Assemble the Bag

Note: When using silk, brocades, or other fabrics that fray easily, zigzag or serge to finish edges of pieces before assembling the bag.

1. Center and align one edge of a 7-inch-long zipper with long edge of aqua stripe 3-1/2-x-7-inch rectangle; top zipper stops should be 5/8 inch from fabric edge; bottom stop extends beyond fabric edge (Diagram 1). Sew zipper to aqua stripe rectangle, stitching down center of zipper. Press seam allowance away from zipper.

 

2. In the same manner, join remaining free edge of zipper with long edge of large floral 5-3/4-x-7-inch rectangle (Diagram 2). Press seam allowance away from zipper.

 

3. Center and align one edge of second 7-inch-long zipper with remaining long edge of aqua stripe 3-1/2-x-7-inch rectangle (Diagram 3). Join as before to make bag rectangle.

 

4. Sew short edge of a lime green print 8-1/2-x-7-inch lining rectangle to opposite side of second zipper tape. Using a short, wide zigzag stitch, sew across end of each zipper 1/2 inch from the ends to make new end stops as shown in Diagram 4.

 

5. Turn bag rectangle right side down. Referring to Diagram 5, join right side of remaining lime green print lining rectangle to wrong side of zipper tape at top of aqua stripe rectangle. Fold lining down and press.

6. Topstitch fabric on both sides of both zippers 1/8" inch from fabric fold.

7. Turn under short edge of large floral 8-3/4-x-7-inch rectangle 1/2 inch twice; sew along fold to hem.

 

8. Turn bag rectangle right side up. Place wrong side of large floral 8-3/4-x-7-inch rectangle on right side of lining rectangle with hem just below zipper as shown in Diagram 6. Using 1/4-inch seam, baste.

 

9. Baste remaining side of bag to its lining using a 1D4-inch seam (Diagram 7).