Sew Fast Sew Easy: All You Need to Know When You Start to Sew (10 page)

Pocket at center for pocket placement

Pocket at the sides

Sewing Introductions

Step 1: Fusible Interfacing (optional)

Test a sample of the fusible interfacing on scrap fabric to see if you like the stiffness. For more stiffness add another layer of fusible. Iron the fusible interfacing to the wrong side of the tote bag body and straps.

Step 2: Needlepunch (optional)

Pin the needlepunch to the wrong side of the tote bag fabric. Be sure to match the notches. Pin. Baste together using
3/8
-inch seam allowance.

Pin the needlepunch to the wrong side of the strap. Note that the needlepunch will only cover half of the width of the strap. Machine-baste to one side using a
3/8
-inch seam allowance. Trim the seam allowance.

SEW THE POCKET, SEW UP FOLDED SIDES

Pin the pocket pieces together along the sides and the bottom. Keep the top, which has one notch at center, open. Sew the three sides.

Trim down seam allowances to avoid bulk. Turn the right side out. Press. Fold up the pocket along fold line and press. Pin the edges of the pocket together and stitch closed ¼-inch away from edge of pocket.

SPECIAL TECHNIQUE TO TURN STRAPS

Sew the strip of ribbon or hem tape to the right side of the strap at one end. Fold the strap in half lengthwise, making certain that the ribbon/ hem tape lies along the inside edge. Stitch the strap closed, using a ½-inch seam allowance. Using the ribbon/hem tape,
pull the strap right side out.
Remove the ribbon/hem tape. Press. Topstitch either side of strap if desired.

NOTE:
If you are using quite heavy fabric such as a thick canvas or denim, you will not be able to do the above as the fabric will be too bulky. Instead, just fold in ¼-inch on both sides of the strap length, press, fold in half, and then topstitch on each side.

ATTACH STRAPS

Pin the pocket to the tote bag so that the pocket faces the right side of the tote. Match the notches at the center of the pocket and the center of the top of the bag.

Pin the narrow edges of the strap to the edges of the bag. Make certain to match the strap to the notches on the bag.

Baste all pieces down at a
3/8
-inch seam allowance.

Fold the bag in half with the right sides together. Pin the sides closed. Sew from top to bottom (fold), matching the notches near the bottom. Press open the seam allowances.

Step 7: Making the Box

At the bottom of the bag where the notches are placed, fold out your corners so they form a triangular shape. It should measure 2 inches on either side of the side seam. Mark a line with tailor’s chalk, pin, and sew along chalk mark. The point of your triangle is the bottom end of your bag.

SEWING
TRIANGULAR FLAP

Leave lining
open on the
side

Fold the lining in half with the right sides together. Pin the sides closed. On one side sew from top to bottom (fold), matching the notches near the bottom. On the second side, leave a 4-inch-wide opening so that you can turn the bag right side out. This opening must be between the top of the lining and the notch near the bottom. Press open the seam allowance.