Difficulty level
Intermediate
Time to Complete
Weekend
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Stage 1
Collect together the main bag fabric and scraps of fabric that you have chosen for the crazy patchwork pocket and appliqué design.
Stage 2
Using the scraps of fabric cut out a variety of leaf shapes, this may be done by hand or using a cutting die. Apply Bondaweb to the reverse of each leaf.
Stage 3
Cut two pieces of the main bag fabric to the size required, I used 16"x18". Lay the leaf shapes out on the right side of one of the pieces of fabric in a design you have chosen. Remove the backing of each piece of Bondaweb and, using a hot iron, press each leaf into the correct position.
Stage 4
Thread your sewing machine with a contrasting thread and using presser foot #24, free-motion stitch just inside the cut edge of each leaf to re-enforce the Bondaweb and fix it to the main bag fabric.
Stage 5
Next, still using presser foot #24, free motion stitch on each leaf to create veins.
Stage 6
Using more pieces of the scrap fabric make a piece of crazy patchwork for the pocket. Sew two scraps of fabric right sides together using presser foot #37. Press and trim, then sew on another scrap, press and trim. Continue using this method to create a piece of patchwork approximately 20"x20". You will achieve the best result by taking a relaxed approach to the choice of each piece to be sewn and its positioning.
Stage 7
For the pocket cut a rectangle 16"x9" from the piece of crazy patchwork sewn and press.
Stage 8
Along one of the longer edges fold over ¼" and then fold that over again to form a firm edge, top stitch along the fold.
Stage 9
Position the pocket, with the folded edge at the top, against the bottom edge of the front side of the second piece of bag fabric.
Stage 10
Tack stitch the pocket along the shorter edges into position.
Stage 11
Placing right sides together, stitch the two bag pieces together with a ¼" seam and using presser foot #37. Clip the bottom corners of the seam allowances.
Stage 12
Using the contrasting lining fabric cut two rectangles 16"x18". Place them right sides together and stitch a ¼” seam along the two sides and bottom.
Stage 13
By opening out the seam allowances and putting the side and bottom seams together flatten out the corners of the lining.
Stage 14
Stitch a straight seam across the corner, 2" down from each tip. Trim off the excess to give a ¼" seam allowance.
Stage 15
Repeat the corner trim on the main bag fabric.
Stage 16
For the bag handles cut two strips of main bag fabric and two strips of contrasting lining fabric. Each one 32"x2".
Stage 17
With right sides together, stitch one piece of main fabric and one piece of contrasting fabric together along a long edge with a ½" seam allowance. Repeat for the second handle.
Stage 18
Press and turn each one right sides out and top stitch ¼" from the seam using presser foot #37.
Stage 19
Turn under ½" fold on each remaining unstitched long edge of fabric. Press and pin together to form a complete handle. Top stitch ¼" from the folds using presser foot #37. By giving the bag handles a larger seam allowance this will strengthen each handle.
Stage 20
Press each bag handle on both sides.
Stage 21
With the main bag fabric inside out, position one handle to the front of the bag with the right sides of each handle against the right side of the fabric 4" from the side seam. Place the second handle in the same way against the back of the fabric. Tack each handle in position.
Stage 22
Place the lining, right side out, inside the bag. Match the top raw edges and pin together. The handles will then be concealed between the bag and lining.
Stage 23
Stitch a ½" seam allowance around the top of the bag but leave a 4" opening between one of the handles to allow the bag to be turned inside out.
Stage 24
Turn the bag through the opening and ease the bag and lining into shape. Slip stitch the opening to close.
Stage 25
Top stitch around the top of the bag ¼" down from the seam and press.
Congrats! Your stylish tote bag is ready to use...
Time to take a stroll down to the market and get in some seasonal veg - with the perfect bag to transport it home in!
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