How to Sew a Patchwork Bag

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It’s time to use up your scraps stash and sew yourself a handy patchwork grab bag. This project is suitable for beginners. However, if you haven’t used zips before, we recommend practicing on a spare zip before completing this project.

As a sewer, you'll have lots of tools that may go walkabout every now and again, keep them in one place with this handy grab bag that you can sew up within the hour. With its extra-wide opening, you won't have to be worrying about scrabbling around inside.

Project and instructions by Rosie's Craft Corner

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You will need

YKK Black Dress and Skirt Zip 41cm

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Artistory Hokusai Cotton Fat Quarters 4 Pack

Is $ 13.00

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Hobbycraft 19S Sewing Machine

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You will also need:

*A pencil

*Dressmaking scissors

*Pins

*A tape measure

*Thread

Optional:

*A sewing machine

Step 1

Select the fabric you wish to make into your outer lining of the bag. I’ve have chosen three different fabrics that I will be making into a patchwork design.

Step 2

Cut out strips of 2” x 16” (as I used three fabrics, I cut only 3 strips of each fabric before I had enough to create the measurements of my bag)

Idea_how-to-sew-a-patchwork-bag_step2b.jpg?sw=680&q=85

Step 3

With a seam allowance of 3/8” stitch all your strips together in which ever design/pattern order you’d like

Step 4

With your iron, press all seams flat on the wrong side of your fabric and iron on a layer of interfacing. This will help stiffen your fabric to help your bag sit upright once sewn.

Step 5

As I have chosen a 16” zip, I have gone with a width of 16” and length 13” on my fabric. However, depending on how wide or tall you wish your bag to be, you can alter these measurements. Just keep the width of your fabric, the same length as your zip to work with this pattern.

Step 6

Once you’ve cut your outer fabric to the size you desire. Cut a contrasting fabric at the same size, for your inner bag layer.

Step 7

On the long width ends of both fabrics (in this case the 16” edge) fold over 3/8” and press flat. You should have 4 pressed edges once finished.

Step 8

Layer your two fabrics together with wrong sides together.

Step 9

With your zip (be sure to match it up. The inner lining fabric should be on the underside of your zip) place it between both layers so that both right sides are facing as they will be sewn.

Start sewing your first zip side in between the layers of fabric.

Tip: Keep distance from your zip teeth, if caught with a stitch, your zip will fail to work. If the fabric gets too close to the zip, it can also get caught and your zip might stick.

Idea_how-to-sew-a-patchwork-bag_step9a.jpg?sw=680&q=85

Idea_how-to-sew-a-patchwork-bag_step9b.jpg?sw=680&q=85

Step 10

Once one side of your zip is sewn in, repeat on the other side.

Tip: Sew with your zip unzipped as far as you can go before you need zip it up. This part can be fiddly, you will need to manipulate your fabric whilst sewing.

Idea_how-to-sew-a-patchwork-bag_step10a.jpg?sw=680&q=85

Idea_how-to-sew-a-patchwork-bag_step10b.jpg?sw=680&q=85

Step 11

Pin close both opens ends, with your zipper laying in the middle.

Important! Be sure to keep your zip open as much as possible before you sew close your ends.

Idea_how-to-sew-a-patchwork-bag_step11a.jpg?sw=680&q=85

Idea_how-to-sew-a-patchwork-bag_step11b.jpg?sw=680&q=85

Step 12

Pinching the corners of your ends, pin and sew roughly 2” in. (As shown in picture) You can choose how far you sew in, depending on how you’d like your bag sit. If unsure, baste stitch and turn outside in, to see how it would look

Idea_how-to-sew-a-patchwork-bag_step12b.jpg?sw=680&q=85

Step 13

Finish your seams with either an overlocker, overlocker stitch on your sewing machine, pinking shears, or if you’d like, bias binding. I’ve chosen to overlock the seams (as shown in picture) Once finished, turn outside in for the result.

Step 14

Now fill up your grab bag and enjoy your own handmade bag.

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