The Quilter s Carry-All Bag Tutorial Welcome! I ve written this tutorial for those who like more visual instructions. Please note that not all steps are represented and that there is not any size information given. You will need the pattern for all the information. If you would like to purchase either a PDF pattern or Paper pattern, you can find it here http://thequiltingnook.bigcartel.com/. Cutting Layout your cut charm squares until you are pleased with the results. Then sew them together.
Because you are cutting large pieces, you can use your cutting mat to cut to the correct size, but I like to use two rulers to make an accurate cut. I laid out my two wide rules to get the placement of where to cut, then placed my long ruler against the right one so I could make the cut along the right side of my long ruler. If you are using directional fabric like this is, make sure your fabric is going in the right direction. Bag Front and Back Your front and back should look like this after you sew the top panel, inset (gold), and bottom panel together.
Fuse the interfacing to the front and back pieces. Let cool, then fuse the fusible fleece to the interfacing. You will repeat this for the lining pieces (pictured). After fusing the bag front and back, it s time to quilt them. I kept the quilting simple, but you can do wthatever you like at this point. The lining pieces are not quilted. Outside Pocket Sew the pocket front to the pocket lining RST on the long side, then fold in half WST. This creates the band across the top of the pocket.
When placing the pocket on the front, mark the front center and the pocket center. Mark the drawn line where indicated in the directions. Place the unfinished edge with the lining facing out and the pocket top towards the bottom of the bag, on the drawn line. Sew on the Sewn Line. Next, press the pocket towards the top and edge stitch the side. For reinforcement, sew again next to the first stitching line. The inside pockets will be sewn to the lining this way, too. Next, fuse the rest of the pieces according to the directions.
Handles Your handles should look like this when pressed. Now fold them together and edge stitch the open edge first, then the folded edge. I always like to add two more rows of stitching to help the handles lay flat. Use clips if you have them, to hold the handles in place according to the pattern directions, if not, pin them. Make sure the handles are pointing towards the bottom of the bag. Baste in place.
Inside Pockets There is a deep and shallow inside pocket. Follow the directions for placement. They are sewn to the lining the same way the front pocket was. Decide where the best placement for the dividing lines are, then mark them. Since I do a lot of embroidery, I wanted a place for my hoop, so I measured it and then marked my line. This part is totally up to you. I would probably make at least one dividing line just so items won t tumble around inside of them. Squaring Up the Corners First mark the corners according to the directions. Next carefully cut the corners out. Use sharp scissors and don t cut beyond the marked line.
To create the boxed corner, pinch the bottom seam and side seam together. Use the clips to hold the pieces together. Also, have the seams go in opposite directions to sew across them easier. I found that if I pinned the pieces like in the picture, it was easier to sew the seam. Your seam should look like the second picture. This process will be repeated for the other bag corner and both lining corners. Now sew the front and back pieces of the bag and lining together according to the directions, making sure to leave an opening on the bottom seam of the lining bag. Attaching the Bag and Lining Turn the bag inside out with the handles inside, pointing towards the bottom. Turn the lining right side out. Put the lining inside the bag with RST. Line up all seams. Using clips or pins, clip all around the bag. Follow the directions, and sew around the edge. Pull bag through the opening in lining. Make sure the lining fits in the bag, then give the bag and lining a good press.
Because the bottom of the bag doesn t show, just edge stitch the bottom closed. You can hand sew it together if you like. Finishing It Up Your Carry-All Bag will be nice and firm and will stand up as it is, but to really make the bottom firm and stable, use a piece of Artist s Canvas Panel in the bottom. Measure the bottom of your bag and cut your panel to that size. Using an old ruler (if you have one) and a utility knife, make continous cuts along the edge of the panel until it almost cuts through. Turn the panel over and cut through the backing.
Use an emery board to smooth any rough edges. Insert the panel into the bottom of the bag. Insert your favorite tools and equipment and you Quilter s Carry-All Bag is ready to go. I hope you enjoy it. You can contact me if you have any questions.