Handmade Gifts: Sew Together Bags

Happy Wednesday! It's time to share all the gift sewing that I did last month. I didn't make tons of gifts this year, but I always like to make a few. Now that they've been gifted, I can share them with you here!

Today I'm sharing two Sew Together Bags that I made for Michael's parents. I originally intended to give these last Christmas, but packing up our apartment took over and then didn't get sewn up. I had cut everything out and interfaced all the pieces though, so it made them come together quick this year!

Sew Together Bag Pattern by Sew Demented


First up, a paper themed bag for Michael's Mom! She's a first grade teacher, so I knew I wanted to take inspiration from that for her bag. I've had this handwriting fabric stashed for years (I'm not sure who it was made by, it was thrifted.), and it seemed like the perfect focal fabric.


From there I pulled another paper-inspired fabric, this lined paper print from Jot (and Literary) by Heather Givans, for the side panels.


For the inside, I used this tiny vintage pin dot that has been in my stash for many years. It reminds me of the inside of a security envelope! This was really a stash dive project, because I used an old graph paper print for the pocket linings.


After diving back into free-motion quilting with my quilted tree skirt, I decided to do the same with the exterior panel. Doodle quilting felt extra appropriate on paper fabric! I love how the little red dot for the bindings really pulls it all together and gives it a special pop!

All the zippers are gray YKK from Zipit, my favorite source for zippers.


Up next, a bag for Michael's Dad. For this bag, I decided to go with a denim theme. I used a variety of chambray and denim fabrics, all by Robert Kaufman.


I have been collecting these fabrics for a few years, but haven't used up much of it. It was fun to cut into these fabrics, and they worked great for a bag!


It's hard to see in the photos, but the pocket linings and the bindings are a speckled chambray, with little pops of primary colors. It's subtle, but fun!

Zippers are YKK in slate gray and white from Zipit.


For the exterior panel on this bag, I decided not to quilt it. The denim I used was pretty thick on it's own, so I just reinforced it with fusible fleece and called it a day! It's still nice and soft, but a little more clean looking.


I've now made ten of these bags! Find the other ones I've made here:
Dreamin' Vintage Sew Together Bags
Nordika Sew Together Bag
Geometric Bliss Sew Together Bag
Carolyn Friedlander and Paris Map Sew Together Bags
Indigo and Black + White Sew Together Bags

You can find the pattern to make these bags here: Sew Together Bag Pattern by Sew Demented

Happy Sewing!