*For additional sizes and custom sizing check out the pattern versionhere.
The following mini tutorials will be done using the Everything size (same as the tutorial size). Basically we are taking the Exterior Main pieces and adding patchwork to them. There are so many possibilities, you could do squares, rectangles, even a quilt block if you wanted! I'm going to show you how to make the three bags above, vertical stripes, horizontal stripes, and diagonal stripes. So, let's go!
Sewing Level: Intermediate
First and foremost, the pieces we're going to be creating are 10.5" wide by 9" tall. When I'm adding piecing, I like to interface my pieces for extra support. I used Pellon SF101 Woven interfacing for all these bags (only applied to the Exterior Main pieces).
Vertical Stripes
For vertical stripes, we need to cut strips that are as tall as the piece we need, so 9".
Cut (14) 2"x9" strips from various fabrics
Separate your strips into two piles, one for each side of your bag. Stitch together 7 strips along the long edges using a 1/4" seam allowance. Press seams open. Repeat for the second piece. Trim both pieces to 10.5"x9". Apply interfacing. Finish bag according to the tutorial.
*For other size bags, cut strips as tall as your Exterior Main pieces.
Horizontal Stripes
For horizontal stripes, we need to cut strips that are as wide as the piece we need, so 10.5".
Cut (12) 2"x10.5" strips from various fabrics
Separate your stripes into two piles, one for each side of your bag. Stitch together 6 strips along the long edges using a 1/4" seam allowance. Press seams open. Repeat for the second piece. Trim both pieces to 10.5"x9". Apply interfacing. Finish bag according to the tutorial.
*For other size bags, cut strips as wide as your Exterior Main pieces.
Diagonal Stripes
For diagonal stripes, we'll be using a foundation paper piecing method.
- Approx 20 strips of various lengths
- 2 pieces of scrapbook paper (12"x12")
Cut a variety of strips, a few should be at least 12" long. You can choose to cut them all the same width (Ex: 2"), or different widths like mine!
Trim a piece of scrapbook paper down to 9"x10.5". Decide on a center strip for your piece.
1. Using a tiny bit of glue from a glue stick, attach the strip, right sides up, centered on the diagonal of your paper. (You may choose not to place it on the exact diagonal like me, I wanted mine to be a bit wonky!)
2. Grab your next strip, and place it on your center strip, right sides together. You always want to make sure your strip is a bit longer than the paper so that you have some overhang!
3. Turn your stitch length down (I think I turned mine to about 1.5), and stitch along the edge of your strips using a 1/4" seam allowance. You're stitching them right to the paper!
4. Open your strips up and press with an iron (no steam!), or your fingers.
5. Grab another strip and repeat the process.
6. Do this until you've covered that entire half of the paper.
7. Now flip your work around and do the same to fill up the other half of your paper.
8. Once your paper is covered entirely, press well and flip it over.
9. Using the paper as a guide, cut away the excess fabric.
10. Finally, tear off the paper carefully from the back starting at a corner. Press well. Repeat for the second piece!
11. Apply interfacing. Finish bag according to the tutorial.
Enjoy your super cute bags!
Looking for more ways to customize your bags? Check out my new Lined Drawstring Bag Expansion Pattern! Take your lined drawstring bags to the next level with a wide range of variations! Dress up your bags with patchwork and quilt blocks or keep it simple with an easy going bag. Learn how to center a design on the front, make a drawstring backpack and more!
Find the original pattern here: Lined Drawstring Bag Pattern
Find the expansion pattern here: Lined Drawstring Bag Expansion Pattern
Happy Sewing!
good way to use scrapbook paper- a hobby i did b4 quilting took over
ReplyDeleteI already have this pattern and love it, but it keeps getting better - thanks!
ReplyDeletewow I love it :)
ReplyDeleteLove these! Definitely going to try them :)
ReplyDeleteI didn't think these little drawstring bags of yours could be any cuter -- I was wrong!! Love the patchwork!
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love the diagonal stripes one! You may have pushed me into trying paper piecing!
ReplyDeletesooooo cute Jeni!!!!
ReplyDeleteI can't choose one! Love them all!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for another great tutorial!
ReplyDeleteThanks Jeni, you always inspire me to try new things.
ReplyDeleteOh, Jeni, thank you so much for these tutorials! I already loved your drawstring bags, and these "twists" will make the bags even better, plus they're great for scrap busting. Thank you!!!
ReplyDeletelove these, Jeni! You are always amazing...
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! I bought the pattern a while ago to make bags for my grandkids, friends, co-workers, they're going to make beautiful gift bags. My granddaughter has a birthday next month and she loves wild pinks, turquoise, purples, etc. I would be interested to know what fabric you used for the top part of the bag with the vertical strips. I have quite a few different fabric strips that would go well with that, and she would love it. Thanks for sharing your beautiful projects and patterns with us.
ReplyDeleteThese are SO cute, especially love the diagonal stripes! Thank you for sharing, you're amazing! :)
ReplyDeleteI love these and just have to have a go at them. Not sure which kind of stripes I prefer though.
ReplyDeletefantastic! you did it so well, it's amazing. :)
ReplyDeleteLove these. You well done.
ReplyDeleteParabéns! Estas bolsas estão lindas e que bom aproveitamento de pequenas tiras. As diagonais são as minhas preferidas.
ReplyDeleteBeijos.
Okay. What are your cutting tips for strips? Anyone. Mine always come out wonky and weird. I'm kind of like Charlie Brown making a ghost costume for Halloween. "I had a little trouble with the scissors."
ReplyDeleteLeigh
Try using a rotary cutter, ruler and self healing board.
DeleteI would love to know where the fabrics came from (or what designer) that are on the vertical and diagonal striped bags. Namely anything with coral, aqua/turquoise and yellow. Or if you have any suggestions for designer to check out that have fun fabrics in those colors. I'm starting to work on girl #2's nursery and am loving the combination!
ReplyDeleteThis is good old string piecing. Why do you need to use paper at the back instead of scrap fabric or lightweight pellon and some pins? Much easier on your machine needle than paper.
ReplyDeleteJeni, What are you using for the ties in these pictures? I've made a few of these bags and it's too time consuming to make my own ties. Ribbon from Joann's seems to flimsy. Thanks for your help.
ReplyDeleteI made one last night - last night - so very quick. It is beautiful. What a great tutorial. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteThis are the cutest and loveliest bags I have found! very inspiring ! they looks like sweets!!! thank you for sharing my kids will love them.
ReplyDeleteSuper!!!! these are just too good.. am looking forward to do something like this...
ReplyDeleteI love the horizontal stripes bag. Looks easy! Is pressing the seams necessarily before you are interfacing the fabric?
ReplyDeleteI would do it before! You want it to be as flat as possible before the interfacing is applied, because after it's on the seams are locked in place!
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