JOCELYN PROUST TOTE BAGS

INSTRUCTIONS

Read all instructions carefully before commencing the project.

PATTERN

Step 1 - To make the bag pattern fold the sheet of paper in half to measure 1m x 25cm.

Step 2 - Refer to the Diagram A and with A being the folded edge, use the following measurements - A = 96cm, B = 4.5cm, C = 28cm, D = 22cm to draw the pattern on the paper. Carefully cut out the pattern. Open out the pattern as in Diagram B.

CUTTING

Step 3 - Using the pattern cut out two main bag pieces from Jocelyn Proust Cotton/ Linen fabric and two bag pieces from unseeded natural homespun. Cut a 10cm square from Jocelyn Proust Cotton/Linen fabric and set aside for the covered button.

Note - 1cm seam allowance used throughout unless otherwise stated.

Step 4 - Place the two main fabric pieces right sides facing and pin together down sides. Sew together, open out and press seams open.

Step 5 - Place seams together, pin and sew together along the bottom edge. Press seam open.

Step 6 - To create the base, flatten out the bottom and match the side seam to the seam at the bottom. Pin together. Mark 2.5cm down from the point and rule across to form a triangle. Stitch along the line. Trim seam to 1cm, cutting off the point. Repeat for the other end of the base.

Turn bag right side out, push corners of base out and press well.

Step 7 - Repeat steps 4-6 using the lining fabric leaving a 10cm opening in the bottom edge for turning through. Press well but do not turn right side out.

Step 8 - Fold hat elastic into a loop, align raw ends with top edge of bag at back seam. Stitch across 5mm from the top edge.

Step 9 - Place bag into lining with right sides facing matching seams. Pin together around edges on both sides from top of strap around bag to top of other strap. Starting 1.5cm from top edge of strap sew together around the edge stopping 1.5cm from top edge of strap. Repeat for other side.

Step 10 - Clip curves and pull bag through opening in the bottom of lining. Press well.

Step 11 - Pin tops of bag strap together with right sides facing and sew together. Press seam open. Repeat for lining strap. Press seam allowance for open edges of straps and lining to the inside and pin. Topstitch 3mm in from all outer edges enclosing openings within the stitching.

Step 12 - Follow manufacturer's instructions to make a self-cover button using the 10cm square of Jocelyn Proust Cotton/Linen fabric. Bring elastic loop over bag to centre front and mark button placement. Stitch button in place through all layers.

SMALL GUM BLOSSOM TOTE BAG

WHAT YOU'LL NEED

• 30cm Jocelyn Proust Cotton/Linen fabric - Gum Blossom, navy
• 30cm Prima Homespun - junior navy
• 40cm Medium Weight Woven Fusible Interfacing
• Matching Gutermann 100% cotton thread
• Pins, tape measure
• Scissors, seam ripper
• Sewing machine

Read all instructions carefully before commencing the project.

CUTTING

• From Jocelyn Proust Cotton/Linen fabric cut two 30cm x 30cm squares and two strips 10cm wide x 38cm long.
• From junior navy homespun cut two 30cm x 30cm squares.
• From interfacing cut two 30cm x 30cm squares and two strips 10cm wide x 38cm long.

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1 - Fuse interfacing to wrong side of all Jocelyn Proust Cotton/Linen fabric pieces.

Step 2 - Cut a 5cm x 5cm square from bottom corners of each rectangle (see diagram).

Step 3 - With right sides facing pin together down sides and across bottom edge. Sew together down sides and across bottom edge using 1cm seam allowance. Press seams open.

Step 4 - To create the base of the bag, open out the bag, match the side seam with the bottom seam and pin together. Sew together using a 1cm seam allowance. To reinforce the seam add an extra row of stitching at 5mm or zigzag across the edge of the seam. Repeat for the other corner.

Step 5 - Press top edge of bag 1cm to the wrong side. Measure to find the centre of the front and back of the bag and mark with a pin.

Step 6 - Turn bag right side out, push corners of base out and press well

Step 7 - Repeat steps 2-5 using the lining fabric. Press well. Do not turn right side out.

Step 8 - To make the straps, fold fabric strip in half lengthways with right sides facing and press. Sew together lengthways using a 1cm seam allowance. Turn right side out and press with seam along one long edge. Topstitch down each long edge 3mm in from edge. Repeat for the other strap. Trim ends to neaten and to make straps the same length.

Step 8 - Insert lining into bag with wrong sides together and side seams matching. Pin around the top edge.

Step 10 - Insert the end of one strap between bag front and lining 6cm from the centre and pin then insert the other end of the strap 6cm from the centre on the other side of the bag front and pin in place. Repeat inserting the other strap ends between bag back and lining 6cm either side of centre.

Step 11 - Sew together around top edge 3mm from edge. Sew around top again 1cm from the edge.