By now, your bag is beginning to take shape and if you are like me, you’re thinking about other possible fabrics to make the bag out of. I’ve decided to make a few and have them ahead for impromptu gifts. If you decide to follow my lead, I know you will amaze your non-sewing friends with your skills and they’ll love the versatility of this bag!
Now that you have matched the lining to the exterior of the bag and sewn the 2 together across the top and sides, a little clipping is in order. Diagonally clip the corners
and I also suggest clipping the curved edge along the top. The top will lay much smoother if you take just a few moments to do the clipping.
Now the magic happens!! Slip your hand into the opening on the lining
and pull the exterior of the bag through to the right side.
Before you push the lining to the inside of the bag, you will need to close the opening that was left for turning. In the video I sewed the opening closed with the machine. If your fabric is a little heavier, I would suggest hand stitching the opening closed. It will look a little nicer and lay a little flatter inside the bag.
Once you have closed the opening in the lining, push the lining to the inside of the bag. At this point you should do a little pressing to achieve a truly finished look to your bag. Give the handles a good press, unless you used leather. Press along the top of the bag so that the seams are nice and crisp. Now hold your bag up and declare, I made this!!!!
Be sure to post your finished bags to the Sew News Flickr page. I REALLY want to see your magnificent bags.
Thanks so much for sewing along with me. I’ve had a blast!
Rhonda Buss
