Mini Boston Bag

Size: 18.5cm (l) 25cm (w) 11cm (d)

The featured project is a mini Boston bag made with a simple unisex design fabric, the ni-co collection from echino. With a strap, it can also be used as a shoulder bag. A contrasting material to a cotton linen, a tweed fabric is specifically matched as an accent. An outside slit-style pocket can fit a smart phone. While the size is small, the bag is filled with such user-friendly ideas.

Design & Work: Anriko


Fabric shown for this sample:
echino ni-co JG90000-102 (B)


Materials:
□ Fabric (Panel, Opening, Pocket, Shoulder strap, Bias binding strip,
Bottom lining gusset): 110cm wide×70cm
(Handle, Decorative piece, tab, Bottom outer gusset): 50cm×30cm
□ Fusible Interfacing: 90cmx20cm
□ Zipper: 1 piece (35cm long)
□ Elastic tape: 2.5cm widex22cm
□ Swivel hook: 2 pieces (1.3cm inner diameter)
□ Slide adjuster: 1 piece (1.3cm inner diameter)
□ D Ring: 2 pieces (1.3cm inner diameter)

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We interviewed Anriko about her creation:
Kokka Fabric (KF): What did you think of the fabric you used for this project?
The masculine look of the automobile design may remind of you of an item for a boy, but I ventured to make something with a feminine shape. By combining it with a contrasting material, tweed, it turned out to be a playful bag suitable for mature women.

KF: Can you tell us any special elements or ideas that you incorporated into this creation?
The cotton canvas fabric is easy to handle, so I included many parts to construct this bag. The outer slit pocket is for a smart phone including the ones with a large screen. The bag itself is big enough to fit a large wallet and can hold a lot with an ample bottom gusset.

KF: What are some tips for making this bag?
Please use a #14 needle for machine sewing. With many layers of fabric added as the process progresses, you may want to replace the needle to prepare. The seam is treated with a piping, so the bag is solid and self-standing without adhering a backing.

KF: How should we use this bag in everyday situations?
For this fall, the voluminous style is still in vogue, so a mini Boston shoulder bag will be a great accompaniment for this look. Since the bag is small, it will look so cute when a little child carries it.

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

Instructions

1.
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Slit pocket is somewhat unusual for small fabric goods, but please try it. It is not too difficult as this project only requires opening a slit. If you find it challenging, it is ok to skip this process.

2.
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The bag consists of many parts, but each piece simply requires a straight stitching. Just like building a plastic model car, those who can “construct” something will find this project fun.

3.
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When you finally put all parts together, the bottom corners will be slightly gathered to create a fluffy look. Use many pins or run rough stitches and pull the thread to gather if you are not accustomed to this process.

4.
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When putting together the gusset and bag, I also sew the bias binding strip together. You may think handling each piece may be better, but sewing them altogether will lead to a clean finish. The two outer stitch lines were sewn altogether. Using these stitch lines as a guide, you apply the bias binding strip. To focus on a clean finish, the bias binding strip is 4cm-wide to a 1cm seam, requiring you to stretch the piece as you attach it. If you find the process difficult, you may make the seam to about 7mm.

5.
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Align the shape by pressing the bias strip covered seam to the gusset side. Finished!

Click here for Sewing Instructions (PDF format / A4 size)
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