Difficulty level
Beginner
Time to Complete
Evening
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Stage 1
You will need 2 styles of fabric for the front. The main fabric measuring 10" x 9" and the top contrasting fabric measuring 10" x 3". For the lining you will need 2 pieces of fabric measuring 12" x 10".
Stage 2
Pin or clip the contrasting fabric to the Russian doll fabric right sides together.
Stage 3
Sew along the top with a ¼" seam allowance. I have used my foot 97D with a guide to help me. Make sure you secure your ends; I used the securing knot on my machine.
Top Tip:
Don’t forget hold your threads when you start to sew. This stops birds nesting at the beginning of a seam.
Stage 4
Press your seam and on the right side top stitch just inside the Russian doll fabric.
Top Tip:
I used the inside of the right toe of the foot as a guide to keep my stitching straight.
Stage 5
Pin or clip the 2 lining pieces right sides together and sew around the edge with a ¼" seam. Make sure you leave the top open and a gap in the side to allow for the bag to be turned through. This is marked with the 2 yellow pins in the picture above. For the front section of the bag sew the side and bottom seam as before but without the gap.
Stage 6
The next step is to box your corners on both the inside and outside sections. Match your seams and mark a 2" line across. You can then take this to your sewing machine and sew making sure you secure your ends, for this I used quick reverse on my machine.
Stage 7
Place the lining inside right sides together and pin at the top making sure you match your seams. Then stitch round the edge.
Top Tip:
I removed my sew table and used my free arm to make this easier.
Stage 8
Pull the bag through the hole you left in the pink lining and give it a little press if it needs it.
Stage 9
Close the side seam up with a straight stitch using matching thread. I used a green so you can see it in the photos.
Stage 10
Tuck the lining inside the bag and top stitch along the edge. Your bag is really taking shape now!
Top Tip:
If you have an edge stitch foot 10 you can use it as a guide, move your needle position over until you get the correct seam allowance.
Stage 11
Next we need to make the channel that the cord or ribbon will fit into. I measured 1 ¼" from the top of the bag for my first line then sewed a second line ½" below that. Make sure you reverse stitch at the side seams to add an extra secure as we are going to unpick the top layer of side seam stitching at one side to allow us to pass the ribbon through.
Stage 12
I have used a small safety pin to help me pass my pretty ribbon through the opening. Tie your ends together once it has gone all around the bag!
That’s your bag complete! Now time for the important bit…the tasks!
Stage 14
To create the tasks to go in the boredom bag I used combination mode on my machine and selected a block font. My daughter Ruby had great fun entering them in and stitching them out on some 1.5cm Petersham Ribbon. I used my 1D dual feed foot to help the Petersham feed through nice and smoothly.
Top Tip:
Always remember to set 1 pattern repeat on your machine then you can use your Start/Stop button and not worry it will run on!
I think I might be a bit optimistic with this one!
Now you are all done and can go off and play...
No more "Mummy I’m bored"!
Make sure to regularly check the Bernina UK Team projects page as we will be bringing you LOTS of fabulous new projects to inspire you throughout your isewlation!