Victoria Bryant: November 2011 Archives
The Christmas season is beginning. Help bring the holidays to our troops with these cute mini drawstring bags( approximately 4'' wide x 7'' tall). I spent part of my weekend experimenting with different ways to make bags. My goal is twenty-five bags. I had company but I still managed to do 10 and can easily finish the rest this week. I am also making some that are non holiday related. For your bags to be used for Christmas, they need to arrive by November 25, 2011. Do not let this deter you if you can't meet this date. Any bags will be used during the year and next Christmas.
Shipping address:
Operation Care Package
611 Wilcox Street
Joliet, Il 60435
Supplies:
Leftover scraps of fabric (You will need a piece 9 1/4'' x 10 1/4'')
Matching thread
Ribbon, cording, twill tape (search your scrap trims)- 20 inch piece for each bag
Rotary Cutter
Rotary Mat
Clear Ruler
Sewing Machine
Scissors
This project goes very fast with assembly line sewing:
Sort your fabrics by color.
Wind several bobbins with appropriate color
Instructions:
1. Turm in 1/8'' to the wrong side on the long sides of the bag and stitch. Chain stitch all bags of the same color.
2, Turn in 1/8'' to the wrong side on the bottom of the bag and stitch. Chain stitch all bags of the same color.
3. Take all of your bags to the ironing board. Fold top of bag down 2 inches and steam press. Unfold and fold down 1 inch to previous 2 inch line. Press and fold over to original pressing line. This will create your casing. Do this for all bags of the same color.
4. Sew 1/4'' from the top fold of the bag
5. Sew 1/4'' from the bottom fold of the casing.
6. Fold bag lengthwise right sides together.
7. Stitch 1/4'' from edge beginning just bellow casing. Backstitch at casing point.
8. With right sides together at the bottom. Snip at corner to make a sharp corner. Be careful not to cut through your stitching.
9. Turn bag to right sides.
10. Cut a 20'' piece of ribbon or cord or twill tape. I used a safety pin to thread cord through the casing. I knotted my cord on the end to prevent fraying.
You now have a cute little gift bag. I plan on making a few extra for my own gift giving.
Note: This is a great stash buster project. If you don't have pieces that will measure 9 1/4'' x 10 1/4'' consider piecing several scraps together until you reach the right measurements.
