Monday, September 2, 2019

Cross Stitch Project Bag



Here's a basic how-to for this simple project bag, perfect for counted cross stitch!
Finished size:  13" high x 14" wide



I couldn't resist stitching one out of this cute camper fabric in preparation for stitching Lori Holt's Happy Camper counted cross stitch pattern!






  I decided to use ByAnnie's Soft and Stable foam stabilizer to give it a bit more structure,
and I wanted to round my corners to reduce wear.  I changed out the dimensions a bit so that it would be the perfect size for an 8-1/2" x 11" counted cross stitch chart, as well as supplies for a project.




Supplies needed:
  • Fabric:
    • fat quarter - one for front (visible through vinyl)
    • fat quarter - one for back, contrasting bands on front, and zipper pull
    • 1/2 yard for binding
  • Shape Flex 101 fusible interfacing: 3-1/2" x 15"
  • ByAnnie's Soft & Stable: 14-1/2" by 15-1/2" 
  • Zipper: nylon zipper 16" or longer
  • Thread in neutral shade to match fabric (I used Aurifil, but So Fine would be a good choice as well.)
  • 1/4" Wash Away Wonder Tape (for basting zipper)
  • Clover Wonder Clips
  • 1/2" Bias Tape Maker
  • Fray Check

Cut fabric:
  • Front (visible through vinyl): 14-1/2" high x 15-1/2" wide
  • Backing fabric:
    • back: 14-1/2" high x 15-1/2" wide
    • top band -  3-1/2" high x 15" wide
    • binding for top of vinyl: 2-1/2" x 15" 
    • zipper pull:  1" x 10"
  • Bias binding: cut 2 strips 2-1/4" wide x width of fabric, cut on bias
  • Vinyl: 11 x 14-1/2"
Machine quilt:
  • Sandwich the backing fabric, Soft & Stable, and front fabric; pin to hold layers.
  • Machine quilt as desired.  (I used a walking foot and stitched a cross-hatch design 1-1/4" apart; then I went back and stitched another line of stitches1/4" to the right of each line of stitching.)
  • Trim quilted piece to 13" high x 14" wide.
Prepare top band:
  • Fuse interfacing to the back of the 3-1/2" x 15" backing fabric following manufacturer's instructions; fold in half lengthwise and press to create band for top of zipper.
Prepare vinyl:
  • Pin 2-1/2 x 15" strip of quilting cotton in half lengthwise to create binding for top of vinyl.
  • Clip binding to top of vinyl using Wonder Clips.  Stitch to vinyl using a 3/8" seam.  (You may need to use a teflon foot if you find the vinyl sticks.)
  • Wrap binding to back of vinyl and top stitch close to binding fold.
Install zipper:
  • Using Wonder Tape, adhere fold of top band to zipper along stitching line, centering band lengthwise.  Top stitch band to zipper close to fold using a zipper foot.  (If using a handbag zipper, you can use a 1/4" patchwork foot in place of zipper foot.)
  • Do the same thing with the vinyl section.
Finishing:
  • Layer zippered vinyl front section over quilted sandwich; trim zipper vinyl section as needed.  ***Be sure to slide zipper tab in before trimming!
  • Clip layers together and stitch 1/8" from edge.
  • Round corners using a 2-1/2" round object; stitch again 1/8" from edge.
  • Bind edges with bias binding.
  • Stitch zipper pull using 1/2" bias tape maker.  Slide through zipper tab and stitch to secure.  Cut ends on diagonal and apply a bit of Fray Check to prevent fraying.




    I want to play around with some other sizes, but this is a good start for now.  
    The current counted cross stitch craze has totally sucked me in, so I'm sure I'll be stitching some more bags for additional projects!






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