One of the great joys of sewing is seeing someone's face light up when you've made something just for them. I made this library bag for my Son, and his reaction was just that!
Here's how to make a simple library bag.
Cutting:
Start by cutting two rectangles for your front and back. These can be any size you like, I went for 45cm x 38cm, which fits most large books.
You'll also need two strips for your straps. These can be any length you like and should be tailored to fit the height of the intended user, so the bag isn't dragging on the floor when it's on their shoulder.
I cut two pieces 70cm x 6cm (this provides a finished strap width of 3cm)
Once you have selected your desired design, lay your fabric over your stabiliser and fix it in place with a basting stitch.
I used the PFAFF  Grand metal hoop for this project, which makes hooping up a breeze with thick fabrics. Simply lay your fabric over the hoop and secure it in place with the magnets.
Sewing:
1 - With your embroidery complete, it's time to assemble the bag.
2 - Sew the front to back, right sides together, using a 1cm seam allowance. Finish the edges with an overlocker or overlocker stitch.
3 - Finish the top edge with an overlocker or overlock stitch. Turn the top edge down 4cm and topstitch.
5 - Create the straps.
6 - Fold the fabric to the centre as shown and press.
7 - Fold in half again so the two folded edges meet and press
8 -Topstitch the straps closed.
You could also sew the raw edges together, right sides together and turn. My fabric was quite thick, so this method worked best.
9 - Pin your straps to your bag in your desired location. I have placed mine 10cm from the side seam.
10 - Stitch in place securely using a cross stitch
Julia Mulcair is the owner of Pitt Trading, an Australian online fabric store and the lingerie society, a monthly subscription service for lingerie sewers. She grew up around fabric, and has been sewing for 30 years.
Julia focuses on garment sewing, with a particular love of lingerie making. She shares her makes on Instagram and YouTube and is always working on the next lingerie design!
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