The Owls fabric from Scandinavian Diary by Danish designer Lisa Grue, is featured for this bag. Handcraft artist and a popular blogger Kanae Nakayama created a stylish bag using the unique design of Scandinavian taste-filled fabric. She incorporated different owl designs for front and back so that both sides of the bag can be enjoyed.
Fabric shown for this sample: Lisa Grue JG50300-301(D)
Materials:
□ Fabric (Panel, Gusset): 80cm×130cm
(Pocket, Handle): 40cm x 110cm wide
□ Fusible quilt batting: 60cm x 80cm
□ Bottom board for the bag: 35cm x 15cm
□ Snap: 2 pairs (1cm diameter)
We interviewed Kanae about her creation:
Kokka Fabric (KF): What did you think of the fabric you used for this project?
I got so excited with this unique design that reminds you, “This is what we call Scandinavia.”
When I contemplated how to incorporate each design element, I thought “Why not making a bag that has an impact on both front and back!”
KF: Can you tell us any special elements or ideas that you incorporated into this creation?
It has large gussets allowing you to carry many items. The snap at the opening works to create a trapezoid shape, making the design look very stylish.
KF: What are some tips for making this bag?
By sewing the bottom gussets first, they will come out clean and well balanced on both sides.
KF: How should we use this bag in everyday situations?
The patterned area in the front and back are actually the pockets. They are deep so no need to worry about something falling out of the pocket. A4 size (slightly longer than letter size) documents comfortably fit, without having to fold them. Why not using this bag for school meetings or for work?
KF:Thank you very much, Kanae! Here are sewing instructions along with step by step photos from her. Enjoy crafting!
Instructions
1.
Sew the gussets. Double fold the top seam of the large pocket (main part) fabric and run stitches. Place this fabric over the bag main fabric (black fabric). Baste both sides starting from the top of the pocket to bottom, and also baste the bottom using sewing machine. Repeat the process for the other (back) side.
2.
Sew the bottom center of the side gusset. Press the seam open. With the front sides facing each other, align the bottom center of the main fabric and bottom center of the side gusset. First sew the bottom along the finished (yellow) line. When you reach the corner, run some back stitches and cut the thread.
3.
At the corner, cut a slit (5mm) on the gusset side.
4.
From the slit, change the direction of the gusset. Toward the top, first pin the main panel and side gusset, and then sew together to the top opening. Repeat the process on the opposite side. Leave an opening on the lining bag.
5.
Shown when turned over.
6.
Make the handles. Use the fabric left after cutting the main panel. Since the two main panels are cut with the right design, the leftover fabric may be thin in width or have an imperfect motif, like a half cut owl. So use these fabrics for the handles. Cut two pieces of 16cm x 40cm strips without worrying about the design to be featured. Align the ends as they will be folded inside. Once folded in four, run stitches on both sides.
7.
The distance between the handle edges is 12cm. Baste the handle to the main fabric.
8.
With the front sides facing each other, sew together the outer and lining bags. When doing so, make sure to align the transition and center line of the gusset and main bag, pin them together, sew around once, turn it inside out and sew around again. Close the opening, attach the snaps and insert the bottom board to finish!
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