Fashion Fix: Doily Clutch Bag

The problem with doilies...no one of our generation really knows what to do with them!

Ros masterminded this gorgeously surprising take on a clutch bag using the humble doily. If they aren't adorning your granny's sidetables, head on down to any vintage shop or fair and snap them up for a bargain. 

You will need:

• Rectangular Doily
• Backing fabric
• Lining fabric
• Clear thread
• Button
• Cord for rouleau loop

How to:

1. Using a running stitch sew your doily onto the backing fabric. 
2. Cut the away the excess backing fabric. Snip as close to the stitches as possible. 
3. Next, cut a rectangle from the lining fabric. Turn under and press all four sides so the lining is the same size as the backing fabric. 
4. Sew a small pocket into the lining fabric before attaching it to the doily. 
5. Pin the pressed lining fabric to the inner side of the doilies and sew all four edges. 
6. Fold the doilies in 3, creating the bag and flap. Sew up either side.
7. Add a button and loop to finish. (See box out ‘How to make Rouleau Loop’)

How to make a Rouleau Loop

1. Cut a strip of your chosen fabric on the bias. It needs to be 4 x the width of your cord 
2. Sew a length of cord at one end of the strip.
3. Fold the strip in half, encasing the cord and, using a zipper foot, sew a running stitch all the way along the strip.
4. Pull the end of the cord and ease the fabric in on its self. This will be slightly fiddly and you may need to use a knitting needle at one end to start it off. 
5. Once the fabric has been pulled all the way through, cut off the cord. You now have your Rouleau loop.