Large Craft Bag Project

Between now and our next Quilting Arts session I will be illustrating how to make a large craft bag.  It will be posted in several parts as I make it and once finished I will write up a worksheet as well so no need to print it off.

I've no doubt everyone has already got a craft bag, but the purpose of this one is to practice some patchwork and quilting while making something useful.  A large part of this bag can be made in undecorated fabric to provide an opportunity for quilting practice - either by hand or machine.

Today I am showing a method for making Square-in-Square blocks which will become the pockets for our bag, two on the front and two on the back.  These are simple beginner blocks which are easy to do.  But the pockets can be created with any kind of patchwork so those with more advanced skills can make them up in whatever way they choose.  The ones shown here measure 8 1/2" square and once attached in pairs to the bag will create a large pocket section back and front measuring about 16" across the lower middle part of the bag.

If you want to follow the bag project but plan to use a different type of patchwork block please keep to these measurements more or less.

 For each block you need a 5" square, two pieces measuring 5" X 2.5" and two pieces measuring 9" X 2.5". 

I made templates from plastic so that I could draw around them on the wrong side of the material.  I then cut them out in the usual way with rotary cutter and ruler.  The templates were useful to check accurate sizes and to draw the shape first.

I have used about 10 different prints, the squares cut out in more distinctive prints and then a mixture of toning colours for the pieces around the centre square.

To make 4 blocks you need 4 squares, 8 small sides and 8 longer sides.

first join the smaller pieces to opposite sides of the squares and press well.

Next join the longer side pieces remembering to keep the wrong side uppermost as you sew so that the earlier seams don't get twisted by the sewing machine.

The resulting squares will be joined together in pairs for the front and back of the bag, then they will be backed with interfaced lining to give more substance to the pockets.

As I make the bag I will post the next episode but this is only as a preparation for those who plan to make the bag so that materials and colours can be thought about beforehand . 

There is no intention to rush ahead before we have finished the wall hangings.  Also I know some people want to work on their own project.  The quilted craft bag is an option to be taken up or not and will always be there later on anyway.

Next episode shortly .......