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Sunday 24 May 2015

Handbags and Wallets Part 18 Art Bag Republished

I have decided to republish the steps of this bag to show you a different take on the same pattern. In the previous blog, Part 17, we prepared the handles and we are now ready to start construction on the bag. You can download the pattern for this bag here. The handles are available here. Or simply visit APrettyTalent.com.


The Zippers
We are going to start by attaching the zippers to the bag. The bag has only two zippers; one at the top and one inside the bag on the pocket. We start with the one at the top. You will need a zipper of 35 cm, but a longer zipper can be cut to size and can therefore also be used if you have one readily available.


Sandwich the zipper between the zipper flaps (fabric and lining).


Sew as close as possible to the zipper.


Repeat the same steps on the other side of the zipper as well.


Iron the zipper flat.


We now turn to the zipper pocket inside the bag. You will need a 20 cm zipper. I had a 25 cm zipper at hand and will simply trim it back.


Sandwich the zipper between the bottom pattern pieces of the pocket.


Sew as close as possible to the zipper.


Sandwich the other side of the zipper between the top pattern pieces of the pocket.


Sew as close as possible to the zipper.


I now trimmed my too long zipper back.


I gave the zipper a stay stitch where I had trimmed it back.


The Pockets
We are now ready to start construction on the pockets. We continue with the zipper pocket. Fold the top of the pocket carefully away so it can't get caught in the sewing.


Fold the bottom of the bag over on itself with the right sides facing and pin in place.


Sew down one side, taking care not to catch the top part in the seam.


Sew down the other side, taking care not to catch the top part in the seam.


Cut the excess fabric away in the corners.



Turn the pocket ride side out.



Fold the bottom away that same way you did the top of the pocket.


Lay the top of the pocket down with right sides facing and pin in place. Sew both sides. Trim the corners and turn the pocket out again.



Iron the pocket flat.


We now turn our attention to the elasticated cell phone pocket. Fold the pocket on the fold line with the right sides facing.


Leave an opening of approximately 2 cm open on both sides and sew the pocket closed all the way around.



Cut the excess fabric on the corners away.


Turn the pocket right side out.


Iron the pocket flat before you continue.


Fold an open pleat in the pocket at the bottom (not on the fold line where the openings for the elastic are).


Pin the pleat in place.


Cut an elastic slightly longer than the width of the pocket.


Push the elastic through the pocket at the top.


Fold and pin the ends of the elastic back on both ends,



Set your sewing machine to zigzag stitch.


Sew a zigzag stitch on top of the elastic. Stretch the elastic out while you are sewing so that the fabric lies flat.



Attach the Pockets to the Lining
We are now going to attach the pockets to the lining. Pin the cell phone pocket to the centre of one of the lining panels.


Sew as close as possible to the side of the pocket. Leave only the elasticated top open.


Find the centres at the top and bottom of the zipper pocket.


Find the centres of the remaining lining panel at the top and bottom as well. Line the centres of the pocket and the lining up with each other.


The pocket will be slightly longer than the lining panel. This is as a result of including the width of the zipper. Line the pocket up with the lining at the bottom and trim the extra length at the top.


Secure the pocket in place with pins.


This step is optional, but I prefer to put a stay stitch in place at the top and bottom of the bag, securing the pocket to the lining.


Sew as close as possible to the sides of the pocket. Sew from the top of the pocket, past the zipper, and right through to the bottom. Do this on both sides of the pocket.



In the next blog we will put the finishing touches on this bag and complete it.

For more crafty ideas and great products, visit APrettyTalent.com.
Remember to keep nurturing your TALENT for making PRETTY things.
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