A-line Jordy Bag

[second-hand-smoke]

I've been playing around with Jordy's GREAT tutorial for a square bottom bag and came up with this A-line version.

I will post a more detailed tutorial if anybody needs it, but basically it goes like this:

Make a pattern that is a triangle with its top cut off instead of a rectangle. You still cut the little squares out of the bottom, you use the same pattern for the handle. For this bag I also added a flap - just measure a rectangle that is the same size as your opening, and as long as you'd like it to be on the bag. I rounded the corners for niciness.

Now - assemble as you would for the Jordy bag. Sew the outside with interfacing, sew the lining (I sew both corners together and leave a hole in the top front to pull thru instead), sew the handle, sew the flap together right sides facing -turn inside out and iron. Turn the lining right side out. Slip the handle down into the bag, pin the flap in place on the back (INSIDE the bag, right sides facing - remember - anything you want on the outside must be on the inside). Stitch all around the top leaving a hole at the front to pull your bag thru. Turn it all right side to itself and press the seam down where the hole is. Stitch all the way around.

NOW - on this bag I haven't put the velcro under the flap yet, and I didn't stitch all the way around the top because my NON free arm machine wouldn't do it with the stiffness of the bag. Instead I jsut stitch witched the seam closed and ironed the top flat. Obviously this pattern is still in its tweaking stages. I plan to make it a little wider at top and bottom in order to accomodate my equipment (it won't even slip over the end of my ironing board and I don't have one of those sleeve thingy's either!) BUT you get the general idea.

I plan to make another one soon so maybe I'll learn more then.

Let me know if you have any questions! Enjoy!

 

[craftsurge]

This came out amazing!! Excellent job!

[comfits]

shs---that bag kicks butt!!!  i love it!!!  i wanted to make one similar, but wasn't sure it'd turn out.  i don't think mine would have cuz i didn't think to add a flap!  yours really looks great & i can't wait to try it!!!!  btw, i love the fabric--perfect for spring, which is right around the corner!!

[second-hand-smoke]

thanks comfits - the green is a scrap from the sale table at joann's (i LOVE lime green!!), the floral is left over from about a hundred projects. that's what i love about these little bags - you get to use up all those odd scraps! good luck with your bag. i hope you post a pic, i'd love to see it!!

[pseudola]

That's awesome. I have been wanting to try to make my own bag of similar shape (I just got my first sewing machine so it will probably be a crappy attempt ), so I'm glad to hear that this modification to the square bottom tutorial works. Anyway, I was wondering since I've never made a bag before, is there kind of a rule of thumb about the ratio of outer-to-lining fabric weight/thickness to make a bag work out well?

[evilmathgenius]

That's fabulous!
I always have trouble with structured purses. They end up all deformed and floppy when I try. Yours has a very nice shape. I will definitely give that a shot!

[Xanthia]

I love making bags! They are so easy...and interfacing is really the key

[redhead]

oh shs - that bag is so great!  i love the colors, the applique on the flap - everything!  i think i am going to have to try one.  what are the approximate dimensions of yours?  i am concerned about getting the triangle proportions correct . . .

[second-hand-smoke]

thanks guys!

here is the rest of the scoop on this bag:

i used a pretty heavy interface (i don't like pelon so i found this stuff that is supposed to be for making shades. i'm sorry i don't remember what it is called but i got it at joann's and it's clearly marked that it's for making shades.) i also put a really lightweight interface on the lining, mostly just because i had some but...

i think when i do the next one i will make the top (and consequently the bottom) a litte wider because as i said it was hard for my machine to accomodate the narrow turns but my triangle was basically 13.75"W at the bottom and 9"W at the top, 8"H. this allowed for .5" seam allowance all around. don't forget to cut out the squares at the bottom. i started with a 1.5" square, but ended up making it 2" because i wanted the sides to be a little wider. the flap was 9"W x 6"H with rounded corners at the bottom.

Hope this helps! i can't wait to see all the great bags everybody is going to make!

[conclusion]

that is a great bag, and i love the colors, it's just excellent. I also checked out your website, it's great!! you are very talented!!!