Basic Instructions for tote Bag
Supplies:
Machine embroidery thread of your choice.
Fabric for out side of bag and lining fabric
You can use water soluble stabilizer or 2 layers of tear-a-way(this is what I used)but its up to you, either works.
Temp. spray adhesive like KK2000
Basic directions for stitching:
Stitch out 9 blocks each for front and back if you like(I cut 2 pieces of matching fabric and cotton batting the size of the blocks after they were stitched together to form the front and then used the satin appliqué stitch on my sewing machine to make the back).
The first color change is the placement stitch for placing fabric.
The second color change is the tack down stitch, after this stitch you need remove hoop from machine and trim away all excess fabric from the block then place back on machine and stitch design.
The second to last color is the tack down stitch for the back.
Remove hoop from machine and turn over, lightly spray the back of the fabric with temp spray and put in place, return hoop to machine and stitch tack down stitch the remove again and trim fabric, return to machine and stitch finish satin stitch.
Join blocks together using a zig-zag stitch on your machine using matching thread.
You can make the tote bigger or smaller by adding blocks or taking away blocks.
Hope you enjoy making your bag!
Jacobean Totebag designs can be found here: http://www.designsbysick.com/details/jacototebag
I made this bag some time ago and it was beautiful….However, had asked at that time for assembly suggestions a little more detailed than ‘zig zag the squares together’… The problem I had was at the corners/seams joining the bottom of the bag, and the sides It was impossible to stitch in the very corner… I’m sure there is some trick to this, but I couldn’t figure it out…. Spent a lot of time trying to hand stitch these lower corners… suggestions, please. Thanks
do you use anything like Timtex to make the bottom a bit stiffer than just fabric? It just seams like it wouldn’t make a very stiff bag that would hold much otherwise. I want to make this to carry things on a cruise.
What size blocks do you make for this project?
Has anyone received an answer to their questions? I would like to know the answers to the 3 previous questions before I start my bag.
Thanks
Each block is for the 4×4 hoop.
You can use what you like in the bottom, but Timetex makes it harder to sew through when joining blocks, you can cut a piece of heavy cardboard or wood for the bottom also.
I am in the process of making a new bag and in the process am creating instructions with pictures to help out as with the corners it will be easier for you to see a picture of how it may be done.
These things are not set in stone you sometimes have to figure out the best and easiest way for your self as one persons way may not be easy for another.
You could also use plastic canvas for the bottom support (cut slightly smaller than the bottom which would provide some stability and also allow you to easily sew the seams).
I LOVED THIS TOTE BAG IS UNIQUE
MERCEDES
Hi Bonnie, on the 15th June 2010 you wrote that you were going to create the instructions with pictures. Have you done this and where can I find it? I would love to make this tote bag.
Hi,
I am in the progress of making up a new tote for Christmas, so there is instructions coming soon. You can also use the basic info in the tote designs and use the same process as for my Christmas Gift Bags to put it together. The tote is really quite simple to assemble.
Bonnie