Make a Sew Together Bag: It’s Not So Scary

The Sew Together Bag, designed by Michelle of Sew Demented, can look intimidating to even an experienced bag maker because of the four zippers. However, if you want a beautiful little bag to store sewing notions, I encourage you to make one! I tapped into the helpful online quilting community and enjoyed the process.

I pulled fabrics from my stash for my bag. The exterior of the bag is Pop by Rashida Coleman Hale. The interior lining and pockets are Moda Grunge and Alison Glass Sunprints, and the binding is Tula Pink’s Linework Hexy Rainbow. I opted for a 30″ two-pull zipper from By Annie after reading a note from Erika Bea on Instagram that she preferred a longer zipper so the bag would open and lie flat. The longer length and dual pulls made construction a bit easier and then I trimmed it to size.

Before I even cut my fabric, I watched a video tutorial by Mister Domestic so that I could get a better understanding of how the pieces fit together. Matthew used an adhesive tape to hold the zippers in place during construction, so I decided to use fabric glue and recommend it.

The pattern is well written, yet most people recommend following Quilt Barn’s photo tutorials. All the photos really help!

I applied light fusible interfacing to the Pop exterior fabric. In hindsight, I wish I used heavier interfacing or quilted the panel to add some extra firmness to the bag. Take a look on Instagram at #sewtogetherbag if you want to see some beautifully pieced and quilted bags.

After two afternoons of sewing, I completed the Sew Together Bag and filled it with my sewing notions. The zippered pockets hold Alphabitties, wonder clips, and small notions, such as a seam ripper, Hera marker, and sewing machine brush. There’s also room for my rotary cutter, shears, and small ruler. Now I’m ready for a sew day away with a niece or nephew.

Have you made a Sew Together Bag? I’d like to hear about your experience and if you have any tips to share. If you’d like to try making an easier zippered pouch, try the Mini Scrap Patch Bag. You’ll build confidence and feel ready to take on the Sew Together Bag.

Joyfully,

Tracie

I’m linking to Sarah’s Whoop Whoop Friday and Michelle’s Brag About Your Beauties.