This trendy patchwork pouch is quick to make and easy on the budget.
Are you attracted to the patchwork look but not ready to commit the time and money to a large quilt or wallhanging? Start small with a strip-pieced bag that gives you a taste of patchwork in a project that can be completed in an afternoon.
Three variations on a single design show how easy it is to get different effects with a few changes. Each design uses the same size pieces and basic construction process. Just cut strips of different fabrics and arrange them however you like. In all three projects, the short strips are pieced together to make the bag, and the long strips become the shoulder strap. Add two squares for the lining.
If you're low on cash, consider recycling old blue jeans or corduroys. Traditionally, patching fabric together was about recycling. Combining fabric strips may have been inspired by old-fashioned quilts, but with these fabrics your bag will be strictly contemporary.
Cutting Up
Recycle old jeans or corduroys with this method:
Beginning at the hem, cut the jeans or corduroys open along the inseam or the side seam. Continue around the pockets, trimming away the thicker layers and flat-fell seams. Once the pant leg is cut open, lay it flat with the wrong side up.
Following a thread in the material, draw a line down the length of each leg section to establish the grain. You'll cut the strips parallel to this line.
The front of the jeans often yields the longest piece of denim, provided the knees aren't worn out; cut the shoulder straps from the jeans front. If you prefer, cut the straps from two different shades of denim. Use the remaining leg fabric to cut a variety of bag strips.
If you're using corduroy remnants, cut the strips across the fabric grain with the cords running perpendicular to the strip length.
MATERIALS
Two or more pairs of jeans faded to different shades, or colored cords, or three or more pieces of 60" -wide fabric, 1/4 yard each
3/8 yard of lining fabric
5 1/2" of narrow braid or ribbon and matching button (for button-closure bag only)
Thread to match
Jeans sewing machine needle
Cutting & Construction
From the jeans or corduroy, cut twelve 3"x13" strips for the bag. Cut two
3"x 30" strips for the straps. For the tie closure bag only, cut two 1 1/2"x 13" strips.
From the lining fabric, cut two 13" squares.
Insert a jeans needle into the sewing machine. Sew with 1/2" seam allowances unless otherwise noted.
Lay out six strips of fabric for the bag front, arranging the shades and colors to your liking. With right sides together, pin the strips together along the long edges and stitch. Repeat for the bag back.
For a denim bag, press the seam allowances to one side and topstitch near the seam, catching the seam allowances underneath (1). This gives the seams a flat-fell look. If making a corduroy bag, press the seam allowances open and don't topstitch.
Right sides together, pin the bag front to the back and stitch the sides and lower edge. Clip the corners, turn right side out and press.
Pin the two shoulder straps right sides together and stitch both long edges. Machine baste one short end closed for ease in turning. Press the seams open. This will make the pressing and stitching easier in the next step.
Turn the strap right side out. Use a yardstick or dowel to gently push the strap closed end back through the "tube" (2).
Remove the basting at the strap short end. Press the strap flat with the seams
at each edge. Edgestitch both seams.
With right sides together and raw edges even, stitch the strap ends to the bag upper edges, centering the strap ends over the side seams (3).
For a tie closure, press the two 1 1/2"x 13" strips in half lengthwise. Open each strip and press the two long raw edges toward the center fold, press. Re-press on the first fold to create a double-fold tie. Edgestitch the ties to secure the folds. Center one tie on the front and one on the back on the purse upper edge and baste in place (4).
For the loop-and-button closure, fold the braid in half. Center the loop along the upper edge on the bag back and baste in place (5).
Pin the two lining squares right sides together. Leaving 4" open along the lower edge, stitch the lining pieces together along the side and lower edges. You'll use the opening to turn everything right side out to complete the bag.
Slide the patched bag down inside the lining so they are right sides together. Pin the lining and the bag upper edges together. Make sure to tuck the straps and ties down and out of the way. Stitch the bag to the lining around the upper edge, catching the strap and tie or loop in the stitching. Turn the bag right side out through the opening in the lining. Press the bag upper edge.
Pull the lining back out of the bag, turn in the raw edges of the opening and edgestitch or slipstitch closed. Tuck the lining down inside the bag. On the denim bag, edgestitch around the upper edge of the bag if desired, to keep the edge firm and the lining from rolling to the outside.
For the loop and button closure, center and sew a button along the upper edge of the bag front. Place the loop over the button and pinch off the loop snugly around the button and mark the braid. Unloop the button and use matching floss or thread to wrap around the braid at the mark (6).
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