Christmas 2010 Preparation

Christmas 2010 is coming. And like every other year.. I always struggling what to give to people close to me. Something (if possible) that is not too common such handmade stuff. So my husband said to me to try to make a few bags as a gift. There then I started again.. from one become two and so on.. oh well then I may aswell make more and more bags for www.ritney.etsy.shop

So that people..special person like you can also have a special handmade bag from Ritney's.

Pile of fabric

pieces after cutting

Easy Document MALE (Unisex) Bag TUTORIAL

It is november! Almost my husband birthday. Last year I promised him a handmade jeans with many pockets like cargo pants.. but It never happened. I never find a proper pattern for it... -that's my excused everytime he asked- ..ouch!! So he never get his jeans ;(

This year.. I will make him a document (A4 size) bag to replace his old one (the one I made to accomodate his laptop at first but he use it to keep his car document..wallet and keys instead).

The design is pretty simple. It's a bag for male after all. I can't put ruffles or attach flower for instance. Has to be something practical!

so I would like to share the tutorial aswell.. oh dear I've been wanting to share something with you but hell no where I put my mind these days ;)

What you need to do :

- Pattern : that would be a rectangular. Mine is 37cmx32cm (Includes 1cm seam allowance). You may want to measure your own laptop or document..or anything. Cut 2 for outer fabric (I use denim/stiff fabric/thick fabric). Cut another 2 for lining (I use unknown fabric).

If you want to put the flap like mine... you need to make another rectangular.. mine size 29cmx12cm (includes 1cm seam allowance) . Cut curve the corner with scissor for nice look.

You need to sew these two together..leave the top edge completely open/un sew... for turning.

- Pockets : for outside and inside pockets I make another rectangular. Mine size 32cmx22cm Includes 1cm seam allowance.

You need to attach the pockets to the outer fabric and lining before you sew the fabric together.

In the middle.. I made two lines of top stitches for a pen.

Same method works for outer/denim exterior pocket.

Now you will have few pieces ready to be put together.

- Sew together the outer/denim fabric (right side facing each other).. same for the lining but leave 10cm open for the turning.

Attaching the flap to the back side of the bag using basting stitches.

The bag front view

- Long straps : Mine size 11cmx160cm Includes 1cm seam allowance. Cut it parallel with the grain of your fabric. Then you fold them in half - lengthwise- sew along the way (right side facing right side). After.. turn the fabric inside-out. Now you have a neat -clean long straps. Iron it... and top stitch all the way (you can skip this step if you want). You can use "ready made" straps. Any straps can do.

- Attach the strap to the side of the bag with basting stitch.

NOW IS THE TRICKY PART :

- Insert the outer bag into the lining (rightside facing each other) .. sew the top edge all around.

- Turn it inside-out through the opening. Top stitch the top edge of the bag... Iron it.

- Enjoy the bag ;)

NOTE : If by chance you use this tutorial.. I would like to see your version ;)..Happy crafting!