BLENDERS DUFFLE BAG

Instructions

Churn Dash Blocks - 2 x Block 1, 2 x Block 2

Cutting:

• From each of Fabrics A, B, C & D cut 1 x 2⅞" strip, crosscut each strip into 4 x 2⅞" squares, then cut each square once on the diagonal to make 8 half-square triangles in each of Fabrics A, B, C & D.
• From each of Fabrics A, B, C & D cut 1 x 21/2" strip, crosscut each strip into 4 x 1 1/4" rectangles.

Block 1 Fabrics A & B, Block 2 Fabrics C & D. Refer to diagrams for block layout.

Step 1- Attach 1/4" foot to machine and sew together the 4 half-square triangles in each block, press seams towards outside triangles. Place half-square triangle units back into layout. Sew 21/2" x1 1/4" rectangles together, press seams towards outside rectangle and place units back into layout.

Step 2- Sew together the blocks in each row, press seams in one direction alternating direction in each row. Sew rows together matching seams, pressing seams in one direction.

Bag instructions

Cutting:

• For bag ends cut 2 x 12" squares from each of Fabric E and fusible interfacing. Fuse interfacing to wrong side of fabric. Using Frixion trace a 10" circle onto the interfacing side of each square and cut out.
• For bag body cut a 32" x 21" rectangle from each of Fabric F and fusible interfacing. Fuse interfacing to wrong side of fabric.
• For bag straps cut 4 x 4"wides strips across the width of fabric.
• From Fabric H cut 2 x 61/2" squares for side pocket linings.

Step 3- Side Pockets: To make side pockets pin 2 x 61/2" Fabric H squares right sides together with 2 x Churn Dash Blocks (Block 2 Fabric C/D). Using 1/4" foot sew together around all edges leaving a 2" opening in one side. Trim corners and turn right side out through opening. Press well and hand sew opening closed. Topstitch along the top edge of each pocket.

Step 4- Press top edges (21") of bag over 1/2" to the wrong side. Mark the centre along top edge. Measure down 3" from centre top and mark. Place centre of topstitched edge of pocket onto bag and pin in place. Topstitch pocket to bag around 3 sides. Repeat to stich other pocket to other side of the bag.

Step 5- Straps: For the straps trim selvedges from Fabric G strips. Sew 3 strips end to end to make one long strip then trim to 104". Pin ends together with right sides facing then sew together using 1/4" seam allowance to create a continuous loop. Press seam open.

Step 6- Press one edge 1" to the wrong side. Press other edge 1/2" to wrong side then fold over so pressed edge overlaps straight edge of other side to create 11/2" wide strap. Press well. Topstitch close to fold to secure strap closed. Topstitch close to each outer edge, then topstitch between outer rows and original row (5 rows of topstitch).

Step 7- Place bag out flat with right side facing up. Carefully position the straps on the bag along each outer side of the pockets ensuring the straps are equal in length as in diagram.

Step 8- Pin straps in place from top open edge of pockets down the bag leaving strap above the pockets free. Topstitch strap to bag along inner edge from top of one pocket to top of the other pocket. Stitch across the pocket then along outer edge of strap back to the top of the pocket and across the strap. Topstitch with another row of stitching. Repeat for the other strap.

Step 9- Zipper: With zipper right side up pin folded top edge of bag to one side. Attach zipper foot and stitch edge of bag to one side of zipper. Pin remaining top edge of bag to other side of zipper and stitch in place.

Step 10- Long Strap: Take the remaining Fabric G strip, trim off selvedges and follow Step 6 to finish the strap. Cut off a 3" length, thread on D-rings, fold in half and stitch across ends to secure together. Pin to top of bag at one end of zipper with raw edges aligned. Baste in place. Take remaining strap and pin to top of bag at opposite end of zipper with raw edges aligned. Baste in place leaving end of strap free.

Step 11- Bag Ends: Press edges of 2 x Churn Dash Blocks (Block 1 Fabric A/B) under 1/4". Centre one block onto each of the 10" circles and pin in place. Topstitch blocks in place close to the edge.

Step 12- With body of bag wrong side out and zipper closed place one circle into one end with right sides together, straps will be inside bag. Pin in place around the edge then sew together. Open zipper halfway then repeat for the other end. Open zipper and turn bag right side out.

Step 13- Lining: From Fabric H cut a 32" x 21" rectangle and 2 x 10" circles. Using a long basting stitch sew top edges (21") together using 1/2" seam allowance. With bag lining wrong side out, pin one circle into one end with right sides facing and sew together. Repeat for the other end. Using seam ripper carefully open top seam. Do not turn right side out.

Step 14- Insert lining into bag and hand or machine stitch top edge of lining to inside top edge of bag.

Step 15- Trim and zigzag end of long strap to neaten, thread through D-rings to secure.