Go Green Shopping Bags { the tutorial }

Go Green Shopping Bags { the tutorial } 

by Megan from Canoe Ridge Creations

MATERIALS NEEDED

½ yard of main print

¾ yard of accent print (bag lining and straps)

1 ¼ yard of light weight fusible interfacing

CUTTING INSTRUCTIONS

From main fabric cut:

            2 – 18” x 20” pieces

From accent fabric cut:

            2 – 17” x 19 ½” pieces

            2 – 5” x 20” pieces

From light weight fusible interfacing cut:

            2 – 18” x 20” pieces

            2 – 2” x 20” pieces

DIRECTIONS

MAKING THE BAG

1.) Press each of the 18” x 20” fusible interfacing pieces to the wrong side of each of the 18” x 20” main fabric pieces.  Follow the manufacturer’s pressing directions of the specific interfacing you are using.

2.) Place the two main fabric pieces right sides together and pin around three edges, leaving one 20” side open.  Repeat the same process to the two accent fabric pieces, leaving one 19 ½” side open.

3.) Using a ½” seam allowance, sew around the pinned sides of both units.  Making sure to leave a 3” opening in the bottom of the accent fabric unit only (this will be used for turning the bag a little later).

4.) The next step is making the bottom of the bag.  Pin both of the corners of the main fabric unit flat, making sure to line up seams.  Measure in 3” from each of the corner points and mark.  This will be your sewing line.  Repeat the same process to the accent fabric unit, but measure in 2 ½” and mark.

Sew on the marked lines.

Trim corners off, keeping a ½” seam allowance.

MAKING THE STRAPS

1.) Center the 2” x 20” piece of light weight fusible interfacing on the wrong side of the 5” x 20” piece of accent fabric.  Press according to manufacturer's directions.  Repeat to the other strap set.

2.) A. Press ¼” fold along one of the long sides of the strap units.  

     B. Now press the other long side of the strap up, using the light weight fusible interfacing piece as a guide.

     C. Fold and press in half, matching up sides.    Repeat steps A-C to other strap unit.

3.) Sew ¼” along each side of the strap pieces.  This is where you can add your own type of top-stitching.  My examples show a double line of topstitching.  Repeat to other strap unit.

PUTTING THE BAG TOGETHER

1.) Measure 6” in from each side, and pin the straps to the right sides of the main fabric unit.  Make sure straps are laying flat and not twisted.

2.) Place the main fabric unit inside the accent fabric unit making sure right sides are facing.  Pin along the top edge and sew using a ½” seam allowance.

3.) Turn bag.  Pin and sew the opening in bottom of the accent fabric (lining).

4.) Press and top stitch along the top of the bag, using the same method as you did on the straps.

ENJOY!