Fabric:
- · 1 piece cotton print 44" wide x 46" long (1 yd + 10 inches)
- · 1 pc cotton, nylon, or muslin for lining, 44" w x 36" long (1 yd)
- · 2 pieces thin batting or flannel, 1 ¾" W x 44"L for strap padding.
If using heavier fabric, adapt instructions for one layer, unlined bag.
CUT from the fashion fabric, from selvedge to selvedge across width, 2 pieces 5 "L x 44"W for straps, leaving a piece 44"W x 36"L . Next cut a strip off along the selvedge 10"W x 36"L for pocket, then cut this strip into 2 pcs 10" x 18". You now have left a piece 36"L x 34"W for bag. (See diagram) Mark both 34" wide ends with safety pins- these will be the top of bag.
CUT from the lining, a strip 10"L x 44"W, then trim it to 2 pcs 10" x 18" for pocket linings. Thin Batting (or flannel): 2 pieces 1 3/4 " wide x 44" long for strap padding
Sewing directions:
1. Pin the bag and lining pieces right sides together. Trim pieces to fit, if necessary. Using a 3/8 " seam, starting on one side, stitch almost all the way around, leaving an opening to turn. Clip corners, turn right side out, shape corners square, press under raw edges of opening. Top stitch ¼" or less from all edges.
2. Pockets: make a 2 ply Patch pocket with finished edges. Take a fashion and lining piece, each 18" x 10", right sides together, sew ¼" seam all around edges leaving an opening to turn. Clip corners. Turn right sides out, shape corners, fold raw edges of opening to inside, press. Top stitch 1/8 " from edge all the way around, closing the opening.
3. Each short 34"w end (marked with safety pin) will be at the top of the bag. Position the top of a pocket on the lining side, centered 7" below the top of the bag, and stitch 1/4 " seam around down one side, across the bottom and up the last side of pocket, back stitching at start & finish Optional: sew a second time 1/8" from first seam to reinforce. Stitch down the middle of one pocket from top to bottom to create smaller pockets, and 5" from side of the other pocket for smaller pocket for bottle.
4. Handle Casing. Fold each of the top ends of the bag approximately 2 1/4 " inside towards the lining. Top stitch along the existing topstitching , across the 34" width only, and again 1/8" from the topstitching. Backstitch at beginning and end to reinforce these seams.
5. Side Seams: Fold bag Right sides together with tops even, and sew 1 /4" seam thru all 4 layers from bottom to 2 or 3 inches below handle casing seam. To reinforce, sew again over same stitching. Do the same on other side . At opening, bar-tack across the seam to reinforce. (narrow zigzag stitch) .
6. Optional: to shape bottom corners, turn bag inside out, flatten bottom with a side seam pointing up , forming a point at bottom, and stitch across corner from fold to fold, about 2 inches up from point.
7. Handles- Fold in each long raw edge 1/2" and press. Fold each strip in half so it is 2 " x 44".and press in the folds. Open the strip and position the strip of batting or flannel along the fold, then refold the handle. Stitch shut by top –stitching the open side approximately 1/8" in from the edge, and then top stitch all around the strap 3/8" from edges, making sure that you catch the bottom layer and batting. Stitch down the center of the strap, too.
8. Using a large safety pin, Insert one handle strap through each casing Overlap the ends of each strap to itself, and strongly secure the overlap with several lines of stitching and X seam. Pull the overlapped areas back into the casings, and then gather up the sides.
Easy Diaper/Tote Bag Sewing Pattern by Gail White in Sugar Hill, GA...
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