the Ruby market tote: Handles, Ties, & Pocket
Today’s post is really just an extension of Monday’s post. Today I have just a few more steps to get us a little closer to assembling the whole bag. You’ll need the remaining printed fat quarter for the lining that we set aside while piecing the bag body, the 1/3 yard of medium/heavy interfacing from the supply list, and the remaining nine 4″ squares. You’ll also need the two 1 1/2″ x WOF strips from the lining yardage.
First, we’ll start with the ties. Take your two 1 1/2″ strips of fabric and fold them as for bias tape {even though they’re not cut on the bias}. In case you’re unfamiliar with bias tape, simply fold in half, right sides together, then fold both the raw edges into the center. Then stitch 1/8″ from the double folded edge:
Cut your strips into four 10″ pieces for the side ties and two 18″ pieces for the top tie. Set these aside.
From the printed fat quarter cut two 3 3/4″ x 20″ pieces for the handles. Fuse two 3 3/4″ x 20″ pieces of medium/heavy interfacing to the wrong side of the handles. Fold in half, right sides together and stitch 1/4″ from raw edges. Press the seam open and turn right side out. Press flat with seam in the middle, then top stitch 1/4″ from both edges.
From the remaining portion of the fat quarter, cut two 4″ x 21/22″ strips. Sew these two strips together with a 1/4″ seam allowance to make one 4″ x 42/44″ strip. Fold in half, wrong sides together, and press. This is the bag binding. Set aside.
Lay out the nine 4″ squares into a nine-patch pattern, and sew together. Top stitch along all seams to hold the fabric in place. This is the inside of the embroidered pocket.
Sorry this post is a little disjointed, but we’re almost ready to assemble the bag! I should have the remaining instructions early next week. Happy stitching and sewing!
