Pattern Remix Guest: Destri from The Mother Huddle

So after further contemplation, I realized there was in deed one concept I had used at least 15 times. I think that counts as tried and true, no? I was taught the pattern when I made my very first purse at Gracie Lou’s Quilt Shoppe in Salem, UT. (If you are new to sewing, taking classes at your local fabric store is the best way to go, you leave with a finished product!).

Here it is. It was called The Carrie Bag. I made it for my friend Aubrey, and she has been using it for over two years, washed it multiple times, and it still looks pretty good!

I also used the same technique for my hanging fabric baskets. I just added the sleeve to the mix :). Same for the smaller version. The concept is so customizable! You can quite literally make just about anything by way of bag, pouch, or basket – just change the measurements to what you need. I have made larger bags with a big flap, smaller with just a magnet closure, button, ties….endless possibilities. Let’s get started!

I am going to show you the basic process for making a bag, and tell you where you can adjust to customize the bag to your needs. In my case, I needed a bag for my laptop. I will provide you with my measurements, just in case you need a bag for your laptop too. The finished bag should fit most standard laptops, but you should measure just to make sure.

Sewing and Assembly:

We will be starting with the three outer pieces.

Sew the outer sides to the bottom with the right sides together using a 1/4 inch seam allowance. When you are done, you have a piece the same size as the lining.

Now cut a size of fusible fleece the same size as the pieced panel. If you don’t have an already quilted lining, you will want to go ahead and cut out fleece for it as well.

Press the seams on out on the panel.

Now iron the fusible fleece to the wrong side of the panel, and also your lining if needed.

Top stitch on the right side of the panel just along the side edge of the top panels, it will give you a nice finish :). I like to use a little longer stitch length, then press with steam.

Now fold the piece in half, right sides and short ends together, and sew up each side. Repeat on the inner lining. My piece was double sided, but I did sew it with the right sides together. You should now have two pockets, that are the same size. Press the seams out, I forgot to do this :), dang it.

Now we are going to sew the corners. Keep in mind when you are customizing this project, how big you make your corner, is how wide the finished product will be. In this instance, I only sewed a one inch stitch across the corner, because I didn’t need it to be too wide for a laptop.

Repeat on all corners for the lining and outer piece, making sure they are the same.

Cut off the corners on the lining.

Next, the strap. Cut a piece of fleece the same size, iron on. Then fold in half with the right sides together to make one long tube. To turn out, attach a large safety pin to one end and pull through the inside. Then press in half with the seam down the center. You can top stitch both sides if you like.

Now the little pieces for the rings. Iron the sides over 1/4 inch, then in half, sew up the sides, then top stitch the other side. You will have two little straps.

Now let’s assemble the bag. Turn the outer panel right side out. Leaving the lining right side in, tuck inside the outer pouch. Now fold the top of the outer panel in a full inch, and the top of the lining out about an inch and half. Just make it so that the two overlap a half inch to sew together, and pin all the way around. I like to start at the sides, then work toward the center. I also offset the seams at the ends just a bit to reduce bulk.

Take the little pieces with the rings on, folded in half, and tuck them in-between the two layers on the ends like shown. At this point you could pin in whatever you want to customize the bag. A little strap for a button latch, a flap to pull over…just have fun with it!

Now just sew it all together! I have never had a problem with this, and I use a Kenmore…so don’t be scared :). Just easy does it, start in the center, and sew right along the top outer edge making sure to include all layers. I also like to use a little longer stitch length here, and don’t forget to back stitch!

When you get to the strap, make sure to back stitch a few times.

And there you have it! Easy! I like to press the top to make it nice and crisp.

Now to finish off the strap. Take your clasps…

Insert one end…

And sew a zigzag stitch right along the raw edge, back stitching a few times to really secure.

All done! Just hook ’em up 🙂

Now you have a bag! I hope you understand how you can customize it. Just make sure the lining and the outer piece are the same size and your set.

You could even use this as a satchel for notebooks, back-to-school isn’t that far off ;). Add a flap, and a little deeper pockets at the bottom and it would hold books…getting the idea?

If you have any questions, just ask, you’ll find me over on “The Huddle“!

Thanks for having me Jessica, it was fun!

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