You can iron these two strips together if you like, the batting will fuse together and help hold the two pieces together. I have found for me that I like to be able to shift the two layers in case of puckers. Sew them together using 1/8 inch on each side and then move over 1/8 to 1/4 in and sew again on both sides. Then straight down the middle. You don't have to have 5 lines of stitching 2 will work I just find it easier later to line them up on the bag and the more stitching the more sturdy the handles.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]138814[/ATTACH]

You should end up with 2 of these

[ATTACH=CONFIG]138815[/ATTACH]

Now go get that bag we set aside, mark a line 5 inches over from the sides. This is you handle placement. Oops thats the top of the bag we're marking.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]138816[/ATTACH]

line up and pin those seams

[ATTACH=CONFIG]138817[/ATTACH]

This is where that middle seam on the handles comes in handy, drop the handle in between the bag body and the lining, line up the middle stitch on your handle to the placement mark we made and pin in place, do this for all 4 ends

[ATTACH=CONFIG]138818[/ATTACH]

Looks like this?

[ATTACH=CONFIG]138821[/ATTACH]

Pin it all together

[ATTACH=CONFIG]138822[/ATTACH]

Sew around the top using your 3/8 or 5/8 seam allowance, leave a hole, I start at the edge of the handle, Dont leave it to small about 4 inches should do.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]138823[/ATTACH]

Pull that bag throught the hole, hint pull the bottom of bag first not the handles. you should have something like this.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]138824[/ATTACH]

Shew that was some work, pin that hole shut , I also pin around the entire top just to keep my seam straight. Now sew it around the top edge of the bag about 1/4 inch from the top, starting at the side seam.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]138825[/ATTACH]

Now you can put in your foam board or plexi glass. I buy plexi in large sheets at home depot and cut down to size. If you use plexi glass you need to sand down those sharp corner points they will rip your fabric. Its real easy to sand and only takes a few quick swipes. Make that little pocket for the bottom by folding over the top edge and stitching, then sew right sides together leaving one end open. slide in plexi. I dont close this pocket so it can be thrown in the washing machine, I fold the edge under to the bottom.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]138828[/ATTACH]

under 2 hours a finish!

[ATTACH=CONFIG]138832[/ATTACH]

One bag...one big mess!

[ATTACH=CONFIG]138833[/ATTACH]