Project Bag with Vinyl Window

SUPPLIES AND FABRIC:

You will need your machine, basic sewing supplies, and the following.

Supplies:

7 X 7 vinyl square – I will have this available at club)

18X 20 Main Fabric 

18 X 20 Lining Fabric

18 X 20 Fusible Interfacing (I used Pellon 911FF.  It comes 20” wide.)

Prep Work:

Iron interfacing to wrong side of lining fabric.

Stack main fabric with lining right sides together.

Cut from stacked fabric:
1 - 12 X 12  Back

2 - 3 X 12  Window top and bottom frame

2- 3 X 7  Window sides frame

2 - 3 X 13  Straps

Cut as shown in diagram below.

You will have a main and lining of each size.

CONSTRUCTION DIRECTIONS:

1) Frame your window.

Place 3 X 7 main fabric and lining fabric Right Sides Together with one edge of vinyl between and sew 1/4" seam along outside of vinyl window.  Repeat on opposite side.  Finger press layers away from vinyl.

In the same manner, add the 3 X 12 in. top and bottom of the frame, beginning with a fix stitch 1/4 in.from side edge and ending with a fix stitch 1/4 in. from opposite side. Finger press layers away from vinyl. Top Stitch 1/8 in. around vinyl window

2) Attach back to front.

Pin or Clip 12 X 12 main fabric Right Sides Together. Making sure to only sew main fabric,  stitch from top corner around to opposite top corner.  As you pass the seam allowances on the sides, stitch right on the point where you left your 1/4 in seam allowance open in step 1.

Sew the lining back to the lining front in the same manner.

3)  Box the Corners.

Lay side seam line against bottom seam line at bottom corner, measure up 1 in. and draw line perpendicular to seam line.  Sew on line. Trim off the excess to reduce bulk.  Do this to all 4 bottom corners.

Turn main bag around lining bag, push out and straighten corners, and line up top edge of bag.  

4)  Make Strap Handles.

Using 1 main AND lining pair, cut in half the long way, making 2 strips that are 1 1/2 X 13.  Press 1/4 in. under on one long side of each piece.  With right sides together, sew lining and main strip along unfolded side.  Press open, then press wrong sides together.  Match folded side and stitch close to edge.  Stitch close to seam edge for reinforcement and symmetry.

       -or-

Using 2 main OR lining 3 X 13 strips, fold one long side in 3/4 inch and the other long side in 1/2 inch and again another 1/2 inch, overlapping edges on back of strap.  Stitch close to folded edge. Repeat for second handle.

      -or-

Using 2 main OR lining 3 X 13 strips, fold in half  the long way with right sides together, stitch long side and turn right side out.

5)  Finish Top Edge.

Trim top edge to even out if necessary.  Being careful not to melt vinyl to your iron, press under 1/4 in. around top edge, matching main fabric to lining.  Insert strap ends between, lining up outside edge of strap with window edge.  Top Stitch close to top edge.  Stitch again over handles for reinforcement.

All done!