classic book bag (part 1)* (4209 Views)

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  Step 1 of 15

  First, you make your own pattern. i wanted my bag to be quite big so i could fit everything into it. but you can make it any size you'd like, you just have to adjust it. as you can see, these are the measurements of my bag. you'll want it to be a good square or rectangle. then, depending on how much volume you'd like in your bag for whatever you're going to put in there, measure out two, evenly sized squares. sorry, this part may be the most broad instructions of the entire project, but that is because YOU have the creative control on how wide, skinny, fat, deep, or shallow your bag is. not I.

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  Step 2 of 15

  once you're done perfecting it, pin down your new pattern on the fabric you wish to be on the outside of your bag. i used a nice, sturdy cotton canvas so my bag would be able to hold all of my homework without breaking. then, cut it out. MAKE 2 OF THESE. please, please for the sake of your bag.

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  Step 3 of 15

  ok. we're finally getting to the fun part, sewing. now, once you have 2 of those funny looking pieces cut out, place them RIGHT SIDES TOGETHER and stitch using a 5/8 seam allowance. IMPORTANT: take a look at the diagram i have drawn, and STITCH ONLY WHERE I HAVE DRAWN. DON'T SEW IN THOSE LITTLE SQUARES OR I WILL HAVE TO COME TO YOUR HOUSE AND SEAM RIPPER THOSE BABIES OUT.

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  Step 4 of 15

  sew sew sew sew sew

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  Step 5 of 15

  listen closely kays? this part can be a bit difficult to grasp the fist time. see the corner of the little square pointing in to the fabric? well you can see that there are two layers. pinch the corner of each separate layer with your fingers and pull apart until it becomes a flat line. i have posted a couple pictures of this, so it may help to look at all of them.

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  Step 6 of 15

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  Step 7 of 15

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  Step 8 of 15

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  Step 9 of 15

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  Step 10 of 15

  got it? i hope so. okay at this point it's best to just iron it a bit so it'll keep. then, you can choose to either open up the seams, or fold them in opposite directions like i have done in the picture. you choose.

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  Step 11 of 15

  now, i'd like you to stitch along this little opening just to close it up. again use a 5/8 seam allowance. dont bother finishing any of these edges because they wont be exposed thanks to the lining.

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  Step 12 of 15

  it'll look like this.

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  Step 13 of 15

  and this

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  Step 14 of 15

  now, do the other side just like this one. it will look like this from the bottom

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  Step 15 of 15

  i know, i know, you're just itching to take a ironing break. well go ahead. iron all of your fresh seams and make it look pretty. i give you permission to turn it inside out and marvel at how lovely it looks. well we're only half done, so take a peek at part 2 when i post it tomorrow. thankyou!