Singlet Shopping Bag - how I do the handles TUTORIAL (now with fixed pictures)

[melicon]

I have been making tons of Singlet Grocery bags. The tutorial is here:
http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=177482.0
Thank you to Queenofdiy for the great tute. This is one of mine

I thought I would post pics of how I sew the handles. My pictures aren't great but maybe they will help those that struggled with that step. I apologize if someone else has already posted these directions. I couldn't find any although I admit I didn't read all 70 pages. I've never posted pics before so this was a slow learning process for me. I will no longer take for granted the tutorials posted - they take alot of time. Thank you to all who have posted informative tutorials.

Take one main fabric and one lining fabric and place right sides together. Stitch around “U” of bag and two side half “U’s”. DO NOT LEAVE 1½” UNSEWN AS DESCRIBED IN ORIGINAL DIRECTIONS. Repeat with second main fabric and lining.

Clip the curves.
Turn both pairs right side out and press. You will have two looking like this:
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Take one pair and turn it inside out again. Slide the handles from the pair that is right side out into the handles that are inside out.


Once the handles are completely inside each other it should look like this:


The next step is easier if you have a free arm machine but still doable without. Stitch completely around the opening of both handles.


Pull the fabrics pairs apart and you should have this

[kaymadben]

An even easier way to do it (the way I do it) after you have one inside the other, instead of putting it around the arm of your sewing machine just sew straight across all 4 layers. Then from there I match up the side seams of the lining (lining to lining, right sides facing) and on the other side of the handles I match up the outside with the outside (right sides facing) and just sew all the way down from lining to outside fabric. Make sure you don't catch the handles in the seam.

[melicon]

That would certainly be easier but does that leave you with exposed seams. I'm trying to visualize.

[kaymadben]

no, not at all. When you pull the handles out after you sew the side seams it's just the same as if you stitched around it.

[angelaxstella]

you are both very smart to have figured out an easier way to do those handles!  i was about to make another one of those bags today and i found that to be the most difficult part.  not anymore, though.

thank you both for your insight

[Street Ashes]

i tryed it but with a small anthropology napkins

[melicon]

Kaymadben - thanks.  I have about 15 more of these to make for Christmas gifts and I will try "your way".

Street Ashes - cute, cute, cute.

Angelaxstella - glad we could help. 

[genislaughter]

WONDERFUL idea!  I've always struggled with those handles myself.
Thank you very much for taking the time to post!

[threegirlsandaboy]

Thanks, Melicon and Kaymadben!  I may try a couple with each way of doing the handles and see how it goes.  I've been putting off this particular shopping bag because I just couldn't get the handle thing to make sense in my head.  I'm excited now!!   

[melicon]

Thanks, Melicon and Kaymadben! 

I'm glad you will now try these shopping bags cuz I think you will love them. I can't stop coming up with people I want to make them for.