Week 2: Cutting, Quilting, and Handles
This week we will be quilting and cutting out all our quilted bag pieces, cutting our accent fabric, and making our handles.
If you're just now joining the sew-along, make sure you check out the stuff from week 1:
And if you haven't bought your patterns yet, you can get them here:
| Buy Patchwork Duffle Pattern | Buy Patchwork Duffle Mini Pattern |
If you missed this week's Instagram Live where Kaitlyn walks through a few of the updates in the new versions of the two patterns, provides tips for this week's steps, and answers questions from viewers, you can click the video below to watch the replay on-demand.
Quilting
If you are doing a patchwork version, be sure to sew all our patchwork squares together BEFORE you start quilting.
If you are making a solid version with a directional fabric, follow the directions in the pattern to cut and sew your bag body panel before quilting.
Now for quilting (YAY)! It can be helpful to quilt up smaller pieces of fabric rather than the whole yard so feel free to cut out your pieces and make quilt sandwiches and quilt each individual piece. I cut my pieces 1" bigger than the size in the pattern so I have a little room for shrinking during quitting. If you are making a patchwork, you won't have that extra fabric but the pattern is pretty forgiving, and usually everything shrinks up the same amount so you should be good. Here is a YouTube video I made sharing about how I like to quilt Soft and Stable. The same principles would apply if you are using batting for your bag as well.
I also made a quick reel on IG showing my process with a few tips on quilting your bag on your domestic machine that might be helpful.
If you'd rather not quilt the fabric yourself, I'm sure your favorite Long-arm quilter would be happy to help you get that fabric quilted! Be sure to seam your directional fabric before sending, and check with them about how much extra backing “lining” they would require for the panels.
Some of my favorite marking tools for machine quilting are: Hera marker, Clover chalk pen, and Sewline's Air Erasable pen.
I also love to use the sewing guide that came with my sewing machine.
Despite most sewing machines having them, many aren't familiar how to
use them, so search your sewing machine accessories and you might just
have one too! I especially like to use it when doing crosshatch
quilting.
Cutting
My favorite rulers for cutting quilts or bags are Creative Grids Rulers. I have their 20.5'' x 20.5'' square ruler, which is my favorite for cutting out these large bag pieces and bias binding squares and for squaring up my large quilt blocks.
When I don't have a ruler big enough to measure out my piece, I just butt the rulers up to each other to be able to cut the size that I need.
After you cut your bag pieces, be sure to do the 1/8'' stitch around all your quilted pieces. It's so helpful for keeping your stitching from coming unstitched and compressing the edges in the seams that will be joined together and bound in later bag steps.
The next step is to cut out your accent fabrics. Cut your binding fabrics and handle pieces if you are covering your strapping with fabric. Easy as that.
Handles
Are you using a finished handle webbing? Or covering some strapping with fabric? You have options and both are good! I am really loving seeing all the webbing options out there! I have a huge selection of colors and designs of finished cotton webbing in my shop if that's the webbing option you choose.
Fabric-Covered Strapping
Covering a Polypro strapping with fabric is one of my favorite ways to add more variety to your bag. I love fabric so any way to incorporate just one more print excites me. If you are the same, this may be the technique for you! Using a tube turner for this isn't required, but in my opinion it is a GAME CHANGER when flipping tubes. The handles on this bag are made with one long piece, so it can be a pain to turn that tube with a safety pin. Check out this week's IG live video for more detailed info on using a tube turner for the handles.
Feel free to share your progress on Instagram using the hashtag #DuffleSewAlong2024 and have a peek at other makers' progress while you're at it.
If you have any other questions, feel free to reply to this email and I'll get back to you ASAP.
Happy making,
Kait