crochet hook clutch tutorial {get organized}

I've been carrying my crochet hooks around in a plastic bag for some time now. When they started escaping through little holes in the bag, I knew it was time for me to finally make that crochet hook organizer I've been meaning to make for the last two years. I loooove the way it turned out! I keep opening and closing it, running my fingers over the row of shiny hooks. It feels so good to be organized for once in my life! It's going to make crocheting so much easier now that I won't be digging through my bag for the right hook. Here's how to make your own crochet hook organizer clutch and get organized!



Crochet Hook Organizer {Tutorial}

Supplies:
*2 pieces of fabric cut 16.5" x 7.5" for clutch
*2 pieces of lightweight fusible interfacing (I used Pellon Val-u-fuse)
*1 piece of fabric cut 10" x 12" for hook pockets
*1 piece of fabric cut 2" x 1.5" for yarn needle pocket
*Elastic (I used a child's hair elastic)
*Button or fabric-covered button and tool
*Fabric marking pen or chalk
*Coordinating thread and sewing machine
*Iron and ironing board
*Scissors

1. Iron interfacing to back of each 16.5" x 7.5" pieces according to interfacing's instructions.


2. With wrong sides together, lay a dinner plate on the short edge of the two pieces. Trace around the edge of the plate to create the rounded edge of the clutch. Cut along your line.


2. Fold and iron the 10" x 12" piece of fabric in half lengthwise, so it's now 5" x 12". Lay this piece on the inside piece of the clutch body along the bottom, straight (not rounded) edge, with the raw edge along the bottom of the clutch body. Pin in place.



3. Lay your crochet hooks out on this piece to see how many pockets you need. Using a ruler, draw a line with your marking pen or chalk to mark the where you'll stitch lines between each hook to create hook pockets. Below are sample sizes I used for my pockets. I made them quite snug so they wouldn't fall out when the clutch was folded up. I also included a spot for my little scissors, and a couple of extra spots for duplicate hooks (I have two of a few hook sizes).



N - 3/4"
K - 3/4"
J - 5/8"
I - 5/8"
H - 1/2"
G - 1/2"
F - 3/8"
E - 3/8"
D - 3/8"
C - 3/8"
7mm or smaller - 1/4"
Scissors - 1"



4. Take the piece you cut for your yarn needle pockets and fold under and iron each edge 1/4". Measure and mark your lines for your needles. My lines were marked about 1/8" from each other, with a slightly larger spot for a stitch marker to fit. Pin to inside piece of clutch near the rounded edge.



5. Stitch each marked line to create your pockets. Be sure to fold under the right side edge and stitch it close to the edge. Don't worry that the left hand edge and bottom of the hook pockets are still open--you'll close them up in the next step.




6. Time to sew on your button. Take the other piece of 16.5" x 7.5" fabric and fold over the straight-edge side 6". Fold the rounded edge over. This will help you see where to place your button. Your button should be about 1/4" from the rounded edge (remember that there will be a 1/4" seam allowance when you sew the body together, so the button will end up being 1/2" away from your rounded edge). You can use a regular button, or create a coordinating button with a covered button kit and a little fabric. Stitch your button in place.




7. Next, pin your two pieces of the case together with right sides together. Pin your elastic band in place in the center of the curved edge. I folded my clutch up first to make sure it was going to be the right length to reach the button.


Be sure to leave a 3" opening on the top edge for turning your clutch right-side out!


8. Stitch around the edges using a 1/4" seam allowance. I stitched and backstitched over the elastic a few times to make sure it was secure.


9. Clip your corners and turn right-side out through your 3" opening.


Fold in your 3" opening so the edges are flush. Iron flat.


10. Top-stitch around the entire case, close to the edge. This will close your 3" opening.



Load your hooks, scissors, and needles, fold it up and button it closed, and you're organized! Ahhhh. . .





Now I just need to come up with a good way to organize all my yarn that is taking over the family room!