A bit nondescript and not really encouraging to the artistic mind. At least, that's how I feel about this color. They really are great bags though and work wonderfully for carrying art projects around. I just don't like the way they look! XD Also, I didn't have any money to buy something I wouldn't really be happy with anyway, so instead I whipped this puppy out!
The big black thing you see inside is a piece of cardboard that I use to stabilize the bag when I pull my drawing pads out. I feel it also helps protect the precious cargo. Since I've carried this around, I've had a fellow student commission me to make one for them. I'm going to use that bag to show you how easy it really is to make something you will enjoy.
What you need:
At least *1yd at 56"wide of fabric.
Some kind of handles. Just enough to make two over the shoulder straps. You can also make shorter ones for your hands.
Step 1: Fabric.
There's so much fabric to choose from, and really anything could work, just keep in mind a few things when you are making your choice.
a) is this going to be exposed to the elements frequently?
If the answer is yes, you can find fabric that is water resistant. There are also products out there to help waterproof your fabric.
b) how long do you want it to last?
If you want it to last a long time, then you probably also said yes to the above question. Make sure to choose something heavy duty and not like the linen I used on my bag.
c) how much are much are you willing to spend on this?
This is completely up to you. :) Something that is always nice to keep an eye out for are coupons! If you can, wait for that sale to get something you will love without hurting the pocketbook. Remember too that you don't need more than 1 yard.
d) *do you want/need extra fabric for pockets?
This is where you might need to get a little more fabric. If you want any pockets or flaps, you will need to get a little more. My client didn't want any pockets so I'm not sure how much you would want, however another 1/4 would be plenty to make a small pocket.
Here's the fabric I'm working with for this project. My client found it in the home fabric section.
Once you have your fabric, it is time to get making!
Step 2: Even out.
By the time the fabric comes home from the store, you probably have noticed that the cut edges aren't exactly forming right angles. That's easy enough to fix with a snip snip!
Step 3: Pin.
Fold your fabric in half with the selvage edges touching if you haven't already. Since we are using a French seam on this bag for the seam finish, place wrong sides together. I prefer the French seam method on bags and when there is no serger available. If you want to use a different seam finish skip to the end of this tutorial for the different steps. ****
The folded edge will be the bottom of the bag, and the two shorter sides will be, well, the sides! =D
Pin along the edges so the fabric doesn't shift. Be careful as you are pinning so the fabric doesn't move around! I'll have a video about pinning techniques later.
Step 4: Sew!
For this first seam I'm taking a 1/4" allowance. For some machines, this lines up on the outside of the foot. Make sure to measure first if you are not sure! Also, be sure to back stitch at the beginning and end.
Once the seam is finished, press it flat, then flip the fabric so right sides are together. I like to press again here so the previous seam is snugged right up against the edge.
Once you pin, it should look like this.
This time, our seam allowance is going to be a bit bigger at 3/8". This isn't far from the edge of the foot. Backstitch at the beginning and end again.
Once it's been sewn it comes out like this!
Can you see how there are no raw edges on the inside or outside of the bag? The French seam locks the raw edges up inside the seam itself! This makes it extra sturdy.
Almost there!
Step 5: Hem
Now we are ready to tackle the top of the bag! Get your iron ready and press the fabric down 1/4".
Once you get this pressed down all the way around, press it down another 1/2 inch. It should look like this.
Keep your seam allowance just shy of a 1/2". Make sure to catch the folded over part in your stitches.
Step 6: Handles
Measure in an equal distance from both sides and pin the handle ends in place. Repeat on the other side.
With the handles in place, trace around the edge to make a square on the handle, then make an "x" inside the square.
And the bag is complete! Just stick your sketch pads in and you are ready to go!
Thanks for joining me today for this tutorial!
For those who wanted steps for a different finish.
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Step 3: Fold fabric with right sides together. The folded edge will be the bottom of the bag, and the two shorter sides will be, well, the sides! =D
Pin along the edges so the fabric doesn't shift. Be careful as you are pinning so the fabric doesn't move around! I'll have a video about pinning techniques later.
Step 4: Take a seam allowance of 5/8". Make sure to back stitch at the first and the end.
Step 4b: This is the part where you can do different finishes. Two of the most popular are the surged finish, and the zigzag. Whatever you end up choosing, make sure to do each seam individually. If you have any questions, feel free to message me!
Finishing goes the same as the above instructions, just hop back up to Step 5.
****
If you have any suggestions for tutorials you'd like to see let me know in the comments below!
Stitching off for now,
~Lali
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