Craft Sack

Today I have been making a new Patchwork Pockets Strip for the Big Bag but emphasising the square nature of the Square-in-a-Square block design by using matching fabric all around the outer square.. 

I was disappointed with a number of elements of the first Big Craft Bag so rashly have decided to make another one with a couple of new improved features (I hope). 

I am using 7 different fabrics, 2 with pretty designs for the centre squares and the remainder plain for the outer squares. The strips shown here are ready to be sewn together and then cut up again to make the casing for this second bag.

Just a reminder: when some seams have already been sewn on each block remember to stitch the rest of the seams with the wrong side facing upwards so you can see the earlier seams are not getting twisted by the machine as you sew.

Press each block well in between sewing the next pair of seams.

Once the six blocks are made you need to create two sections with three blocks in each.  To do this add sashing to join three blocks together, then add two more strips at the ends.

The worksheet already circulated does not make it clear that sashing has to go at the ends of these sections as well as in between the blocks.

 Please ask me for a Phase One worksheet if you have not got one.

Then measure the width of the three blocks and sashing.  It should measure about 30".  Cut four sashing strips to this length and 1.5" wide and attach to the top and bottom of the two sections.

 To be continued ..................