Hi everyone!
This is a bag I made recently to take on short trips . . .
It looks quite basic but was really complicated to make(for me anyway)!
It's lined and has a hidden zip, I also made a velcro cover for the handles.
This is my first tutorial so feel free to to let me know if it doesn’t make sense! Also, I didn’t take any photos as I worked so i’ve done some sketches instead.
OK, here goes:
The fabric I used is curtain fabric, so it’s 100% cotton and quite thick. Cut the fabric pieces as follows:
The measurements are in inches, leave 1 inch for seams.
You will also need a 30 inch zip, (I used an open ended one) and a strip of fabric suitable for handles.
Optional:
Loops (I used curtain rings!)
Heavy Duty Interfacing
1. Sew the zip onto the two top pieces.
2. Sew this onto the bottom piece at the edges, to form the frame of the bag. (At this point I added loops as decoration and to give the option of adding a longer strap later.)
3. The next part is a little tricky. Lay out the first side piece, right side up. Place the frame piece that you have just made so that the joins are at the same height on either side. Pin it all the way round, folding in the edges so that it looks a bit like an envelope.
4. Slot in the handles 4 inches from the corners of the bag, the handles themselves should be inside the “envelope”, with the edges pointing out.
5. Stitch all the way around.
6. Repeat steps 3,4 & 5 for the other side.
7. Make up the lining fabric in the same way, omitting the zip, loops and handles.
8. Turn the bag right side out and place the lining inside it, cut a piece of the interfacing 8x20 inches and lay this in the bottom between the two layers. Stitch the two together along the opening/zip. This will create a double layer of stitching.
I think that’s everything! Let me know if you have any questions, and i’d love to see anybody else’s versions.
