Cutting:
Straps: Cut 2 strips 3"x16".Cut on the lenghtwise grain for stronger straps and to reduce stretching.
Back & Front: Cut 2 of the diagram below.
Interfacing (optinal):Cut 2 of the diagrams below. Fuse to wrong side of front and back bag fabric.
Straps: Fold strips lenghtwise with right sides together. Stitch the length of the strap using a ¼" seam allowance. Turn to right side. Press.
Couching: Place an embroidery foot on the sewing machine. This foot has a groove underneath that allows heavier yarn to pass through easily.Thread machine with Metallic thread or Transparent Nylon on top and all -purpose thread in the bobbin. Set machine for a zig zag stitch.
Place bag front on flat surface,right side up.Draw several lines with a chalk pencil.Be creative- make lines curvy or crazy! Place the yarn over the marking and align it with the center of the presser foot.
Stitch, allowing the stitches to form over the yarn.
Set machine for a straight stitch. With right sides together,stitch the bottom of the bag, then the sides seams together using a ½" seam allowance.
To shape the bottom corners, fold bag with one side seam centered on the bottom seam. Sew across bag 2" from the corner.
On top edges pf bag front, measure and mark 4" from each seam for placement of the strap. Baste one end of strap to the bag centered over the first mark , edges even, right side together. baste the other end of the strap over the second mark.(This may seem upside-down,but strap will be folded up in the next step) Repeat for back.
Press ¼" to wrong side at top of bag , then press 1¼" to inside of bag. With straps in upright position, stitch around top of bag, close to upper and lower fold.Doulble stitch strap areas. |