What Are You Working On is a community diary series for all things crafty, in a variety of mediums and techniques.
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I sewed my first bags! The web-resources for this are great, and I decided not to worry about measuring too much, or seam allowances, or pressing, and just sewed.
I used these instructions from about.com, and modified the pattern to line the bags and use handles made from matching fabric.
My fabrics, linings chosen by kids:
I cut strips across the width of fabric about the width of my hand for the handles. Then I used a tote bag size I like to cut the pieces for the body of the bag:
I hemmed the top edges before I sewed the side seams. I also tried to make sure the lining was about .25 to .5 inches shorter than the outer bag. I even pinned a few times ;-)
I sewed the top hem on each of the 4 fabrics:
Then I sewed down the sides too, using a computerized backstitch on my machine at the beginning and end:
I made the handles from the narrow strips, first sewing them into a tube, then using a tube turner to turn them right side out.
I know you can turn tubes using safety pins or whatever, but I am kind of a klutz about that and the tube turner helps a lot.
I only finger pressed the seams and the tubes. Since I wasn't in a measuring mood, I certainly wasn't going to get my iron and ironing board out ;-)
This is the tricky part - it creates a flat bottom vent without sewing a separate piece. First I turned the bags inside out from their finished and inserted the outer bag into the inner bag:
Then I marked two inches from each lower corner, one mark up the side and one mark along the bottom.
Finally I sewed a diagonal line across each corner, from pin to pin:
I turned the bag right-side out, and pinned the straps in place, being careful not to let them twist. I made sure the lining was a bit lower than the outer bag, and stitched away:
I stopped at each strap end and sewed a rectangle, then diagonal lines too, for reinforcement. I used the needle-down option and just rotated the whole bag around.
I stitched around the entire inside top edge and all four strap ends. I trimmed the loose threads, shaped the vent a little bit, and said they were done:
This style of bag is appropriate for shopping, projects, etc. I will make some holiday gift bags and use a drawstring top for those, which will be In The Bag II.
What are YOU working on?