I really like your instruction. You're a good teacher and I love that you don't blab about stuff that has nothing to do with the project during instruction. Awesome job as well. Love the patterns ❤
You have a really clear way of explaining, and I like that you pause while you’re doing the boring bits, eg cutting out, which we don’t need to watch. Thank you!
Spent a wonderful morning with the granddaughter helping her sew this for her cousin for Christmas. Great, easy to follow directions. Thanks so much!! Now to talk her into making one for gramma 😉
Thanks, Laura! As a beginner I have looked at about half a dozen Knot Bag tutorials but yours was the first one that actually made me feel like I could do it!! I was SOOO proud of myself as I cut and squared off my exterior and lining fabrics (Didn’t have coordinating fat quarters on hand) which is not my strong suit…then marking and cutting all the lines and curves. My pieces mirrored yours and I thought I would finally end up with a bag I could be proud of on the first try. That all flew out the window after stitching the bag together. Even though I made SURE I followed the instructions to a T where the little 1/4 inch notch is and marked my fabric where I needed to stitch it in that area, PLUS made sure to move the handles as far over as I could, it still got all mucked up in that area. I think the handles were just too close to the stitch marks and I couldn’t avoid getting some of the fabric stuck. I used my seam ripper over and over trying to get that area to work but just havent been able to . I hate to let a project win, I usually am able to fix something when I can see what happened (it might not look pretty when I am done, but I have a need to figure it out!! Not sure I will be able to on this one. I still like your method better than the others I see with the super fiddly handles. Any tips? Would a 1/2 in seam allowance/notch help? Sorry for the long winded comment! Liked & Subscribed!
@user-vm4fv6oy9u Did you ever manage to sew your bag up without sewing over the handles? I am planning to make myself a bag in silk to match the hat I'm wearing to my son's wedding and hope to avoid this pit-fall . . . thanks
Sorry! I was not notified I had a response. Yes and no. I’d tried 3 times unsuccessfully. Today, 4 months later, I rewatched the tutorial and remade the bag (yes, I saved everything, LOL). I picked it ALL apart, trimmed everything down to fresh edges and followed to a T. It was better, but still not like Laura’s, I didn’t sew the handles to the side, but the 1/4 inch slit area was so weak I had to reinforce. It’s functional I feel I’ve improved but maybe I am just not ready for this technique. I’m sure it’s me, as Laura makes great stuff. I might try another tutorial with a smaller bag to see if I have better success! Good Luck, if you haven’t attempted it yet!
From one Laura to another, I very much appreciate your teaching style. I'd tried unsuccessfully twice before with other patterns/tutorials. With you, I had a completed bag with no do-overs! Fun stuff for this beginner sew-er. Thanks sew much!
Thank you for your take on the knot bag. I love these bags and use a smaller version as a purse every day. The handle completion has always been a bit of a struggle with other methods of construction (a weak spot where the handles join the bag). I am looking forward to trying your version with the quarter-inch setback and sewing the handles first. Thank you. I just knew you would have a better and easier way of doing it. You always do. You are such a wonderful teacher. Thank you for all you do.
I have not seen a bag like this before. I think it is fun and a good way to use up all the fat quarters I keep buying. Thank you for the way you give the instructions. I can easily follow along and understand what you have done.
Brilliant tutorial and beautifully presented. "Thank you" for your lovely manner in presenting, and your gentle non-piercing voice and no 'waffling'. I don't subscribe often but did so with pleasure to your videos. Of course, the pattern is super - especially designed that you are sewing the bag with the fabric flat rather than trying to navigate a tube over the sewing machine.
This is a great tutorial. I love the way you explain it. The only issue I had was with the fabric choices. When converting to 2 colors (inside/outside), I struggled to figure out how to match them. This was a huge learning curve.
I am very thankful that you and some other creators show your hands well when measuring and a good angle for the camera, -i have never used a pattern before, and i have not measured exact-to-recipe before because i make clothes especially by human-measurements, so seeing how my hand should look in comparison, and the finger-sections makes it PERFECT to what it should be. (though, a bag is much easier than a dress) this is...an awesome pretty bag!, and tutorial.
Thank you! I had planned on making one of these, and this vid pops up just when I’m trying to work out how to make it reversible. So simple. Thanks again 😊
Never tried to make one before. It was so easy doing it your way.. And it was so quick. I'm hooked. Going to make lots more. I made a template to use. Got another 2 already cut out. Great for unusual. presents. Thank you.
Was recently looking at one of your videos and decided to go back to your first since utube made it easy to do. Learned a lot of new and some refreshing ideas. Well worth it. Nowadays everyone is stuck on doing one thing. No variety. Nothing new.
Hi Laura! Thank you for this amazing pattern - I have already made one and it is fabulous! I did, however, make one alteration… Instead of curving the bottom corners, I boxed them and the result was just great. Your detailed instructions in the video were absolutely perfect . Thank you so much.
I've seen a tutorial on this before, but I must tell you that your method for sewing the handles together is superior to the other videos I've watched. Also, it is much easier to finish the rest of the bag. For crocheters or knitters, this is a perfect way to keep your yarn in a secure spot and not have it rolling all over the place while you're trying to work. Trust me! This bag is also very handy to hang on a walker as it's so lightweight and easy to make in smaller sizes. Thank you for the video!
Oh I am so glad I clicked on You Tube today, this is exactly the inspiration I needed for a craft project/gift idea. You always have the greatest creative ideas, thank you so much!
I have wanted to make one of these, and am so happy to have instructions now- such easy and clear instructions! I have some special fat quarters I have been saving, and this is what I will do with them!
These are very popular and I first saw these on Pinterest. Of course pictures can confuse so it’s nice Laura did it in a video. Well it’s fun to watch her show us as we learn
I'm a nursing student going into my second year next month, and I've been looking for an easy pattern for a bag to carry my clinical equipment in for a while now. This looks like it would work a treat with a thicker material on the outside for longevity, say midweight denim or vintage ticking. I'd also extend the "handle" loop so the bag could be carried around my shoulder. Sort of like an oversized nurse drop-kit, just stuff and go!
This time create a template out of a paper shopping bag to keep for later use. Don't forget to label it. I have a Zippered notebook with sheet protectors to keep patterns like these that I make
Made a lovely bag and I’m very proud of it. Only issue for me, was when stacking the fabrics it wasn’t clear which would be the two outside fabrics and which two would be the inside. Might be obvious to an experienced sewer but not to a beginner.
If you're not stressed about creating a specific lining and an outside, the best bet is to use 4 complimentary pieces of fabric and that way the bag is reversible. No stress about right, wrong, inside or outside. Flexibility, you gotta love it
Right sides together 1 lining and 1 outer print, repeat with 2nd set. When you go to attach the handles, initially secure with a safety pin or loosely baste, then gently pull apart to see if the correct pieces will be together when stitching the sides. Adjust as needed before stitching handles.
I really like this bag. If I make it with less feminine fabrics, my 11-year-old grandson could carry clothes for overnight visits. This bag is very clever.
Love, love, love your version of the knot bag. As always a beautifully finished project. Just one question...How did you get to have such gorgeous hair!
Thanks so much for creating this video. Your explanation was clear and precise. Do you think this same method can be done creating a boxy bottom instead of a round one?
Is it fair to say that the handle technique can be used even when they are the same size? Say with a traditional hobo / slouch bag? Could we quilt or use batting to make a bit sturdier if we wanted? Also, what do you think about boxed bottoms here? New to sewing so I appreciate the guidance and thank you.
Yes to all. You can add batting but make sure to trim the seams because batting will add bulk and make it harder to turn the handles, the rest of the bag with batting won't be a problem. No difference with same sized handles, the technique is the same. The uniqueness of the different sized handles (the Japanese knot) is the locking technique that closes the top of the bag without the need for a zipper or metal clasp/closure device. If sewing a square bottom, realize that if you box it to create depth for the bag, you need to add more to your measurements initially because boxing, though it adds depth, actually reduces the size of the bag. So if you're going to create a 2" triangle to box the corners, add 2" to the original size of the bag pattern/template (the height, you might add a little extra to the width as well).. Boxing to create depth- sew the corners regularly with a straight seam and 90 degree stitch line, then create a triangle at the corner by pulling corner up to side seam line, stitch at the base of the triangle you've created. Make sure the triangles at both corners are of equal size. (If you measure 1 1/2 inch up from one bottom seam to create a triangle, do the same amount for the other bottom corner. Another hint: it's preferable to wash fabric prior to use to remove the factory stiffeners, stabilize the color, and preshrink the fabric especially if it's cotton. Wash per fabric instructions. One rule of thumb, you can never go wrong using a cold water wash and rinse if fabric content is unknown. Try to use a complimentary batting as well because there's different kinds here too. If your fabric shrinks and your batting doesn't, you'll have buckling of that extra batting. Batting that shrinks/tightens will create bubbling of the fabric. Always plan ahead, measure twice before cutting, take your time, don't waste fabric, save your scraps. It's amazing what you can create with leftover scraps from patching stuff to creating new fabric by joining pieces together.
I love this bag! I love the directions even more, so much easier. However, do you know if it's possible to do just 2 colors with the same directions. I've tried (times 2) and I keep getting one side of the bag one color and the other the opposite color on the other side ( light weight canvas on the outside, light weight muslin lining). I know the point of the bag is using 4 fat quarters, but I was intrigued with the directions and how much easier it looked. Help please. Thank you.
Looks like the remedy might be placement when setting up. Place one outside piece with a lining piece right sides together. Repeat with 2nd set. Also watch when you insert the handles in one another that they're placed properly before you sew
I recommend possibly using a safety pin or loosely basting the handles first so you can pull the pieces apart to see if the pieces are in proper position. that way you can adjust before sewing the handles
When you attach the handles to one another (long piece to long piece and short to short ) place the right side out piece inside the wrong side out piece. This time, when inserting, match outside fabric/main color to its partner and lining to lining. Stitch handles together, pull pieces apart to extend the handles. Flip purse pieces so that handles are in the center, 2 outer fabric pieces facing each other on one side, and 2 lining pieces facing each other on the other side.
Try making a template by following her instructions with 4 fat quarters. First remove any uneven or frayed edges equally on all 4 pieces. If you mark and cut all 4 pieces of fabric at the same time, there's no need for a lot of measuring. They're basically rectangular pieces with an area scooped out for the handles- one handle 9 x 3 1/4 inches, the other, 5 x 3 1/4 inches, at opposite ends, same side. (3" for handle, 1/4" for seam). Initially create a rectangle shaped cutout with marking pencil only, 3 1/4 inches in from both sides. All she did was shorten one side to 5 inches (cut off 4"), then used a jar to round out the corners to make more of a horseshoe shape cut out between the handles. Once you get this initial "template" marked and cut, place it on a paper grocery bag to trace for later use. Or start with paper first, using an 18"" x 21", rectangle using 21" side as the height, create handles with 1/4" seam, add 1/4 seam to sides, cut and use. Label your pattern, store and use for later
Liked the explanation for the handles. However, it would have helped if you’d chosen a contrast coloured fabric for the lining so it was clear which bits were the outside and which pieces were the lining. To clarify: you take one outer piece and a lining piece and place them right sides together and sew the handle section first.
I'm confused. Your 4 pieces of fabric are all different. Do I put the 2 outer fabrics together at the start and sew, then the two lining fabrics. Or do I sew an outer and a lining fabric together? Help please 😊
It creates a seam line that hopefully will not trap the handles when you sew the bags side seams. If this wasn't added, with the handles already sewn, you'd have to be extremely exact to catch the same seam line or create bunched up areas you'd have to release with a seam ripper. The purpose is maintaining a smooth stitching area. Cutting a notch just leaves a hole. Clipping around curves allows seam flexibility (reduces strain) makes it easier to turn,and iron, to create a flattened area for top stitching
Layer initially when you go to trim things up and try to keep them together that way Rights sides together, outer print to lining, repeat with 2nd pair Use caution when inserting together to stitch handles. A useful tip would be to just baste the handles and pull the pieces to extend the handles like they were stitched. Then place right sides together with the other piece to see if the fabrics match like they should (a rough analysis would be pieces that look like extended butterfly wings, right sides together).
I really like your instruction. You're a good teacher and I love that you don't blab about stuff that has nothing to do with the project during instruction. Awesome job as well. Love the patterns ❤
Finally! An easy way to sew the handles nicely without losing my mind! You’re a great problem solver, Laura.
I like the way the handles are sewn - much easier than other versions!
You have a really clear way of explaining, and I like that you pause while you’re doing the boring bits, eg cutting out, which we don’t need to watch. Thank you!
That's the best method of construction that I've seen, thank you.
Spent a wonderful morning with the granddaughter helping her sew this for her cousin for Christmas. Great, easy to follow directions. Thanks so much!! Now to talk her into making one for gramma 😉
As always Laura has amazing ideas I just love watching her. I’m so glad I discovered her a few years ago, she’s my go to for quick gift ideas
Thanks, Laura! As a beginner I have looked at about half a dozen Knot Bag tutorials but yours was the first one that actually made me feel like I could do it!! I was SOOO proud of myself as I cut and squared off my exterior and lining fabrics (Didn’t have coordinating fat quarters on hand) which is not my strong suit…then marking and cutting all the lines and curves. My pieces mirrored yours and I thought I would finally end up with a bag I could be proud of on the first try. That all flew out the window after stitching the bag together. Even though I made SURE I followed the instructions to a T where the little 1/4 inch notch is and marked my fabric where I needed to stitch it in that area, PLUS made sure to move the handles as far over as I could, it still got all mucked up in that area. I think the handles were just too close to the stitch marks and I couldn’t avoid getting some of the fabric stuck. I used my seam ripper over and over trying to get that area to work but just havent been able to . I hate to let a project win, I usually am able to fix something when I can see what happened (it might not look pretty when I am done, but I have a need to figure it out!! Not sure I will be able to on this one. I still like your method better than the others I see with the super fiddly handles. Any tips? Would a 1/2 in seam allowance/notch help? Sorry for the long winded comment! Liked & Subscribed!
@user-vm4fv6oy9u Did you ever manage to sew your bag up without sewing over the handles? I am planning to make myself a bag in silk to match the hat I'm wearing to my son's wedding and hope to avoid this pit-fall . . . thanks
Sorry! I was not notified I had a response. Yes and no. I’d tried 3 times unsuccessfully. Today, 4 months later, I rewatched the tutorial and remade the bag (yes, I saved everything, LOL). I picked it ALL apart, trimmed everything down to fresh edges and followed to a T. It was better, but still not like Laura’s, I didn’t sew the handles to the side, but the 1/4 inch slit area was so weak I had to reinforce. It’s functional I feel I’ve improved but maybe I am just not ready for this technique. I’m sure it’s me, as Laura makes great stuff. I might try another tutorial with a smaller bag to see if I have better success! Good Luck, if you haven’t attempted it yet!
Thank you so much for your reply ❤
Folks as a last resort there's always fabric glue. Make sure the one you use is flexible and washable. Corrects some defects like a charm.
This look’s so much simpler to make than the knot bag’s I have made in the past. I knew there had to be a better way. Thank yo so much. ❤
From one Laura to another, I very much appreciate your teaching style. I'd tried unsuccessfully twice before with other patterns/tutorials. With you, I had a completed bag with no do-overs! Fun stuff for this beginner sew-er. Thanks sew much!
Thank you for your take on the knot bag. I love these bags and use a smaller version as a purse every day. The handle completion has always been a bit of a struggle with other methods of construction (a weak spot where the handles join the bag). I am looking forward to trying your version with the quarter-inch setback and sewing the handles first. Thank you. I just knew you would have a better and easier way of doing it. You always do. You are such a wonderful teacher. Thank you for all you do.
Best handle finish….superb. Thank you.
I made one of those this afternoon. Very pleased with it. All black and white and white and black. Thank you. My grand daughter will love it.
Struggled a bit with this one but once made, all became clear. Beautiful result so many thanks.
I love your method, Laura. It’s not the easiest, but it’s definitely the most professional finish. Thank you for the description.
It is made without batting - Yay!! Love your tutorials, Laura. You explain and demonstrate each step so clearly. Di Hall
This is the best way I’ve seen to make the knot bag. Thank you for sharing🙏
Love this! I am going to add a few pockets, make it a bit deeper, and make as shopping bags for gifts - Thank you!
I have made many of these bags. Your assembly instructions are so much easier than how I have been doing it. Thank you!
I have not seen a bag like this before. I think it is fun and a good way to use up all the fat quarters I keep buying. Thank you for the way you give the instructions. I can easily follow along and understand what you have done.
I’ve been wanting to make a Japanese knot bag for some time now and this looks like the nicest easiest pattern for me . Thank you.
Thank you. I made it within less than one hour!🎉
Laura you are so easy to learn from. I'm not a beginner, but you are who I suggest to a beginner.
Thank you so much for your video and accompanying fabulous explanations! Very easy to follow, along with a calm, soothing voice.
Brilliant tutorial and beautifully presented. "Thank you" for your lovely manner in presenting, and your gentle non-piercing voice and no 'waffling'. I don't subscribe often but did so with pleasure to your videos. Of course, the pattern is super - especially designed that you are sewing the bag with the fabric flat rather than trying to navigate a tube over the sewing machine.
This is a great tutorial. I love the way you explain it. The only issue I had was with the fabric choices. When converting to 2 colors (inside/outside), I struggled to figure out how to match them. This was a huge learning curve.
I am very thankful that you and some other creators show your hands well when measuring and a good angle for the camera,
-i have never used a pattern before, and i have not measured exact-to-recipe before because i make clothes especially by human-measurements,
so seeing how my hand should look in comparison, and the finger-sections makes it PERFECT to what it should be. (though, a bag is much easier than a dress)
this is...an awesome pretty bag!, and tutorial.
I DO enjoy your take on the knot bag! As a matter of fact, I LOVE IT!!!!❤
I love the red you chose. I think your instructions are so clear and so is the filming. I must make one!
Makes so much more sense than previous methods i have used ! Thanks !!!!
Love this version. So easy to follow! Thks!
Thanks for the tutorial!
This is an excellent tutorial! Perfect finish. Great tricks!
Thank you! I had planned on making one of these, and this vid pops up just when I’m trying to work out how to make it reversible. So simple. Thanks again 😊
The bag is very beautiful, thank you very much
Never tried to make one before. It was so easy doing it your way.. And it was so quick. I'm hooked. Going to make lots more. I made a template to use. Got another 2 already cut out. Great for unusual. presents. Thank you.
Was recently looking at one of your videos and decided to go back to your first since utube made it easy to do. Learned a lot of new and some refreshing ideas. Well worth it. Nowadays everyone is stuck on doing one thing. No variety. Nothing new.
Brilliant...ive made your bag before but coukdnt find your tutorial again..now ive found it,im going to subscribe.
Thankyou so much😮
I always get excited to see your posts always so interesting love to give this a try. Thanks again for an interesting project.
Hi Laura! Thank you for this amazing pattern - I have already made one and it is fabulous! I did, however, make one alteration… Instead of curving the bottom corners, I boxed them and the result was just great. Your detailed instructions in the video were absolutely perfect . Thank you so much.
So cute!!!! I can’t wait to unpack my things
I love the way you explain how to do this bag.
Love this bag and sew very easy you are the best Laura
I've seen a tutorial on this before, but I must tell you that your method for sewing the handles together is superior to the other videos I've watched. Also, it is much easier to finish the rest of the bag. For crocheters or knitters, this is a perfect way to keep your yarn in a secure spot and not have it rolling all over the place while you're trying to work. Trust me! This bag is also very handy to hang on a walker as it's so lightweight and easy to make in smaller sizes. Thank you for the video!
Glad it was helpful!
So very cute. Wonderful tutorial. Thank you
Thank you! I love these and it looks pretty easy to make
Oh I am so glad I clicked on You Tube today, this is exactly the inspiration I needed for a craft project/gift idea. You always have the greatest creative ideas, thank you so much!
Great tutorial thank you
Love it! Thanks for sharing! ❤
I have wanted to make one of these, and am so happy to have instructions now- such easy and clear instructions! I have some special fat quarters I have been saving, and this is what I will do with them!
These are very popular and I first saw these on Pinterest. Of course pictures can confuse so it’s nice Laura did it in a video. Well it’s fun to watch her show us as we learn
Thank you, very easy and pretty bag.
I just ordered this pattern, so your video is just in time! Thanks for sharing! 💛💛
Can I order this pattern?
LINDA MORRIS I ordered mine from Missouri Star Quilt Co. There are probably other places if you do a Google search. 😊
@@lindamorris6025save money make your own. A few simple measurements on a shopping bag and you have a reusable template.
I'm a nursing student going into my second year next month, and I've been looking for an easy pattern for a bag to carry my clinical equipment in for a while now. This looks like it would work a treat with a thicker material on the outside for longevity, say midweight denim or vintage ticking. I'd also extend the "handle" loop so the bag could be carried around my shoulder. Sort of like an oversized nurse drop-kit, just stuff and go!
What a wonderful idea!
I love your projects. You pick such beautiful fabrics. Thanks, Laura! My great nieces are finishing high school and they love a unique tote!
Wonderful video! You make it look easy!
Thank you! Thank you! My mind was doing gymnastics trying to figure out how to do the handles
This is the easiest way , thank you :)
Love all your tutorials thanks
Thank you for doing this video. I’m going to make one tomorrow!
OMG this is awesome. So easy so pretty and so useful. Surely will make myself one
Just what i was looking for i have made a Japanese knot bag before but failed big time now I won't fail!
I love that bag!!! Thanks for the video 😊
Love this bag!
This is so cute. Thanks so much for the video. Going to try and make one
Wonderful tutorial as usual! Love this type of bag, been wanting to try to make one. Thanks!😊
Great video, cute bag! TY ❤
So clear explanation.
Love the tips. I made one years ago for a lunch bag and have lost all directions. But now i can do more. Thanks 😊
This time create a template out of a paper shopping bag to keep for later use. Don't forget to label it. I have a Zippered notebook with sheet protectors to keep patterns like these that I make
Thank you this is wonderful.😊
I LOVE this!
Made a lovely bag and I’m very proud of it. Only issue for me, was when stacking the fabrics it wasn’t clear which would be the two outside fabrics and which two would be the inside. Might be obvious to an experienced sewer but not to a beginner.
If you're not stressed about creating a specific lining and an outside, the best bet is to use 4 complimentary pieces of fabric and that way the bag is reversible. No stress about right, wrong, inside or outside. Flexibility, you gotta love it
Right sides together 1 lining and 1 outer print, repeat with 2nd set. When you go to attach the handles, initially secure with a safety pin or loosely baste, then gently pull apart to see if the correct pieces will be together when stitching the sides. Adjust as needed before stitching handles.
Super cute bag❤
❣I love it, sew very easy!
My 2nd bag. The first bag was made from a different tutorial. The strap finishing was awkward. My 2nd bag following this video was so easy. Thank you!
Looks great thanks
That is fabulous
Very cute!!!
Fun!!I need to try.
Awesome!❤
I really like this bag. If I make it with less feminine fabrics, my 11-year-old grandson could carry clothes for overnight visits. This bag is very clever.
Great idea for dinosaur or superhero prints, it would work
Love, love, love your version of the knot bag. As always a beautifully finished project. Just one question...How did you get to have such gorgeous hair!
Love it
❤Thanks❤
So cute
thank you
Thanks Laura
Brilliant thank you. I understood your instructions.
Thanks so much for creating this video. Your explanation was clear and precise. Do you think this same method can be done creating a boxy bottom instead of a round one?
Yes, (Just don't round the corners like she did). Make sure when you box the corners that both sides have the same depth
@@user-lu2tb9nc3x Thank you!
This looks easy and fun to make. Are there printed instructions for this method?
Is it fair to say that the handle technique can be used even when they are the same size? Say with a traditional hobo / slouch bag? Could we quilt or use batting to make a bit sturdier if we wanted? Also, what do you think about boxed bottoms here? New to sewing so I appreciate the guidance and thank you.
Yes to all. You can add batting but make sure to trim the seams because batting will add bulk and make it harder to turn the handles, the rest of the bag with batting won't be a problem. No difference with same sized handles, the technique is the same. The uniqueness of the different sized handles (the Japanese knot) is the locking technique that closes the top of the bag without the need for a zipper or metal clasp/closure device. If sewing a square bottom, realize that if you box it to create depth for the bag, you need to add more to your measurements initially because boxing, though it adds depth, actually reduces the size of the bag. So if you're going to create a 2" triangle to box the corners, add 2" to the original size of the bag pattern/template (the height, you might add a little extra to the width as well)..
Boxing to create depth- sew the corners regularly with a straight seam and 90 degree stitch line, then create a triangle at the corner by pulling corner up to side seam line, stitch at the base of the triangle you've created. Make sure the triangles at both corners are of equal size. (If you measure 1 1/2 inch up from one bottom seam to create a triangle, do the same amount for the other bottom corner.
Another hint: it's preferable to wash fabric prior to use to remove the factory stiffeners, stabilize the color, and preshrink the fabric especially if it's cotton. Wash per fabric instructions. One rule of thumb, you can never go wrong using a cold water wash and rinse if fabric content is unknown.
Try to use a complimentary batting as well because there's different kinds here too. If your fabric shrinks and your batting doesn't, you'll have buckling of that extra batting. Batting that shrinks/tightens will create bubbling of the fabric.
Always plan ahead, measure twice before cutting, take your time, don't waste fabric, save your scraps. It's amazing what you can create with leftover scraps from patching stuff to creating new fabric by joining pieces together.
I love this bag! I love the directions even more, so much easier.
However, do you know if it's possible to do just 2 colors with the same directions. I've tried (times 2) and I keep getting one side of the bag one color and the other the opposite color on the other side ( light weight canvas on the outside, light weight muslin lining). I know the point of the bag is using 4 fat quarters, but I was intrigued with the directions and how much easier it looked.
Help please. Thank you.
Looks like the remedy might be placement when setting up. Place one outside piece with a lining piece right sides together. Repeat with 2nd set. Also watch when you insert the handles in one another that they're placed properly before you sew
I recommend possibly using a safety pin or loosely basting the handles first so you can pull the pieces apart to see if the pieces are in proper position. that way you can adjust before sewing the handles
When you attach the handles to one another (long piece to long piece and short to short ) place the right side out piece inside the wrong side out piece. This time, when inserting, match outside fabric/main color to its partner and lining to lining. Stitch handles together, pull pieces apart to extend the handles. Flip purse pieces so that handles are in the center, 2 outer fabric pieces facing each other on one side, and 2 lining pieces facing each other on the other side.
I love your videos. I want to make this bag. Where is the pattern? None of the links take me to it nor can I find it on the website.
Try making a template by following her instructions with 4 fat quarters. First remove any uneven or frayed edges equally on all 4 pieces. If you mark and cut all 4 pieces of fabric at the same time, there's no need for a lot of measuring. They're basically rectangular pieces with an area scooped out for the handles- one handle 9 x 3 1/4 inches, the other, 5 x 3 1/4 inches, at opposite ends, same side. (3" for handle, 1/4" for seam).
Initially create a rectangle shaped cutout with marking pencil only, 3 1/4 inches in from both sides. All she did was shorten one side to 5 inches (cut off 4"), then used a jar to round out the corners to make more of a horseshoe shape cut out between the handles. Once you get this initial "template" marked and cut, place it on a paper grocery bag to trace for later use. Or start with paper first, using an 18"" x 21", rectangle using 21" side as the height, create handles with 1/4" seam, add 1/4 seam to sides, cut and use.
Label your pattern, store and use for later
Liked the explanation for the handles. However, it would have helped if you’d chosen a contrast coloured fabric for the lining so it was clear which bits were the outside and which pieces were the lining. To clarify: you take one outer piece and a lining piece and place them right sides together and sew the handle section first.
I'm confused. Your 4 pieces of fabric are all different. Do I put the 2 outer fabrics together at the start and sew, then the two lining fabrics. Or do I sew an outer and a lining fabric together? Help please 😊
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What's the advantage of having the quarter inch difference on the outside edge, as opposed to just snipping a notch?
It creates a seam line that hopefully will not trap the handles when you sew the bags side seams. If this wasn't added, with the handles already sewn, you'd have to be extremely exact to catch the same seam line or create bunched up areas you'd have to release with a seam ripper. The purpose is maintaining a smooth stitching area. Cutting a notch just leaves a hole.
Clipping around curves allows seam flexibility (reduces strain) makes it easier to turn,and iron, to create a flattened area for top stitching
You can use the cut-out fabric & make a small drawstring bag for make-up or small items! Laura made a previous video on that...check it out!
How do you lay the material if you want the inside's to match?
Layer initially when you go to trim things up and try to keep them together that way
Rights sides together, outer print to lining, repeat with 2nd pair
Use caution when inserting together to stitch handles.
A useful tip would be to just baste the handles and pull the pieces to extend the handles like they were stitched. Then place right sides together with the other piece to see if the fabrics match like they should (a rough analysis would be pieces that look like extended butterfly wings, right sides together).