Bag Panels

By Spotlight

D.I.Y at it's best! Who doesn't need another handbag?!

Final Result

Materials

• Bag panel - craft or beach
• Gutermann sewing thread
• Scissors
• Sewing machine
• Iron

Step 1

Cut out all sections - back, front, sides, base, straps, pockets and labels.

Step 2

Trim side and base panels 12cm wide.

Step 3

Fold pockets under 6-8mm on all sides and press.

Step 4

Cut labels to size and zigzag stitch to faux pockets on front of bag or side pockets if desired.

Step 5

Pin pocket to side panel 7cm up from bottom edge.
Stitch pocket in place down each side and across the bottom edge, leaving the top open.

Step 6

Sew the side panels to front and back panels, then sew the base to the front, back and sides.

Step 7

Press top edge of bag over 1cm to the wrong side, then a further 1.5cm.

Step 8

Pin 2 straps together with right sides facing and solid outside lines aligned.
Sew together down each side 5mm from the solid line.
Turn through to right side and press flat.
Zigzag stitch across raw ends.
Repeat for other strap.

Step 9

Pin each end of the strap to one side of the bag 8cm in from panel side seam with the ends 1.5cm down from the top edge of the bag.
Repeat for other strap on the other side of the bag.

Step 10

Topstitch around top of bag 5mm in from the top edge, securing the straps within stitching.
Sew another row of topstitching around the top 12mm from top edge.

Handy Hint

Bag may be lined with calico or cotton drill if desired.