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Charm Patterns Secrets Clutch pattern review by LynnMc

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LynnMc
Member since 12/14/08
11 Reviews (patterns: 11)

Pattern Description:
"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!"
Pattern Sizing:
n/a
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes.
Were the instructions easy to follow?
Yes. I greatly appreciated having the photos. This isn't a difficult pattern once you understand how the pleating works, but I really needed the photos to get that.
I also appreciated the tips about how to use adhesive to get a good bond between the fabric and frame. I left it overnight, secured with painter's tape and the bond feels very durable. It held up great when filled.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
Interfacing the lining with fusible fleece made the whole clutch top almost too thick to stuff into the frame. I needed to push it in with the help of chopsticks and point turners. If you're using a heavy material, you want a standard soft heavyweight interfacing. I also didn't love the texture the fleece gave the lining fabric. There's a little bubbling even in the sample photos, so I think this is unavoidable.
Fabric Used:
A printed cotton twill painted with metallic gouache for the exterior, poly for the lining. The frame came from Amazon.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
None
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Yes, I plan to make this again.
Conclusion:
Definitely recommend this. It's a cute clutch with just enough room for a wallet and phone and a satisfying make.

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16 Comments
Sharon1952 said...(1/26/25 4:37 PM ET)   
Very neat job! Those hardware pieces take some finesse to get on without gaps or errors. I love the look of the completed bag.
  
MsIngie said...(1/21/25 9:08 PM ET)   
Agree that is has a great vintage look. Perfect evening bag.
  
SewingTripper said...(1/21/25 7:46 PM ET)   
Very cute and very vintage-looking! Btw, you need one more pic for the contest.
  
Litapita said...(1/20/25 12:17 PM ET)   
Oh - this reminds me of the beautiful party clutches my grandmother used to have. I was allowed to look, but not play with them and adored them immensely! It is lovely.
  
Nannerl said...(1/19/25 12:05 PM ET)   
A charming little clutch! This would be great for a special occasion or anytime really when a small purse fits the bill.
  
LynnMc replied...(1/19/25 3:10 PM ET)
Thank you!
JEF said...(1/19/25 11:18 AM ET)   
Very classy looking
  
LynnMc replied...(1/19/25 3:10 PM ET)
Thank you!
Dorus said...(1/19/25 3:00 AM ET)   
What a great idea to make such a nice clutch.
  
LynnMc replied...(1/19/25 3:10 PM ET)
Thank you!
LoveLilacs said...(1/18/25 8:28 PM ET)   
Love your bag. Such pretty fabric. I have a purse frame but I've been too intimidated to use it. Thank you for the helpful information. Maybe I will try it.
  
LynnMc replied...(1/19/25 3:13 PM ET)
Thank you! It's definitely worth doing--the hardest part was not touching it until the next day!
Cupid Dog said...(1/18/25 4:44 PM ET)   
Super cute! Vintage x 2 with your fabric choice. Really lovely!
  
LynnMc replied...(1/19/25 3:14 PM ET)
Thank you!
Raffey1 said...(1/18/25 4:30 PM ET)   
Really beautiful! I have never made a clutch witha frame, and truly appreciate our review and helpful information!
  
LynnMc replied...(1/19/25 3:14 PM ET)
Thank you!
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