Week 3: Assembly, Zippers, and Binding
This week we will be finishing our bags! I have seen so many finished bags already! This bag really does come together quick after all the quilting and cutting are completed. I'll be sharing quick tips on bindings, the carrying strap, zipper installation, and bias binding. And a little bonus for you: a quilted Trolley Sleeve!
If you're just now joining the sew-along, make sure you check out the stuff from weeks 1 and 2.
Week 1:
Week 2:
IG Live
Email
And if you haven't bought your patterns yet, you can get them here:
If you missed this week's Instagram Live, you can watch it on YouTube by clicking below:
Zippers
I have a YouTube video for you for this step! The most important tip I can share here is to make sure the you line up the edges of your bag when sewing the second side of your zipper! Check out the YouTube Video here.
Some of my favorite marking tools for machine quilting are the Hera marker, Clover chaco 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.
Binding
Use your clips, Stiletto, and or Glue Tip to stitch up some perfect bindings. These tools are some of my favorites in bag making and will help you keep your bindings in place and straight as you stitch them down.
Bias Binding
For those using an older version of the Patchwork Duffle pattern (it's the older one if it doesn't say "2nd edition"), this method of attaching binding is different than what is written in the pattern. If you're using a Patchwork Duffle Mini or Patchwork Duffle 2nd edition pattern, the below info is already in your pattern and you can skip this part.
If you want to see how I originally attached the binding you can watch my YouTube video here.
Attach the Bias Binding to the lining side of the end panels. Then sew them in to the bag and roll the binding over and finish as normal. I enjoy this method because it allows me to attach the binding to a flat piece rather than the big bag. It also give me a great stitching line to follow when I'm attaching the end panel to the bag. It has helped me improve my seam allowance as well.
Trolley Sleeve
If you were around for the first sew-along, I highlighted a maker who added a trolley sleeve to her Patchwork Duffle. Chrystie from @kaianani.handmade shared the method in which she added a trolley sleeve. I decided to try a way that has been floating around in my head. So below are the instructions to my method. Check our Chrystie's as well, and you can decide which one works best for you. You can find the instructions in her Instagram profile under the highlights called Trolley Sleeve.
To start, cut:
(2) 2'' x 9½'' binding strips
(1) 4¾'' x 9½'' quilted fabric
Bind the 9½'' side of the quilted piece. Mark a line 6½'' down from the top bound edge of the Body of the Bag on both of the handles. Slide the raw edges of the quilted sleeve under each side of the handles. Stitch the handles in place as the pattern directs and you'll have a little quilted trolley sleeve perfect when you travel with rolling luggage.
Carrying Strap + Handles
Are you using a decorative webbing? Want to know how to join finish the ends? I just fold each end under ½'' and follow the instructions just the same! You can add one inch to your handle to keep it the same length or just have a handle 1'' shorter. You won't have a problem either way.
Giveaway
Thank you to Handmade is Heartmade and Heartmade Threads for sponsoring our giveaway!
Remember to check out other sewists' bags on the hashtag #DuffleSewAlong2024!
If you have any other questions, feel free to reply to this email and I'll get back to you ASAP.
Happy making,
Kait
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