Sew Fast Sew Easy: All You Need to Know When You Start to Sew (11 page)

Repeat Step 7 on lining.

Step 9: Assembly

With the right sides together, insert the lining into the tote bag. Pin along the top, matching raw edges, side seams, and notches. Sew at a
5/8
-inch seam allowance. Pull the lining out of the bag. Turn it right-side out. Stitch the opening closed near the edge.

Insert the lining into the tote bag. Be sure to push the lining all the way down to the bottom of the bag. One-half inch to 1 inch of the tote fabric will fold into the interior of the bag. Make sure that margin is even. Press. Pin.

Option A:

Topstitch around the top of the bag, % inch around the top.

Option B:

Using tailor’s chalk and a ruler, mark a 1-inch square at the base of each of the straps. Stitch each strap down along the chalk mark.

FINISHED TOTE!

Chapter 8

Go to It: HOW TO MAKE A SKIRT

In addition to the pattern in the back of the book and your survival kit basics, you will need:

• To take your waist and hip measurements in order to use the following chart to determine your size and the amount of fabric you’ll need (if you need to review how to take your measurements
See Here
)

• 1 yard of 1-inch-wide nonroll elastic

• All-purpose thread to match

Once you have your waist and hip measurements, look at the size chart on the next page. First, decide which length of skirt or view you would like to make.

VIEW #1: LONG SKIRT

VIEW #2: SHORT SKIRT

Size Chart

Then, find the hip measurement on the chart that is closest to your true hip measurement. When in doubt, always go larger in size. Remember you can always take it in, but you cannot add fabric after you cut. Once you’ve found your hip measurement, go to the top of the chart, and you will see your size. (Your hip measurement, rather than your waist measurement, is most important because the skirt must slide over your hips.) Make sure to cut all the pattern pieces carefully following the outline on the pattern that matches your size.

Now that you know your size and which length of skirt you’d like to make, use the chart to determine how much fabric you should buy, depending on the width of the fabric you are going to use. If your width is less that 60 inches wide (that is 48 to 58 inches), buy the amount listed for 45-inch-wide-fabric. It is better to have excess fabric than not enough.

Layout

Use this guide to help you understand the Use this guide to help you understand the following skirt diagrams

OPEN FABRIC AND FIND SELVAGE

FOLD FABRIC IN HALF