Butterflyspain

Hi Everyone. This is my second attempt, lost the first lot somehow.

Here goes again:
You need for Purse size approx 18" x 12"

1/2 metre of each of the following:
Batik or brightly coloured fabric
3 different contrasting or blending colours
Light weight Calico
Lining material
Optional Bag Handles

Sewing machine/ Thread/Sharp Scissors/Long Ruler (with 45 Deg if available), Pencil.

Decide on the order of fabrics (1 Top 2 middle and 1 bottom plus 1 Calico layer. The CALICO needs to be cut 1" bigger than the top and middle two layers of FABRIC.
On your CALICO layer, mark the first pencil line at 45 degree angle from the left to the right hand corner PHOTO 1
Mark subsequent lines 3/8" aprt, parallel to the first line, completely cover the calico with lines.
If you are confident and have an attachment on your sewing machine to guide you, it will only be necessary to draw the first line in pencil, then using the sewing machine attachment; all subsequent rows of stitching can be aligned with the first one.
Now with the lines on the calico facing the table, layer up the other fabrics right side up. First the bottom layer, the middle two layers next, then the TOP fabric.

Butt the edges of the smaller sized three upper layers to the two larger sized layers along two edges leaving a wider piece jutting out on two adjacent sides on the bottom and calico layers.

TACK through all layers at fairly close intervals to stop the layers "Travelling" while stitching along the pencil lines later.
Working from the BACK with the lines upwards and starting with the centre line stitch along all the lines with a small straight stitch. Sew all the lines on your calico moving outwards on either side.

NOW your are ready to cut. DO NOT CUT the CALICO or the BOTTOM LAYER OF MATERIAL. Cut through the 3 layers with sharp pointed scissors. it is easier to hold the wider lower layers (Calico and bottom fabric which shows outside the top layers) The Scissors will be guided in a central path between the stitched lines.

TO MAKE the BAG HANDLES:
Cut a piece of material 2" wide x the desired length PLUS calico and the 4 fabrics and machine again throught the lines as before.
Cut a lining to match these handles.

NOW... WASH your fabric which you have just cut and Tuble dry if possible.
This makes the fabric fluff out and the wavy edges more pronounced.

TO MAKE LINING and COMPLETE THE PURSE

TRIM Faux Chenille panel to required size I made mine 18" x 13"
FOLD in half and sew both seams from top to bottom.
Take the bottom corner and fold the fabric so the seam lies on top of the fold.

Measure 1 1/2" from the point and stitch straight across. PHOTO 2

Repeat on other corner. This gives the bag a nice flat base to stand up.
For the Lining. Make a little pocket and sew onto your lining. Fold the inwards, so the pocket is on the inner side and sew up the lining, repeating the points as before.

Cut a piece of Cardboard for the base of your bag and place inside.
Put your Lining inside the bag and Pin to the top of your bag. PHOTO 3

Make bag handles by turning in and pressing a narrow edge on both sides of the Chenille handles and do the same with the corresponding lining piece, but turn in the edges slightly more.
PIN the HANDLES to the OUTSIDE of the purse. PHOTO 4
I have used Wooden handles but the same principle applies, just make a tab to hold them on and SEW along the TOP.

Cut a piece of Binding the same as your LINING and pin to the outside of the bag PHOTO 5
STITCH around the top and turn into the bag.
CUT carefully along the top of your bag to 1/4".
Turn the Binding to the inside so that none of the binding is showing on the outside of the bag and Turn up a hem on the binding and slip stitch in place.

VOILA tis complete. Well done. :D :D

ANY QUESTIONS will be answered should you require further help.
Elle