Sew What! Bags: 18 Pattern-Free Projects You Can Customize to Fit Your Needs (15 page)

1.
DECIDE YOUR SIZE
. This custom job is pretty simple to map out. Use our tube width (11") and decide on the length by measuring where you’ll be hanging the tube.

YARDAGE TIP

Save on the amount of fabric you’ll need to buy by choosing a nondirectional fabric, like polka dots, and laying the tube on the crosswise grain as we did. This strategy works for a number of the projects in this book.

CUT YOUR FABRIC

2.
CUT YOUR FABRIC
. Cut one piece of fabric for your tube and cut two pieces of elastic. Since you need to reach in a little bit to pull out the bags, you can loosely wrap the elastic around your wrist and then add a couple of inches for leeway.

3.
MAKE THE CASING
. To make a casing on the top and bottom of the tube piece, press under the edge ¼", then press again another ½". (The casing needs to be at least ⅛" wider than the elastic to allow for stitching and a bit of wiggle room.) Stitch the two casings.

4.
INSERT THE ELASTIC
. Using a safety pin, thread elastic strips through the top and bottom openings (
see page
45
). Pull them out 1" on each side and pin in place.

5.
ATTACH THE LOOP
. Make a loop with the ribbon and pin it to the right side of fabric about 1" from top of tube at a slight angle.

6.
FINISH THE TUBE
. With right sides together, fold the tube panel in half lengthwise. Pin and stitch it, backtacking at the ends. You’ll be sewing in the ends of the elastic and handle loop when you stitch this seam. Turn the tube right side out.

SKILL LEVEL
newbie

This simple bag can make sightseeing or hiking a little easier. Just tuck in your maps, slip on the bag, and off you go! With this design, you can make bags of countless shapes and sizes. So try this one, then modify it to see what else you can come up with!

OUR FINISHED SIZE:
5" × 8", 44" strap