The video, now live on The Bag Makers Sew-Ciety YouTube channel, is a replay of my live sewing session where we tackled everything from tricky zips to managing rubber-backed wool blends. Whether you’re looking for advice on interfacing, zipper installation, or just fancy some sewing company, this project has something for everyone. Plus, I’m sharing where to get all the materials, like the hardware and interfacing I used from my shop, Me Made Makes.
When I sat down to sew the Heidi Fold-Over Clutch Bag, I knew it was going to be one of those lively sessions – and it didn’t disappoint! First off, let me set the scene. I was trying out a new tech setup for my podcasts (always a risk when going live), which led to a slightly late start. Add to that a few hiccups with organizing my materials, and let’s just say, chaos was in full swing! But that’s all part of the fun, isn’t it?
Prepping for the Heidi Clutch
The Heidi Fold-Over Clutch Bag is such a stylish design, and I couldn’t wait to dive in. I decided to use a mix of quilt cotton and vinyl for a professional finish, with fusible fleece to give it some structure. As I walked through the pattern pieces (yes, I was using my tablet instead of printed instructions – risky move, I know!), I talked about my interfacing choices. Some pieces were left un-interfaced to keep the clutch flexible, and I explained why as I worked through each step.
If you’re after interfacing and hardware for your bag-making projects, you’ll find everything I used on my website, Me Made Makes at www.memademakes.co.uk. The quilt cotton and vinyl I used came from my fabric stash, but I’ll happily share recommendations for sourcing similar materials if you’re itching to recreate this bag. The wool blend and vinyl came from Immanuel's fabrics and the quilting cotton came from Rainbow Fabrics two of my go to places to buy fabric
Sewing Tips Galore
Throughout the video, I sprinkled in lots of tips to help your sewing go smoothly. From marking seam allowances to choosing contrasting thread for topstitching (a small detail that makes such a big difference), I shared everything I could think of to make the process easier. I also tackled a slightly tricky fabric – a rubber-backed wool blend – and shared my advice for managing stubborn materials.
Of course, no sewing session is complete without a challenge, and mine came in the form of installing the zip. I used double-sided tape to hold the zip in place (game changer!), and I talked about the pros and cons of different methods. Spoiler alert: the tape made things so much easier, but I still had to laugh at my own clumsiness!
Laughs, Lessons, and Community
One of the best parts of filming live is connecting with all of you. The chat was buzzing with questions, suggestions, and general sewing banter. I even shared a sewing mishap from a previous project – who knew forgetting zipper pulls could teach such an important lesson?
What really stood out was how supportive the community is. Viewers chimed in with alternative zipper installation techniques, and we had participants tuning in from all over the globe – from the UK to California and beyond. It was like sewing with friends, and I loved every minute of it.
Why Watch the Replay?
If you’re looking for a relaxed, chatty sewing session full of tips, laughs, and relatable moments, this video is for you. Whether you’re working on your own Heidi Clutch by Swoon Patterns or just need some sewing inspiration, you’ll pick up loads of advice to help with your next project. Plus, I’m always sharing little anecdotes about life (like my overgrown nails and my husband’s patience), so there’s plenty of entertainment along the way!
There’s nothing quite like sewing a beautiful bag while sharing the process with an amazing community, and the Heidi Fold-Over Clutch Bag project was no exception. If you’d like to watch how I put it together (and see how I navigated a few hiccups along the way), head over to The Bag Makers Sew-Ciety YouTube channel. It’s the perfect way to pick up sewing tips and join in on the fun – I can’t wait to see you there!
Until Next time happy sewing and may your bobbin always be full
Deb x
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