Sew Much More

So many of you asked about my measurements for the Smirk lunch sack, I thought I’d just do a little photo array with directions for you. I serged my inside seams (of course with a Baby Lock serger!), but you can use a sewing machine, although you may want to cover the seams with bias tape or some sort of edging to prevent raveling, if you don’t use the serger. It’s a bit tricky to describe how I put the contrast piece in position, although once you do it, it is “sew simple”. The written directions make it sound more complex than it really is. So, here goes:

Cut 2 pieces of fabric 15″ x 11″ for the bag body . I used decorator weight fabric, so it is more sturdy. If you use cotton quilting fabric, quilt your pieces with some batting to give them more “oomph”, or use iron-on interfacing for stability. To keep your cold stuff cold longer, you might try Insul-Bright batting. We carry it here at the store.

Cut 2 pieces of fabric 6″ x 11″ for the contrast. The piece is 6″ tall, so if you are using a directional print, keep that in mind.

On each bag body piece, mark a line 5 1/2″ from the bottom.

Place your contrast piece, right side down, onto the bag body piece, lining up the top raw edge of the contrast piece to the top side of the line. (Clear as mud, right? Maybe the photo helps.)

Now, use a 1/4″ seam and sew the contrast piece to the bag body. Repeat with other bag body piece. Press the contrast piece down, so that the bottom of the contrast piece and the bottom of the bag body line up.

If you are going to embroider the front and/or back of the lunch tote, do it now. I used a design from Modern Mola by Baby Lock.

Next, cut a 2″ square from the bottom corner of each the front and back bag body pieces.

Place the bag front onto the bag back, right sides together, and sew the pieces together along the bottom seam and along the two side seams.

Line up the bottom seam with the side seam at each bottom corner cutout, and sew along the raw edges.

If you want your bag to have a bit more body, you can topstitch along the fold lines, creating a defined shape. Turn the bag right side out and press the fold on the front and back sides and then topstitch close to the folded edge. I used an edge joining foot from Baby Lock to ride right along the fold. I was able to position my needle close to the edge, and with the foot, I was able to keep perfectly in line and very, very close. I think it makes the finishing touch look much more professional when you are really close, and without the foot, it would have been very challenging for me, if not impossible. (BTW, did you know that on Baby Lock’s website you can download an instruction sheet for each foot? And, we have nearly every Baby Lock accessory foot in stock, everyday!)

Make a 1/2″ hem at top of bag. Cut a 2″ piece of Velcro, and sew the soft side centered 1/2″ from the top on the front of the bag. Sew the rough side centered 3″ from the top on the back of the bag. Enjoy your new lunch tote, or make up several for the kids or friends. It’s a great way to “go green”!