Birdie bag tutorial

Last year, when I created this bag, I mentioned writing the free tutorial. So finally, here it is. You can see all pictures in bigger format here in my flickr album.
First of all, I must say that there are 2 different (in size) fabric templates for this bag available @ Spoonflower.

 The first and original one  like on the pictures to follow, is created to fit best the linen cotton canvas that is 54x36" and the actual finished size of the bag will be approx. 16x12". Linen cotton canvas and cotton twill are the best fabric options for bag sewing and you don't need any other additional interfacing fabric.




The second one is created to fit best the regular Kona cotton fabric(or any other fabric can be used) that is 42x36" and the actual bag is 15x11" and the additional long handle is missing. Also, adding some interfacing fabric is highly recommended with this lighter fabric choice/option.

Needed supply:

1. printed fabric template (ordered through Spoonflower)
2. sewing machine, thread, scissors, pins
3. two buttons for closure 
----- 
4. optional (especially for the Kona cotton option bag): fusible interfacing fabric to obtain the more durable bag.....you can even use the piece(cut in the long stripe) of some light interlining for the handles to obtain the straps that would be padded and therefore would provide more comfortable and durable wear
5. needed for larger bag for additional handle: 2 metal rings and 2 Swivel clasp snap clips



Template pieces includes:
1. bag body
2. bag lining
3. inside pocket (allowing you to make one large pocket or 2 smaller pockets)
4. flap (with different designs on both sides)
5. handles

 Instructions:

1. cut all pieces on the outer lines and use the shapes of the pieces if you need to cut the interfacing

2. on the dashed lines within the bag's body stitch the ribbon or other embellishment: there are many options to mix, match and combine, so be creative here:)

3-4. stitch the pocket: you can use the whole piece number 3 for one big pocket or you can cut it and make 2 smaller pockets to be sewn into the lining, after the embellishing line

5. use the small triangular parts on the bag’s body and lining(on the bottom line) to create darts

6. don’t forget to snip the corners and clip the curves

7. make the handles- the fabric pieces number 5 : there are a few ways to create the handles, (where the inserts will be smaller or bigger-also depending on size of the material available), but the easiest way is to fold them in half lengthwise and iron it, then open and press both sides toward the center crease, press center crease close again and stitch

 
If using the larger bag version, you will need to create also one large handle that will be attached and taken away easily with some rings and snaps

You'll need to make some small fabric straps and to pull through the snap clip on one end and the ring at the other. The second ring and clip will have to be inserted in the both sides of bag's body in the steps 10-11


 


8. using the pieces for flap (cut it on the central dashed line) create the flap by sewing the both pieces on the top of each other, right sides together, leaving the dashed line open as gap to turn. Make the button hole and sew the finished gap on the center of the outer side of the body bag on the center of the outer side of the body bag, placing the front and back pieces on the top of each other, right sides together

 
9. sew the buttons (being help with the other body part with the sewn flap, making sure it would be closed correctly) and sew the handles on both outer body parts


10-11. sew all around body to body parts and lining to lining parts right sides together,leaving the bottom gap open on the inner lining part of the bag that will allow turning bag inside out

12. place lining part inside of the body part of the bag(right sides together) and stitch all around the top

 

13. turn the bag inside out through the lining's gap and hand stitch the opening gap closed and press the seam around the top line of the bag and do the top stitching(for security reasons)






Done:)
Please, let me know if you find any mistakes and non-senses things.
Enjoy, Katarina

Last year, when I created this bag, I mentioned writing the free tutorial. So finally, here it is. You can see all pictures in bigger format here in my flickr album.
First of all, I must say that there are 2 different (in size) fabric templates for this bag available @ Spoonflower.

 The first and original one  like on the pictures to follow, is created to fit best the linen cotton canvas that is 54x36" and the actual finished size of the bag will be approx. 16x12". Linen cotton canvas and cotton twill are the best fabric options for bag sewing and you don't need any other additional interfacing fabric.




The second one is created to fit best the regular Kona cotton fabric(or any other fabric can be used) that is 42x36" and the actual bag is 15x11" and the additional long handle is missing. Also, adding some interfacing fabric is highly recommended with this lighter fabric choice/option.

Needed supply:

1. printed fabric template (ordered through Spoonflower)
2. sewing machine, thread, scissors, pins
3. two buttons for closure 
----- 
4. optional (especially for the Kona cotton option bag): fusible interfacing fabric to obtain the more durable bag.....you can even use the piece(cut in the long stripe) of some light interlining for the handles to obtain the straps that would be padded and therefore would provide more comfortable and durable wear
5. needed for larger bag for additional handle: 2 metal rings and 2 Swivel clasp snap clips



Template pieces includes:
1. bag body
2. bag lining
3. inside pocket (allowing you to make one large pocket or 2 smaller pockets)
4. flap (with different designs on both sides)
5. handles

 Instructions:

1. cut all pieces on the outer lines and use the shapes of the pieces if you need to cut the interfacing

2. on the dashed lines within the bag's body stitch the ribbon or other embellishment: there are many options to mix, match and combine, so be creative here:)

3-4. stitch the pocket: you can use the whole piece number 3 for one big pocket or you can cut it and make 2 smaller pockets to be sewn into the lining, after the embellishing line

5. use the small triangular parts on the bag’s body and lining(on the bottom line) to create darts

6. don’t forget to snip the corners and clip the curves

7. make the handles- the fabric pieces number 5 : there are a few ways to create the handles, (where the inserts will be smaller or bigger-also depending on size of the material available), but the easiest way is to fold them in half lengthwise and iron it, then open and press both sides toward the center crease, press center crease close again and stitch

 
If using the larger bag version, you will need to create also one large handle that will be attached and taken away easily with some rings and snaps

You'll need to make some small fabric straps and to pull through the snap clip on one end and the ring at the other. The second ring and clip will have to be inserted in the both sides of bag's body in the steps 10-11


 


8. using the pieces for flap (cut it on the central dashed line) create the flap by sewing the both pieces on the top of each other, right sides together, leaving the dashed line open as gap to turn. Make the button hole and sew the finished gap on the center of the outer side of the body bag on the center of the outer side of the body bag, placing the front and back pieces on the top of each other, right sides together

 
9. sew the buttons (being help with the other body part with the sewn flap, making sure it would be closed correctly) and sew the handles on both outer body parts


10-11. sew all around body to body parts and lining to lining parts right sides together,leaving the bottom gap open on the inner lining part of the bag that will allow turning bag inside out

12. place lining part inside of the body part of the bag(right sides together) and stitch all around the top

 

13. turn the bag inside out through the lining's gap and hand stitch the opening gap closed and press the seam around the top line of the bag and do the top stitching(for security reasons)






Done:)
Please, let me know if you find any mistakes and non-senses things.
Enjoy, Katarina