall accessory collection, may be just the thing.

Knuckle Duster Clutch
Sometimes runway style can be so easy to achieve with some patience and glue. Case in point, this knuckle duster clutch tutorial by (studs and pearls) shows you how to make your own version of that gorgeous Alexander McQueen version.

Envelope Clutch
Some time ago, I started noticing people at different fashion weeks carrying laptop cases as clutches. It was a curious trend, perhaps brought on by necessity, but then laptop cases started getting more stylish too. This DIY envelope clutch by Swellmayde works really well as an oversize clutch, but play around with the measurements and I think it could make an excellent laptop case too.

Bell Clutch
Inspired by a Christian Louboutin clutch, this little DIY number by Carry on… Carry on… really lets you attend your next party with bells on. It’s a bit time consuming, but once done, the end result is quite stunning, as not as loud as you may think.

Book Clutch
We love the nerd chic appeal of these quirky book clutches that started popping up here and there a while back. It makes you look smart and bookish and can perhaps even protect you against purse snatchers. This tutorial by Runway DIY shows you how to make your own version, using your favorite high-brow piece of literature, of course.

Woven Clutch
Woven bags just have this sophisticated air about them. This tutorial by Burda Style shows you how to weave pieces of faux leather together to create a nicely textured bag. People won’t believe you actually made it.

Johanna Björk

Johanna is a sustainable fashion writer currently based in Ojai, CA. Read her weekly On Trend column to learn what's new in eco fashion.