This week, we are starting off where we left off on this project. Click here to look back on what we did on week 1 with a fun customization for the flap!
I just love working with the vivacious Delightful Dreams collection from QT Fabrics! Click here to learn more!
This week we build the outer structure of the Take-Along Tote bag and add the outer pocket as well as prep an extra pocket for the lining; and I’ll sprinkle in some general tips.
We cut the foam for the front and back of the bag. Tip: I find that on large pieces of foam – it can be easy for the ruler to slip, which leads to inaccurate cuts. So, marking the piece, right on the foam first (I use a Frixion pen), allows me to check that my lines are straight, then do the final cuts.
On to the sewing: the flap from week 1 needs to be finished! With the foam side up, (and the all-important walking foot attached), we stitched the flap lining to the front flap all the way around, leaving the top open to turn it to the right side. The walking foot ensures that you get nice, even stitches with the added thickness of the foam. Note – I forgot to take a picture of the Velcro sewn to the flap lining!
Once turned right side out, we topstitched the flap as instructed in the pattern. I increased my stitch length to 2.6-mm here so that the stitches lie flat without puckering. You can experiment to get the stitch length that you like.
Here is a view of the front and lining side of the flap:
On to the outer pocket (step 2 of the pattern). Fuse the interfacing to one of the pocket rectangles according to the manufacturer’s instructions; if you don’t have the instructions, you can find them on the manufacturer's websites. Stitch along both long edges and turn right side out.
Edge-stitch along the top edge, to reinforce that pocket edge. Place your fabric under the presser foot, aligning the edge of the fabric with a guide on the walking foot, or a guide on the stitch plate.
During this step, I made an additional pocket that I will attach in Week 3 of the Take Along Sew Along. This pocket is not part of the pattern – but why not add another!
For the front pocket, I wanted to add a key leash so that the user can confidently know where their keys are. Start with a 2-1/2” x 10” strip, fold the strip in half and bring the raw edges to meet in the center. Then fold raw edges together and topstitch. Add a snap hook and you have a leash. I used a 5/8” snap hook here. Now baste the leash to the pocket on the inside so that the user can attach a key fob and neatly tuck their keys out of site.
Starting at step 3, sew the pocket to the front piece of the bag; we’ve fused the main fabric to the foam. Be sure to keep the leash away from stitching.
Mark then divide the pocket in half by stitching.
At this point, you can add the Velcro; here’ s a tip: you can decide instead to add the Velcro of the front on after step 4, so that you can see where the flap lays over on the front. It’s up to you!
Attach the flap to the outer back.
Front and back pieces - ready to assemble!
We are at step 4 now – removing the small squares at the bottom of the front and the back, so that we can eventually box the corners. I again mark before I cut – and always cut the foam here with scissors. Cutting the squares away with a rotary cutter can lead to more inaccurate cuts (ask me how I know!!)!
Now we can put the front and the back together – Wonder Clips to the rescue!
On step 5, we construct D-Ring loops and attach to the sides of the outer bag over the side seams. We need the loops to attach the shoulder strap to.
Add the loops right over the side seams, at the top of the bag.
Lastly during step 6, the inner security pocket is made – for that step, we have a video for you.
Next week, we will finish constructing the bag - I think it will help to see photos of the hanging loops for the walker and how they are assembled.
Until then, keep on stitching! -Kris