**To see materials list for this bag click here (scroll to bottom of page)**

Preparation 

• Iron the fusible interfacing onto the wrong side of the bag outer (shell) fabric pieces.
• Trim off 3/8" (1cm) all around both of the pelmet interlining pieces (this will reduce bulk at the seams and make life a lot easier!)
  

• Iron a small square of fusible interfacing 1” (2.5cm) down from the top centre edge of the lining onto wrong side of the lining for the magnetic snaps. Make markings for the magnetic snaps 1.5” (4cm) down from the top edge of the lining. Apply the magnetic snaps (see picture).

• Make the Handle Loops by folding in 0.5” (12mm) and pressing both of the long sides of the strip. Fold the whole thing in half lengthwise and press. Stitch along the open edge. Divide the resulting strip into four 2” (5cm) lengths (see picture).

• All seam allowances are 0.5” (12mm).
• 
  

1. The Bag Shell

a) Create a 4 layered sandwich with the two pieces of sew-in interlining on the outside of the sandwich, and the shell fabric with the right sides facing inwards in the middle of the sandwich.

b) Carefully line up all the edges of the sandwich and stitch all 4 layers together along the sides and bottom (remember; seam is allowance is 0.5” (12mm).

c) Now you will create a flat bottom for the bag. Grab one of the bottom corners of the shell and match the side seam line with the bottom seam line. Flatten to form a triangle (see picture). From the tip of the triangle measure in 2” (5cm) and mark the line and pin (Pic 1c).

d) Stitch along the marked line and then trim off excess. (Pic 1d) Repeat steps 1c - 1d for the other corner

e) Turn the shell right side out. Make chalk markings on the bottom of the bag on the right side for the bag feet. Using those markings make corresponding markings on the grid bag bottom for the bag feet. Cut through those markings in the grid for the next step. Insert Grid Bag Bottom into the bottom of the shell.

f) Turn the shell upside down and apply the purse feet. Push the prongs through the Grid Bag Bottom, this will help secure it down.

2. The Bag Lining

a) With the right sides of the lining fabric facing inwards; stitch both of the lining pieces together along the sides. Stitch along the bottom to the ends leaving a 6” (15cm) opening in the middle; this is very important for step 4c (Pic 2a).

b) Create a flat bottom in the bag lining. (see steps 1c - 1e).

c) Make 4 markings for the 4 handle loops on the right side of the lining; 3” (8cm) in from the side seam stitching (Pic 2c).

3. Handle Loops

a) Fold one of the handle loops in half lengthways so that the raw edges meet.

b) Place the handle loop onto right side of lining on one of the 4 markings you made in step 3 c) ensuring the raw edges of the handle loop and the top of the lining meet. Stitch the handle loop onto lining keeping close to the top edge (pic 2c).

c) Repeat steps 3a - 3b for the other three handle loops.

4. Putting It All Together

a) Nearly there! Insert the Bag Shell (still turned right side out) into the Bag lining. The right sides of the Bag Shell and the Bag Lining should now be facing each other.

b) Carefully line up the raw edges and side seams of the Bag Shell and Bag Lining and pin together (Pic 4b). Stitch along the top of the bag.

c) Turn the bag upside down and carefully tease the Bag Shell completely out through the opening in the lining (Pic 4c). 

d) Stitch the opening in the lining by pushing the seam allowance inside the opening and stitching close to the edge for a neat finish. Push the lining into the shell. Iron out any creases in the bag (use a travel sized iron if possible - it's handier for getting into the nooks and crannies!)

e) Press the top edge of the bag making sure the lining does not ride up above the shell. Topstitch along the top edge (a few millimetres from the edge) of the bag.

f) Now for the handles. Unscrew the pin from one of the handle hooks, and insert the hook into one of the bag’s handle loops (Pic 4f).  Reassemble the handle by screwing the pin back in through the handle. Repeat for the remaining 3 handle hooks.

There, one gorgeous bag made by you! Why not e-mail us a picture of your handiwork? We would love to show it off in our Inspiration Gallery.

Send us a photo of your creation to info@u-handbag.com