SUPPLIES & TOOLS:
- Sewing Machine
- Sewing Notions
- Iron
- Rotary Cutter & Cutting Board
- Quilter's Rule, 2'
- Marking Pen or Tailors Chalk
- Fabric Clips
- Dowel or Chopstick
- Tape, Office and Double-Sided or Fabric Fusion
- Cording, 3/8"x 28", 1
- Cotton, brown, 1/3yd
- Faux leather: brown, 1/2yd; black, 1/2yd
- Fabri-Tac, Fabric Adhesive
- Loctite, Spray Adhesive, 200, 13 1/2oz, 1
- Optional: Cornstarch
DIRECTIONS:
To find the downloadable patterns click on the "GET PATTERNS" tab above.- Print, cut and tape all template parts. Cut fabric and stabilizer. Cut one brown faux leather 3"x 32" for handle. All SA 1/2in.
- Tape the ends of the cording to prevent fray. On WS of 3" strip of brown faux leather mark lines 2" in from both ends 1 1/4" from both long sides. Lay a bead of Fabri-Tac between the lines. Press the cording into the adhesive and let dry. On WS of fabric apply a strip of double sided tape close to one long edge. Fold the opposite side over, matching edges, and press together. This will hold the fabric in place while sewing. Use a zipper foot to sew close to the cording. Trim close to the seam. Set aside.
- RST sew top front to bottom front matching A & B corners and centers. Use fabric clips to hold fabric together. Baste curve 1/4" from edge first then 1/2" SA. Notch curve and cut into corner to allow flare of seams. Fold seam up and topstitch. Repeat for back.
- Center stabilizer on RS of front (1/2" from edges of fabric). Mark corners on fabric. Remove stabilizer and spray with adhesive. Replace stabilizer onto RS of fabric within marks. Press well. Flip to ensure all fabric lays flat. Repeat for back. Set aside to dry.
- RST sew top liner to bottom liner matching 15" W edges. Repeat.
- RST sew front to liner on dotted lines indicated on template. Notch curve and cut into corner to allow flare of seams.
- Open out front with liner panel. Lay RSU on flat surface. The top edge will not lay flat. Open out back with liner panel. Lay WSU on top of front with liner panel matching front & back, liner & liner. Match bottom corners and seams. Fold seams between panels down. Sew 1/2" SA from seam between outer and liner panels back to opposite seam between outer and liner panels. Leave a 4" opening at the center bottom of the liner panels. Trim seams to 1/4" except for at liner bottom opening.
- Turn RSO through opening. Use a dowel or chopstick to gently press out corners of front/back. Press liner bottom opening edges in to match folded edge. Sew close to edge to close.
- Turn bag inside out. Match top raw edges of front and back. Sew 1/2" SA. Trim to 1/4". Turn back RSO.
- Knot one end of handle with approximately 1" tail. Feed straight end of handle though opening at top side of purse, toward center. Feed through and out the opposite side of purse. Knot the end of the handle. Pull the knots close to the outer opening. The seam of the handle may be manipulated to land inside of the knots. Ensure that the handle is not twisted from side to side. With a zipper foot sew directly under the handle, next to the knot. Repeat.
JOANN HACKS:
- Use 100% poly, nylon or rayon thread. Cotton thread may break when used on faux leather.
- Use non stick foot on sewing machine or brush/rub on a small amount of cornstarch to area stitching to avoid bunching of fabric.
- When constructing the handle make a small sample piece. Test sewing as close as possible to the cording.