the inside:
Hi,
I have just finished this Stitchery Project Bag. I was talking to Cathi about how I make a bag like this, so I decided to put a tutorial on the blogg again.
Before I start describing on how I make a bag like this I have to tell you…I hate math, and I suck at it…so I don’t do math. I just explain how I do it and I usually just “wing it”.
Okay, lets start. Think about what your bag should contain. I wanted mine to fit my round stitchery hoop. So I went through my kitchen and found a tray that was big enough. But you can make this bag in every shape.
This was now my “pattern”.
I used an old UFO stitchery pattern, for the front of the bag. I did a log-cabin pattern around it to make it bigger, and then quilted it with a bit of batting.
To make the rest of the bag you need a piece of fabric where you can fit at least 3 times the round pattern and then a additional 20 inches.
Cut a piece that is bit enough for 3 times the round pattern and 6 inches. As I said I did not measure…I just took the pattern plus a ruler:
Quilt this piece of fabric as well. I always quilt my fabric first because it tends to change shape a bit after quilting. Cut out the 3 pieces of the round pattern, just by drawing and cutting with scissors. Then cut out a long piece that is about 6 inches wide and cut it into the middle so you have 2 strips. (so these 3 circles and 2 strips of fabric are quilted.) NOTE: Don’t throw anything of you scraps of the quilted fabric away. They can be used later for scissorkeep and other things.
I use zippers that are sold in yardage. They are great, if you can find them …buy them in bulk…*s* This is the way I put the zipper in:
First put the zipper on the quilted fabric like this: with the “zippers teeth” on the right side of the fabric and facing down. Cut a piece of un-quilted fabric that is also 6 inches wide and cut in the middle (each strip is 3 inches). Put this on top of the zipper, so that the zipper gets in between the 2 fabrics:
Sew the zipper in . When you have sewn the zipper in. Turn the zipper right side out and quilt a seam just under the zipper to keep it more in place. Put the zipper together now. You might notice that the sides are not equal this is because the quilted part needs more space to turn. This is nothing to worry about. As I said, I don’t measure, I just square things up later. Attach a piece of fabric like on the picture below (this is a piece of quilted fabric and a normal piece of fabric on the back. )This will be your “henge” to open close the bag:
You should now have 3 circles of quilted fabrics, one circle for the front with the stitchery and the zipper part.
If you want to add pockets and things like that inside your bag, you should do this now. I made my scissorholder and the pincushion by using the little leftovers you will get by cutting out the circles. The pocket is made by folding a big piece of fabric and just laying it over a cirkel and cutting it even, leaving the fold at the top.
Okay now the most important tip: You will have 4 circles sew these together 2 by 2. If you do this together with the pockets and everything you will have a easier time putting the bag together, less pieces to keep track of later.
Now it is time to put the bag together. Now you take another look at the piece of fabric with the zipper in and decide how wide you want to have your bag. I cut mine 2 inches on each side of the zipper. Just start sewing around the circle by putting the zipper part on. Important: Start sewing a small piece from the edge. This will work like putting the binding on. You need a piece of fabric to be loose to be able stitch the ends together. Like this:
When you stitch the ends together sew a piece a fabric in so you can hide the seam later like this:
When the all the parts are sewn together it should look like this:
Now cut 2 pieces of binding big enough to reach around. and sew it on:
Now the bag is finished and you just sew the binding down by hand.
This a picture of 2 other bags that is made in the same way:
Have fun making your bag. If you have any questions please write to me and I’ll try to help..
good luck!
How adorable, it is so cute. I love to stitch, so I just need one of these you know? LOL!
This is a great tutorial, thank you for sharing it! I will add it to my sidebar on my blog so I don’t forget where it is. I will definitely do one some day soon 🙂
Thanks for this tutorail. Your bag is very, very cute with the stitchery !
oh i love it. you are soooo talented. I read through the whole tutiorial, but still nervous. might be awhile before I add something like that to my list, but it is so nicE! I escpecially like the rectangle box-bags.
very nice will have to have a go at this……….thanks for sharing
This is so cute! I just finished a bag, but love the idea of a circle one. Cute,cute,cute!
Thank you Barbara , I love it ! Seeing it you doing it looks so easy 🙂
That is an adorable bag! Thanks for sharing the tutorial. You make it look so easy. I really like that cute embroidery pattern on top too.
Hello!
Well done for the lovely bag!
My main reason for posting tonight is to say:
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
(it is a bit too late to phone today but I will phone you soon!)
Celine
This is such a fun bag. Thanks for sharing the details. I have only just found your blog but I know I will be back to visit.
Oh….I love making bags….yours is awesome! Thanks so much for the tutorial.
I Love your work .
Thanks for sharing.
Blessins’,
Lib
Thank you very much for this – can see myself making one of these.