Amy Butler's In Stitches: More Than 25 Simple and Stylish Sewing Projects (43 page)

• Cut 1 bottom panel: 6″ wide × 16″ long

• Cut 2 end panels: 4″ wide × 6″ long

• Cut 1 patchwork side panel: 15″ wide × 18″ long

FROM THE BATTING

• Cut 1 bottom panel: 6″ wide × 16″ long

• Cut 2 top panels: 3
¹
/
₂
″ wide × 20″ long

• Cut 2 end panels: 4″ wide × 6″ long

• Cut 1 patchwork side panel: 15″ wide × 18″ long

b.
In order to keep your pieces organized, mark each piece by writing the name on a piece of masking tape and attaching to the
Wrong
side of each panel as it is cut.

Step 2. Make the patchwork panels for the sides of the bag.
(FIGURE 2)

NOTE:
You will find it helpful to lay your fabric pieces in place before beginning to stitch, so that you can see what the finished panel will look like and arrange the pieces to achieve the most pleasing pattern.

NOTE:
FIGURE 2
shows the dimensions of each patchwork piece used to make our sample. This is meant only as a guide. You may wish to follow our layout or create your own. Each side of our sample bag has a different patchwork pattern. The measurements and location for each piece are given, and the patchwork design is shown after the 2 side panels have been cut from the 18″ wide × 15″ long patchwork piece made in step 2a. The measurements are given with the width listed first and the height listed second. The
¹
/
₄
″ seam allowance is included in the measurements listed.

a.
Using the coordinating pieces of fabric, piece together various squares and rectangles in a pleasing pattern. Stitch these pieces together using a
¹
/
₄
″ seam and press each seam down toward the bottom of the panel before moving on to the next seam. You will need to create a patchwork panel measuring 15″ wide × 18″ long.

b.
Next, place the backing fabric piece for the patchwork side panel on a hard, flat surface with the
Right
side facing down. Then, layer the batting piece for the patchwork side panel on top of the backing, and place the 15″ × 18″ patchwork piece on top of the batting with the
Right
side facing up. This creates a “sandwich” of fabric, which will be quilted to make the 2 side panels.

c.
Pin the layers together.

d.
Now, using the side of your presser foot as a guide, stitch along one long (18″) edge of the fabric sandwich.

e.
Then, place a 20″ strip of masking tape so that the edge of the masking tape is next to the first stitching line. Stitch close to the edge of the tape, creating a 1″ channel between the quilting lines.

f.
Continue to move the tape and stitch lengthwise channels 1″ apart until the entire 15″ × 18″ panel is quilted in parallel lines.
(FIGURE 2F)

NOTE:
The illustration shows a general overview of the patchwork pieces and how to place the masking tape to quilt the channels. The patchwork pieces in this illustration are random.

g.
Now, using a yardstick and a chalk pencil, measure and mark 2 panels, each measuring 6″ wide × 16″ long, onto the 15″ × 18″ quilted panel. Be sure to cut the panels lengthwise so that the quilting lines are parallel to the 16″- long edge.

h.
Use your scissors to cut both 6″ × 16″ quilted side panels, and set them aside.
(FIGURE 2H)

Step 3. Layer and quilt the top, ends, and bottom panels.

a.
Following the instructions in step 2b, layer the backing, batting, and exterior fabrics for the top panels, the end panels, and the bottom panel, making sure that the
Right
side of the backing and the exterior fabrics are facing away from the batting.

NOTE:
You will use the lining fabric as the backing on the top panels, because it will be visible after the bag is completed. All other panels may be backed with muslin or another backing fabric.

b.
Following the instructions in steps 2c, 2d, and 2e, use the masking tape to quilt lengthwise lines 1″ apart on all the fabric panels. Make sure to quilt lengthwise. (Refer to the cutting measurements to be certain of the lengthwise direction.)

FIGURE 2

FIGURE 2F

FIGURE 2H

FIGURE 4C

FIGURE 4I

FIGURE 5B

FIGURE 7F

FIGURE 7G, H

FIGURE 8B

Step 4. Attach the zipper and make and attach the zipper tabs.

a.
First, finish one long edge of each top panel by zigzag stitching the raw edge.

b.
Then, open the zipper and place it face down on the
Right
side of the long finished edge of the first top panel, with the top of the zipper even with the short end of the panel, and the edge of the zipper tape even with the long, finished edge of the top panel. Pin the zipper in place. (Don’t worry if the zipper extends slightly past the end of the panel. The excess zipper can be trimmed after the end panels have been attached to the top panels.)