Size
40 x 34cm

You will need
120 x 60cm in each floral print iron-on interfacing matching coloured sewing thread

Fabric tip
Choose fabrics that will wash and wear in the same way. The best fabric to use is 100% cotton. It is a good idea to prewash the fabrics separately with a scrap of white cotton fabric to ensure they are completely colourfast and also to remove any starch. Check to see if any colour has run onto the white cotton before you start sewing.

 

To cut
From each floral print fabric cut out two rectangles each 42 x 36cm for the front and back of the bag and one strip 112 x 7cm long for the strap. If you would prefer the strap to be made in one fabric only then cut the second strap from the same fabric.
NOTE A 1cm seam allowance has been included in the measurements. Apply the interfacing to the wrong side of one of the strap pieces.

To sew
1 Choose which fabric to use for the outer and inner bag before you start sewing. With the right sides facing, and working a 1cm seam allowance, join the outer bag at the side seams and the lower edge. Clip the seam at the corners diagonally for a neater point.
2 In the same way, sew the seams of the inner bag. Press the bags. Leave each bag at this stage without turning.
3 With the right sides facing, place the two strips for the straps together. Close the short sides and the length, leaving an opening for turning. Clip the corner seams diagonally as before and turn to the right side through the opening. Fold in the seam allowance at the opening and close with hand stitches.
Complete the strap by working a row of top-stitching around the outer edges, as close to the edge as possible.
4 Pin the strap in position to the seam on the right side of the inner bag at each side. Tack the strap in place and remove the pins. Turn the inner bag through to the right side. Place the inner bag inside the outer bag with the right sides together. Now pin the two bags along the top edges. The strap should be between the inner and outer bag so it will not get in the way when sewing the seam.
5 Machine stitch the top edge closed, removing the pins as you work and leaving an opening for turning. Work a row of reinforcement stitching along the strap sections of the seam. Turn the bag through to the right side, through the opening. The strap will now be sandwiched between the two layers of fabric. Fold under the seam allowances at the opening and hand sew it closed.
6 Remove the tacking stitches for the straps at the side seams. Work a row of top-stitching along the top edge

Text and image: Ideas magazine