Hazel A Patterns takes over the blog!

Today Hazel from Hazel A Patterns is taking over the blog to talk about her latest pattern for Sew Fabulous Fabrics.

Use code STRIPEYTOTE to receive 20% off the PDF in my Payhip store.

My patterns are usually for smaller items, but in my everyday life I love sewing garments, and I love sewing bags. I don’t make a lot of bags, as they usually use a lot of hardware and internal structure, but I have been thinking for a while about how I could create a bag pattern that would use minimal extras, and that additionally could be made using the fabric supplied in Vicky’s Little Box of Fabulous. Welcome to the Soft Stripey Bucket Tote!

The first challenge in designing this pattern was how to get a big bag out of just fat quarters. Stripes are the obvious answer, and also mean that this bag can be used as a stash buster too. My first prototype even uses co-ordinating fat quarters for the lining! (I have a lot of gorgeous fat quarters, but not many half metres). Top-stitching strengthens the seams too, as does the extra stitching on the bottom hem of the lining.

The second challenge was the structure of the bag. I wanted this pattern to be something that wouldn’t need a lot of additional materials, but that could be made with quilt-weight cotton. The solution is one I resort to a lot – fusible interfacing! I buy mine 5 metres at a time, as I love how it really changes the handle of lighter weight fabrics. I use a soft medium weight for most of my projects, heavier than I would use for dressmaking, but still with a nice drape. I also used one of my other favourite products to create the shape at the top of this bag: Decovil Light. Just a narrow piece at the top of the bag is enough to create the curved shape, and has the added bonus of making the top less likely to flop over when you are filling the bag one-handed in the supermarket!

Finally, I just wanted to chat about the handles. This pattern uses a heavy webbing, which is naturally really strong, especially when stitched and top-stitched. The method I have used to create the handles makes the webbing curve outwards slightly. I really like this as it tilts the handle so that it sits facing forwards, making it sit nicely over a thick coat or jumper. I thought it would be nice to show an alternative method of positioning the webbing to make straighter handles, so here we go!

Follow this version of Step 2:

Working with the wrong sides out, find the centre top edges of each outer and mark. Your straps will be 5 ½” apart, so measure out 2 ¾” either side of your centre mark, and mark again. Take your first strap and position it to the left of the left-hand mark, with the raw edge approximately ½” below the top of the Decovil. Mark a line on the webbing that matches the shape of the decovil underneath it. Repeat with the right-hand side of the strap. Now turn your outer over so that you are working on the right side of your outer.

Reverse your webbing so that the raw edges are above the top of the Decovil (you should be able to feel it through the fabric), and match your drawn lines to the top of the Decovil. The webbing will now be at an angle, sloping inwards. Pin it below the Decovil, to keep it in position. 

Repeat for the other outer, then stitch in place at ¹/₈” above the Decovil.

Happy sewing! Check out my Instagram for extra photos and videos 😊