This week I worked on the Stowe Bag from Grainline Studios. This project bag was designed with Fringe Supply Company, an amazing purveyor of knitting accessories and notions. I've seen the bag on lots of Instagram pages and decided to give it a try. So far I've completed two small versions of the bag.
My fabric choices are Cotton and Steel linen/cotton blends. The first is the collection from Rifle Paper Company and the second is a Melody Miller print. Both are a heavier weight which is good because it gives the bag structure. The bias tape is made from standard quilting cotton. The first is again a Rifle Paper print and the second is a Tula Pink Stripe.
The pattern is fairly straight-forward but like making socks, it's better to just do what they tell you to do rather than try to figure out why. This is particularly important for step 13. Grainline Studios has a tutorial here if you want more info.
But let's back up. First, do cut out the pattern for the main bag from the pattern. For the interior pockets, take measurements and, if you are comfortable with a rotary cutter, cut out the pieces per the dimensions. Mark all sewing lines with a chalk marker.
I made my own bias tape using a Clover Bias tape maker. I like my bias a bit wider (it's also easier to work with for a newbie) so I made a finished bias tape with a 1/2" width. What that means is that I cut bias strips just shy of 2 inches. I cut mine about 1 7/8th. I'll explain why in a bit. You will need about 60 inches of double folded bias tape.
Proceed through the pattern until Step 5. You may choose to serge the sides and bottom of your bag for a cleaner look. I did not do that with my first bag seen below which looks fine. A zigzag will suffice.
To apply the bias tape I have a few suggestions. In fact this is where I have most of my suggestions.
1. In Step 7, pin bias tape to the wrong side of bag. Use a lot of pins!!! Sew.
2. In Step 8, fold bias tape to the front of bag. PIN. A lot. Then if you have a Bernina, put on the #10 foot and place the guide to the left of the bias tape, move needle to the right one or two positions and stitch. This will look much neater than what they suggested. I followed their directions for my first bag and my changes for the second bag (bottom of this post).
3. In Step 11, do not sew the bias tape together. It's easier to apply if it is not in a loop. Just leave an inch unsewn at the beginning. When you get to the end, fold the final end over, lap the start of bias tape inside the folded edge, stitch. Continue to apply bias tape as suggested above.
My second bag looks much better as far as the bias tape. Again, pinning and reversing the application of the bias tape made a huge difference.
Now to why to cut it 1 7/8" instead of 2". The main reason is that it is easier to feed it through the bias tape maker! Try making the bias tape with a strip of each width and let me know what you think.
The rest of the bag can be finished as instructed. Again, Step 13 will make sense after you do it. I promise. I did not do Step 15 because I wanted the bag to fold up when not in use.
I'll probably modify this after I make another one. As for now, hope my tips help!
And one final thing. If you would like to purchase this pattern, the store where I work will be happy to order one for you. ;)
Happy Stitching.
xoxo
