Friday, November 20, 2009

Little Totebag Ornament Tutorial



This is the first time trying to write a tutorial. I sure hope you can follow my directions. If you have any questions, I'll be happy to answer them. Sure hope you like it! Please let me know if you make one. I'd love to see it.

TOTEBAG ORNAMENT

All seam allowance is 1/4"

1. Begin by cutting
two squares for lining 4 3/4" tall x 5" wide
two 6" squares for outside
two 5 1/2" squares of lightweight fusible interfacing
one 9 1/2 x 2" strip for strap

#2. Adhere the fusible web in the center of your outside fabric, then re-cut it to measure 5" wide by 5 1/4" tall.
#3. On each bottom corner of both outer and lining fabric, cut out a 3/4" square.

#4. Fold the strap in half and press. Open and fold each long side to center, press again. Finally, fold in half again. Your strap now measures 9 1/2" x 1/2". Stitch as close as you can the length of both edges.

#5. Right sides together, sew each side and bottom of outer bag. At each corner, match seams and sew across. This will box the bottom.

#6. Sew the lining in the same way BUT, leave a 2" opening in the middle bottom for turning later on. I finger press all seams open.


This next photo shows the opening in the bottom of the lining.



#7. Pin handle at sides over seam on inside of outer bag with handle facing down in the bag.

#8. Turn lining right side out and insert into outer bag, right sides together. (Lining is shorter than outer bag)

#9. With side seams matching and top edges even, sew 1/4" seam around top.

#10. Pull lining out, then reach in through opening and pull outer bag through.

#11. Using a ladder stitch, close the opening in the lining, then push the lining into the bag. I like to stitch in the ditch around the top.


#12. Your little bag is done now. All you have to do is embellish it. Fringe, rhinestones, lace, buttons, ribbon..... Put a little stuffing in the bottom and hang on your tree with a candy cane in it or a little gift. After I was all done, I decided to put a small pocket on one side for a little note.

That's it!!!! Can't get the spacing right for some reason.

16 comments:

Norma Soulet (AZArtist) said...

Hi Carla,

How are you doing?
I am still very busy but I am seeing the light at the end of the tunnel with my cleaning and packing. I am so sad that I won't be moving close to you. :(\
I wanted to have you or Linda close to me so we could get together and play in my studio. :(
Love the tutorial for the Mini totebag ornament. I won't have time to make one but, I can always come back and try it later.

Hugs and thanks

Karin said...

Great tutorial Carla - I will make some when I get back home and settled down a bit. Thanks for working it out.

jabeybaby said...

Super cute little bags! Your tutorial makes them look easy! Thanks for sharing!

Jane's Fabrics and Quilts said...

You did a wonderful job, very easy to understand and follow, thank you!

Serena Lewis said...

OMG...how cute are these?!!! Thanks so much for the great tutorial, Carla!

sweetjeanette said...

Hi Carla!
I'm linking to your tutorial for these and blogged about you! They're much nicer than mine I did, because yours are actually functional! Wanna see mine? go here: http://sweetjeanette.blogspot.com/2009/11/victorian-purse-ornaments.html

sandy said...

These are really cute.

AwtemNymf said...

I have this bookmarked and will give this a shot when I'm not busy with current projects!
Those are cute Carla :O)

BumbleVee said...

It looks pretty straight forward and very detailed Carla...and I don't even sew much. I bet I could make one from the pics and directions.... just like everybody else though... too much other "stuff" on the go right now.....

Shashi Nayagam said...

Wow Carla those tote bags are wonderful Thanks for the lovely tutorial on them.

^A^ngel said...

Oh Carla ...this are just too cute!! Thanks for the lovely tutorial!!

Hugs,

^A^ngel

WendyCarole said...

love the bags

Unknown said...

love this little bag tutorial....

Unknown said...

Carla thanks for the great tutorial on how to make these fun little bags ;)
M

cottonreel said...

Hi Carla , I love your blog . I just joined you as a follower so you could have 70 for christmas, I,m also on 69 and would love to have 70---cottonreel

Robin said...

Hi Carla!
I love your Blog. The little tote bag is very sweet. I'm going to sew again this winter if its the last thing I do!!