A few weeks ago, I came across this tutorial for a picnic bag-sket on Sewtakeahike. I've been wanting to make it ever since and I finally found the time and fabric to get to it. I just love the idea of a bag that opens up so wide. I made this one for my Mother-in-law who is always packing lunch and water bottles wherever she goes.
I did take the liberty of making a few modifications which I will explain, but here is my review:
Difficulty Level: Beginner/Intermediate - The construction of the bag is actually more of a beginner level, however, I would recommend it for the intermediate sewer because it requires some pre-sewing work on duplicating the pattern that is provided. Although the basic pattern is there, it requires some handywork figuring out the exact angles and curves to make it work... fiddled with pencil and posterboard for about 15 minutes before getting it right. (see my tips below).
Would I recommend it? YES! Once you get the pattern right, this is a quick sew, and the results are very satisfying. I will be making more of these.
Suggested Changes:
1. Closure - Personally, I like my bags to have some sort of closure, and since this bag has such a wide opening I wanted a little something to keep it closed...I opted for a simple magnetic snap.
2. Construction - I chose to leave a hole open in the lining and finish the top seam while the bags were turned inside out. I'm not a fan of the time it takes to bind layers, so whenever I can, I use this method instead. I also used a top-stitch to finish the opening.
3. Handles - Since I used a seam to combine the layers, I incorporated my handles into that seam as well. Once again, the fewer steps the better!
4. Interfacing - The original tutorial does not use any interfacing, but I wanted a little substance in the bag so I chose to use a light interfacing on the lining along with fusible fleece. (I used muslin as my liner because I used a heavier weight canvas as the exterior and didn't want the bag to be too heavy). I really like the way the bag holds its shape now!
TIPS: Take your time when creating the pattern. Make sure that the two 9.5" curves are identical. I achieved this by drawing the triangle first, making sure that the side measurements were exact. I then marked the center of each of the triangle sides and measured 1" up from both 9.5 sides, and 1.75" from the 12.5 side. I used a string and pencil to achieve the perfect semi-circles (I suppose if I had a compass that would have worked too).
I did take the liberty of making a few modifications which I will explain, but here is my review:
Difficulty Level: Beginner/Intermediate - The construction of the bag is actually more of a beginner level, however, I would recommend it for the intermediate sewer because it requires some pre-sewing work on duplicating the pattern that is provided. Although the basic pattern is there, it requires some handywork figuring out the exact angles and curves to make it work... fiddled with pencil and posterboard for about 15 minutes before getting it right. (see my tips below).
Would I recommend it? YES! Once you get the pattern right, this is a quick sew, and the results are very satisfying. I will be making more of these.
Suggested Changes:
1. Closure - Personally, I like my bags to have some sort of closure, and since this bag has such a wide opening I wanted a little something to keep it closed...I opted for a simple magnetic snap.
2. Construction - I chose to leave a hole open in the lining and finish the top seam while the bags were turned inside out. I'm not a fan of the time it takes to bind layers, so whenever I can, I use this method instead. I also used a top-stitch to finish the opening.
3. Handles - Since I used a seam to combine the layers, I incorporated my handles into that seam as well. Once again, the fewer steps the better!
4. Interfacing - The original tutorial does not use any interfacing, but I wanted a little substance in the bag so I chose to use a light interfacing on the lining along with fusible fleece. (I used muslin as my liner because I used a heavier weight canvas as the exterior and didn't want the bag to be too heavy). I really like the way the bag holds its shape now!
TIPS: Take your time when creating the pattern. Make sure that the two 9.5" curves are identical. I achieved this by drawing the triangle first, making sure that the side measurements were exact. I then marked the center of each of the triangle sides and measured 1" up from both 9.5 sides, and 1.75" from the 12.5 side. I used a string and pencil to achieve the perfect semi-circles (I suppose if I had a compass that would have worked too).
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