Sewing Bag

I used two fat quarters of cotton fabric to make a large, soft–feel sewing bag.

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You will need:

Two fat quarters of fabric – 18 inches (46cm) x 22 inches (56cm).

Two pieces of fabric for the lining – 18 inches (46cm) x 22 inches (56cm).

Two pieces of lightweight wadding/batting – 18 inches (46cm) x 22 inches (56cm).

Two pieces of fabric for the straps – 4 inches (11cm) x 20 inches (51cm) for longer straps use 4 inches (11cm) x 24 inches (61cm).

 

Method:

Make the basic bag

Lay one piece of the wadding down. Place one of the main fabric pieces on top, right side up. Place the other main fabric piece right side down. Add the other piece of wadding on top. (Both main pieces of fabric should be facing right sides together and sandwiched between the wadding).

Sew around three sides to create the basic bag.

 

Make the bag lining

Sew the lining, right sides together, around three sides to create the bag lining. Leave a 4 inch (11cm) gap in the lining to turn the bag right sides out. I left a gap on one of the sides.

 

Make the straps

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Iron the edges of the straps in just under a quarter inch (o.5cm). Fold the straps over and iron them flat. There should be a fold down the centre with the edges tucked in. Sew along the full length of the straps near the edge. Press the straps flat.

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Place the straps between the right sides of the main fabric (as shown). Drop the straps completely inside the bag. Pin the ends of the straps in place. Measure them evenly from the sides of the bag. I pinned the straps 5 inches (12.5cm) from the sides.

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Attach the straps to the main fabric with tacking stitches and remove the pins. (The straps will be sewn on secure when the lining is sewn on). Remove tacking stitches later if they show.

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Sew the lining in

The outer bag should be inside out.

The lining should be right sides out.

Put the lining inside the outer bag. Right sides should be facing.

Line up the side seams so that they match.

Sew around the top of the bag.

Turn the bag right sides out through the gap in the lining.

Stitch the gap in the lining shut.

Push the lining inside the bag.

You can top stitch around the edge of the bag if you want.

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IMG_3819 done

Here is a link to the Tea Dresses fabric and Blue Bunting fabric that were used to make this bag.