Sew-a-long.... Prt4 - adding pockets and sewing up the bag

Welcome to the Fiskars Craft Sew-a-long!

So glad you could join me in this sew-a-long where I show you step by step on a weekly basis on how to make something. You are sewing along with me!

This post is the 3rd and shows the bias binding prep and sewing. You have one week to complete this step. This post however will be up for the duration that this blog exists so you have plenty of time to do this if you don't have time this time around.

If you have ANY questions please ask. I am here to help you.

There is also a prize to be chosen for one participant! So comment in the below thread to add any tips and hints or tell us how you are progressing.

READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS FIRST.

You will be making this handbag/tote bag with me....

Adding Pockets and sewing up the bag

Fold over the edges just over 1/4 inch of the pockets. Pin the iPad and pen pockets as shown in the photo....lining the largest of the two, to the bottom of the bag at your marks on the flap side. Leaving a 2" gap on both sides. And make sure your objects fit into the pockets before sewing... adjust if nessasary. Double sewing the start and finish of your sewing.

once you are satified that the pockets fit your things take the things out of the pockets and  sew them on your bag. sewing just under 1/4" of an inch gutter. Double sewing the start and finish of your sewing.

Now to sew on the rest of your pockets. Again making sure everything fits in your pockets that you want. These are the cell phone and wallet pockets. Align your pockets at the tops and put them just under where the velcro is sewn. Double sewing the start and finish of your sewing.

Now this is what your bag looks like....

see how the pockets tops are oposite sides to each other and the marked part of the bag (which is the bottom) is not covered with the pockets. This is important.

Now fold your bag so that the pockets are on the outside... aligning the top with the bottom of the flap.

Now sew the edges of the bag about 1/2 inch in. Double sewing the start and finish of your sewing.

Now you will sew the box corner in the bottom of the bag. Open your bag and flatten your bag with the side down.... see picture...

see the marked bottom? and the pockets on either side? that is how it supposed to be now.

Sew along between the two lines. Double sewing the start and finish of your sewing. Do both sides of your bag the same.

Now your bag will look like this.

Turn your bag in the right way.

Now your bag will look almost finished!

Next we will add the shoulder strap.

fold the shoulder strap piece in half

then unfold and fold almost up to the middle crease on both sides (i used my fingers to crease the canvas but you can use an iron if you wish)

Then fold over the ends

and fold the strap in half again

and pin

now sew the edges of the strap in place....

Exciting stuff nearly done the bag! We will now add the strap to the bag. Pin in place on both sides making sure the strap is not twisted.

Sew in place.... this can be a little fiddly but perservere and sew slowly it is going to be thick!

Now to put in your clip to hold the keys in your bag...

Take about 4" of your home made bias binding and sew along the open side.

Thread the bias binding through your clip and pin to the side of your bag that you would feel comfortable reaching for. Then sew in place.

This is what your bag will look like with the keys attached to the clip when finished.
It folds over into the bag. ;)

Exciting! its all finished apart from the embellishing. And that is for the next lesson...

Well see you next week sometime. I'll try to post on the same day.....
We will make some flowers and embellish the outside of our bag.

See you then!

 

Debbie Buckland
artycrafty.wordpress.com

Comments

[Lyn Dwyer]

I'm loving all these tutorials Debbie.....can't wait to see next weeks finished product.............

[Debbie b]

Cool thanks Lyn