BEE LUNCH BAG

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1 - Cut two 28cm wide x 30cm rectangles from Bees fabric for outer bag and two 28cm wide x 30cm rectangles from Honeycomb fabric for lining.

Step 2 - Cut a 4cm x 4cm square from bottom corners of each of the 4 rectangles (see diagram).

Step 3 - Cut two 30cm wide x 34cm rectangles from clear plastic.

Note - Do not iron plastic. To remove creases use hairdryer on low heat or place flat in a warm room.

Step 4 - Place Bees fabric rectangle right side up, cover with one plastic rectangle making sure overhang is even on all sides. Place second plastic rectangle on top aligning all edges. Place remaining Bees fabric rectangle on top right side down aligning edges with first Bees fabric. Bees fabric rectangles are on the outside with right sides facing with two rectangles of clear plastic in between. Use quilt clips on all sides to hold fabric and plastic together. Note - Do not use pins as they will make holes in the plastic.

Step 5 - Sew together down sides and across bottom edge using 1.5cm seam allowance. Finger press seams open - do not use iron. Cut plastic from corners and trim excess from top edge. Trim plastic from seam allowance back to stitching.

Step 6 - To create the base of the bag, open out the bag carefully as plastic will be stuck together. Match the side seam with the bottom seam and use clips to hold together. Sew together using a 1cm seam allowance. Trim seam allowance to 5mm. Repeat for the other corner.

Step 7 - Fold top edge of bag 1.5cm to the wrong side. To mark centre back of the bag fold together matching side seams and use a fabric marker to place a dot on inside top edge.

Step 8 - Turn bag right side out, push corners of base out well. Use clips to hold top folded edge in place.

Step 9 - To make bag lining pin Honeycomb rectangles together with right sides facing. Sew together down sides and across bottom edge using 1.5cm seam allowance. Press seams open.

Step 10 - To create the base, open out the bag, match side seam with bottom seam and pin together. Sew together using a 1cm seam allowance. Trim seam allowance to 5mm. Repeat for the other corner. Press top edge 1.5cm to wrong side. Do not turn right side out.

Step 11 - Insert lining into bag with wrong sides together and side seams matching. Use clips to hold together around the top edge. Fold hat elastic into a loop and insert raw ends 1cm into top edge of bag back at marking.

Step 12 - From Bees fabric cut two 50cm x 7cm strips for straps. Fold strip in half lengthways with right sides facing and press. Open out and fold one long side over 1cm to the centre and press. Fold the opposite side 1cm to the centre and press. Refold strap in half and press well.

Step 13 - Topstitch down open side 3mm in from edge to close. Topstitch down the fold on the other long side then topstitch down the centre of the strap. Repeat for second strap. Trim straps to 48cm.

Step 14 - Insert the end of one strap 1.5cm down between bag front and lining 6cm from side seam, then insert the other end of the strap in the same way on the other side of the bag front. Repeat to insert the other strap ends between bag back and lining.

Step 15 - Sew together around top edge 3mm from edge sewing in straps and hat elastic loop. Add another row of topstitching 6mm from top edge.

Step 16 - Make a self-cover button using Honeycomb fabric and stitch to centre front 5cm down from top edge through all 3 layers - plastic, Bee fabric and lining.