Bag It: - Basics of Boxy Bags

(This post was originally published as part of the 2015 Bag It event.)

I've made so many of these bags over time in both the large and small sizes.  I use one to keep all my hand sewing supplies all in once place and the other holds my knitting supplies!

I first learned how to assemble these bags by following this wonderful tutorial at Pink Stitches.   For this post, I'll focus on tips and techniques that have helped me be successful but please refer to the Pink Stitches tutorial for all the steps to make the actually boxy bags.

You'll need the following:

• Two (2) pieces of fabric for the outside cut at 13 x 8 ''
• Two (2) pieces of lining fabric cut at 13 x 8 ''  
• Four (4) pieces of fusible fleece each at 13 x 8''
• Scrap piece of fabric for handle at 3 1/4 x 7 ''
• Scarp piece of fusible for handle at 1½ x 7''
• A zipper at least 14'' long.

For this bag, I used this great Paris fabric I had in my stash.

Tip #1 - Two pieces of the fusible fleece gives your bag great body and it will stand up well!

I quilted straight lines an inch apart.  I love the texture this gives to the bag.

Tip #2 - Stock your zipper stash with zippers slightly larger than you will need and then cut your zipper to size and put a double fabric zipper stop on both ends following the zipper tutorial.

Tip # 3 - You'll be stopping and starting 1/2'' from either edge when you install the zipper so make sure you mark it on the wrong side so you don't forget.  

Tip #4 - When assembling the sides, sew the exterior panel first at 3/8'' seam.   The lining is then sewn at 1/4'' seam.  

Tip #5 - Use a tool such as this Clover Hera Marker to keep fabric out of the way when sewing.  Keep those fingers out of there!

Tip #6 - Box the corners of the large bag at 1 1/2'' .  (Details on the smaller bag later this week.)

Tip #7 - For the handles, cut a fabric strip at 3 1/4 x 7 '' for the large . Cut a piece of fusible 1 1/2'' wide with a length matching (or longer) than your fabric.

Fold over one edge

And then the other

And then in half

 Then top stitch.

Tip #8 - Make bags for yourself too!  (This Charlie Brown bag is all for me!) (smiile)

I find these boxy bags to be quite addictive.  It feels like magic to me when you turn the bag inside out and get such a great boxy shape!

I'll be making several of these bags myself this year for holiday gifts!

We'll talk more on a post later this week on the dimensions and tips for making a smaller boxy bag.   These smaller ones are so cute and  I am confident that you'll want to make more than one!

Are you enjoying this series as much as I am?  Isn't the tutorial at  Pink Stitches.  a great one?





This post was sponsored by Zipit, an Etsy store as part of Bag It 2015.

Fabric credits -

Houses - Outer Moda Sweetwater Road 15; Lining AMB Lime

Charm - Moda Fig Tree; Lining: Moda Fig Tree Tapestry

Charlie Brown - Outer: Quilting Treasures Happiness Is, Lining: AMB Lime

Paris - Outer Unknown, Lining Michael Miller

Have a wonderful day! Patty