Teen Scene - Patchwork Pouch - Page 1

From our December 2003 Issue


Teen Scene Patchwork Pouch Sheila Zent Continued from Page 1

Frayed Around the Edges

For a completely different look on denim, put all the seam allowances on the outside and let them ravel. All the strips for the bag, the strap and the lining pieces are cut using the same measurements as for the other patched bag. See "Cutting & Construction". Also use 1/2" seam allowances.

Instead of piecing with the right sides together, pin and stitch the bag and strap strips with the wrong sides together. Don't press seam allowances open or to the side.

For ease in sewing, clip the seam allowances 1/2" from the upper and lower edges of the bag (7).

Pin the bag front to the back with the wrong sides together. Stitch the sides and lower edge. Stitch through the clips in the seam allowances along the bag lower edge.

With the bag right side up and making sure the strap isn't twisted, slip a strap end 1" down inside the bag at each side and center the ends over the side seams. Baste the strap to the bag upper edge.

With the right sides together, stitch the two lining pieces along the sides and lower edge. Don't leave an opening in the lining lower edge.

Slip the lining down inside the bag until the bag and lining upper edges are lined up and pin in place. Stitch around the upper edge, again stitching through the clips in the seam allowances. Omit the closure.

Wash the finished bag a few times, allowing the seam allowances to ravel. The dryer will fluff the fringe. Trim away any loose threads.

Messenger Bag

If straps are always falling off your shoulder, turn your bag into a messenger bag to be worn across your chest. Simply lengthen the straps to approximately 48" long.

Cut four 3"X25" strips for the straps. Right sides together, stitch two strap pieces at one short end. Repeat for the remaining two strap pieces. Sew the two resulting strips together as described in "Cutting & Construction" and complete the bag.

Sheila Zent develops sewing projects for the home-sewing industry. Specializing in sewing projects for teens and preteens, she publishes a line of sewing patterns under the label eXpresSew. Visit www.expressew.com, for free projects and sewing guidelines.


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