Bag with an Aluminum Spring Clasp

Size: 41cm (l) 33cm (w) 20cm (d)

Yui Tamaki has returned to introduce her new creative idea. It is a large size bag using a bear motif fabric from the Nordic forest series. As the name depicts, the concept of this fabric is the Nordic forest. The unique material used for this project is an aluminum spring clasp. The clasp is held together with a pin at the end, and it works by putting it through the top opening fabric. With this clasp, the top opens wide and is used largely for bags and pouches.

Design & work：Yui Tamaki

Fabric shown for this sample:
　P35300-300 （D）

Materials:
□ Fabric (Outer fabric): 110cm×60cm
(Lining fabric): 60cm×100cm
(Pocket): 20cm×20cm
(Decorative piece): 20cm×20cm
□ Fusible interfacing: 110×60m
□ Quilt batting: 110×120cm
□ Handle: One pair (55cm long 2cm wide)
□ Aluminum spring clasp: One piece (10cm long 30cm wide)

We interviewed Yui about her creation:
Kokka Fabric (KF): What did you think of the fabric you used for this project?
It is a lovely fabric filled with lots of warm looking bears. The overall color tone is subdued and stylish without being childish. This fabric design could look good with your clothing, so I chose to make a large bag.

KF: Can you tell us any special elements or ideas that you incorporated into this creation?
With an easy opening and closing feature, it is convenient to see what’s inside and holds a lot of items! It is easy to make, just like making a large drawstring bag. It only uses straight line stitches with minimal hand sewing, so you can finish this rather quickly.

KF: What are some tips for making this bag?
Since you don’t need to worry about the direction of the design for the lining fabric, you can just cut it as one piece of fabric for the front and back portion. When adding the seam allowance, be careful with the fold line. Leaving the clasp open will make it easier to put the pin when securing.

KF: How should we use this bag in everyday situations?
It will look cute and sporty when paired with metallic color shoes that are in fashion right now. With ample room to carry things, it will be handy for an outing.

KF: Thank you very much, Yui! Here are sewing instructions along with step by step photos from her. Enjoy crafting!

Instruction for Bag with an Aluminum Spring Clasp

1.

Adhere fusible interfacing to the outer fabric.

2.

Make the inner pocket. Run zigzag stitches on the sides and the bottom and fold for 1cm. Double fold the top and run topstitches.

3.

Attach the pocket to the lining fabric.

4.

Attach the handle to the outer fabric.

5.

Cover the end of the handle with a 6cm square decorative piece of fabric. Fold the ends inward for 0.5cm.

6.

Run top stitches on all four ends from the front. Repeat the process for the other three attachments.

7.

Layer quilt batting on both outer and lining fabrics. With front sides facing each other, sew them together. Leave the opening where the metal clasp is going to be put through. On the lining fabric, leave an opening for turning.

8.

With front sides facing each other, sew together the outer and lining fabrics at the top opening.

9.

Turn it inside out and close the opening. Fold the outer fabric for 5cm inward and align the shape. Run top stitches all the way around where outer fabric and lining fabric meet.