You will need:
2 fat quarters
1 piece of canvas or cotton batting
matching thread
First, take the fat quarter that is going to be the outside of your bag. Fold it in half so that it is 18 inches wide and 11 inches tall. (Since not every fat quarter is the same, these are approximate measurements) Then cut off two - two inch strips for the handles.
Second, do the same for the fat quarter that will be the lining.
Third, sew the two inch pieces together with a 1/4 seam allowance making the two handles. Then turn and press.
Fourth, cut two strips- 1 1/2 or 1 3/4 inches wide from your canvas or cotton batting( I prefer cotton batting. It feels like it gives it some more depth and strength.) and thread those through the handles with a safety pin. I don't sew everything together at once because I really hate turning bulky things. Then once the cotton batting pieces are in place, top stitch 1/2 inch in on each side to stabilize the batting.
Fourth, (sorry no picture) cut out a piece of cotton batting the same size as the outside piece of your bag. Lay the fabric that is the outside of your bag on top of the batting with the right side facing outwards. If you are a diligent sewer and want to baste the batting to the fabric first then go ahead. I never have and so far haven't had any problems with it.Fifth, once you have your batting and fabric together, fold both pieces with right sides facing and sew a 1/2 seam down each side Once done, press open each seam. Once you've pressed open each seam, flatten the bottom of one side (photo below) to make a triangle. Measure 2 inches on each side of the seam, mark with a pencil and sew across that line, then repeat on the other side. After that is done, repeat the same process for the lining of the bag but remember to leave an opening on the side of bag for turning.
Sixth, turn the outside fabric right side, push out the corners and the bag should look like this.
Seventh, pin your handles to the top of your bag and baste in place.
Eighth, pin the lining with right sides facing together and sew with a 1/2 inch seam allowance around the top.
Ninth, turn your bag through the opening in the side of the lining.
Tenth, tuck the lining inside the bag and press. Then topstitch 1/2 inch around the top of your bag.
Ta da! You're done!
Now put your stuff in it and go!!!
There are tons of ways you can adapt and make this bag even cooler.
You could:
- patchwork the outside and then quilt it
- appliqué cute things to it
- use some fabric scraps and make a pocket for the inside
- add a loop and a button for a closure
- make a fancy pin for the outside
- and if you're really careful with how you sew up the opening in the lining, it's actually reversible.
