Finally! I am so sorry it took me so long to get this tutorial up here-I hope it was worth the wait! Life has been a little hectic lately. I'll stop rambling now. By the way this is my first tutorial!
Tutorial
this tutorial shows how to make a purse or tote bag with two main panels joined with a side piece that forms the sides and bottom of the bag. This was designed by me. I have seen some similar to this, but I did not use a bought pattern or copy anyone else. If it is similar, it just means that we had the same great idea!
you can make a purse like this
http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=97587.0(see link for more pics)
or a tote like this
http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=97509.0(see link for more pics)
materials (I'm not listing yardage, because that depends on the size you want)
-front/back panel fabric
-side panel fabric
-lining fabric
-straps fabric
-interfacing
-closure that you want
the pictures shown in directions below are for a purse
front/back panels 9.5”w x 7”h
side panels 3.5”w x 23”h
pockets 9.5”w x 5”h
straps 2 w x 22”h
cutting the pieces front and back panels:
-cut 2 panels of outer fabric, 2 panels of lining fabric, 4 panels of interfacing
-cut panels the size you want, then cut a curve in the bottom corners (I used a plastic lid to make the curve-it is only 1/2" in from the corner)
side panel:
-using a flexible tape measure, measure along the sides and the bottom of the front/back panel piece
-everything but the top-this is how long your side piece needs to be (or measure the sides and the bottom, add the three measurements up and then you will have a little left over after you sew that you can cut off -due to the curve)
-once you have figured out the length, decide on the width-for totes, the largest width I have used is 6” and for the purses I used 3”
-cut 1 outer fabric,1 lining fabric, 2 interfacing
interfacing:
I use fusible fleece interfacing on all of my pieces except the pocket material-this is what makes the bag stand on its own even when it is empty. You can use other types of interfacing or none at all (but your bag will not have much stability without it)
-cut interfacing to the size of all pieces you want interfaced and iron on if necessary
pockets:
-I use slip pockets, but you can put in any kind you want
-to make slip pockets, I use one layer of canvas fabric with the top edge finished in some way
(if you are using thinner fabric you may want to interface your pockets, or use two layers of fabric)
-I machine baste around the pocket edges to my main lining panel and sew dividing lines if I want them
straps:
-cut 4 straps the desired length, and 2 times the desired width
-fold in half lengthwise and iron, open, then fold raw edges to the middle and iron
-sew two strips together lengthwise close to each edge with the raw edges in the inside
-repeat for the other strap
(you can lay in batting or fleece in the straps before sewing them to make them padded)
(this pic does not show the handles or the flap)
Sewing Outside:
- Start with one of the outer front/back panels and the outer side panel right sides together
- Place the side panel on top, and pin down the right side to just above where the front panel starts to curve
- Slow down as you to come to the curve
- Start pulling the side panel to the left so it lines up with the edge of the curved panel only a little at a time-GO SLOW and pivot with the needle down slightly to adjust to the curve or it will not lie nicely
- Continue around curve then line up straight edges along bottom and sew
- Slow down and do other curve like before
- Now line up straight edges again and sew up the side
At this point you may have part of your side panel longer than the front/back panel-that is OK-just cut it off even with the top of the front/back panel
Now get the other front/back panel and lay it right sides together with the other side of the side panel, keeping the side panel on the top. Repeat all of the above steps!
Now you have your outside done!
Lining:
Repeat all of the steps for the Outside except leave the bottom of one side open. Sew the curves completely, but leave the bottom open-this is where you will turn the purse right side out.
Trim:
You will need to trim all of the curved seams so they will not be bulky and will not ripple when turned right side out. Get close to the line of stitching, but not too close!
Before trimming
After trimming
Iron:
This is an important step. Iron all of the seams nice and flat-I know that you can’t iron the curves, but get the side seams nicely pressed-see the difference? This will help you bag hold it’s shape.
Before ironing
After ironing
Putting it all together
If you are going to put any kind of closure on your bag, now is the time to do it. Attach a magnetic snap to the lining, or pin on a flap or ribbon ties when you pin the straps.
-With the outside of your bag right side out, pin the straps on in your desired spot, with the top edges about ¼” higher than the bag-mine were about 1.5” from the side seams
-Turn the outside of your bag so the right side is facing in, and the straps down inside
-Turn the lining right side facing out and put inside the outside-the right sides are facing each other
-Sew around the top
-Pull the bag inside out through the hole
-Sew up the opening in the lining
-Push the lining inside the purse
-Give it another ironing to smooth it out
-Sew around the top
-Admire your new bag!
