the Ruby market tote: Preparing the Lining

Since we had a week off {sorry!}, today we’ll be cutting out the lining, preparing the pockets, and Wednesday we’ll be making the bag handles and ties.  Next week we’ll finish the embroidery pocket and assemble the bag. {Also, I apologize for the photo quality, I took these pictures at night and haven’t had a chance to retake them!  Maybe someday….}

From your yard of lining fabric cut:

• 1 – 42″ x 18″ for lining (if fabric is non-directional) OR
• 2 – 21 1/2″ x 18″ for lining body (if fabric is directional)
• 2 – 10 1/2 x 18″ for large pocket
• 1 – 8 1/2″ x 6 1/2″ for small pocket
• 2 – 1 1/2″ x WOF strips for ties (set these aside for next week)

This is the cutting diagram for non-directional fabric {great for dots, smaller florals, paisley, solids, or other geometric prints}:

And this is the cutting diagram for directional prints {such as prints with characters, some larger florals, stripes, or other prints with a clear top and bottom}:

If you’re using a directional fabric, sew the two lining pieces together along the 18″ width with a 1/2″ seam allowance.  Press the seam open and top stitch 1/4″ from the seam line.

For the large pocket, sew the two 10 1/2″ x 18″ pocket pieces right sides together with a 1/4″ seam allowance along the top and bottom edges.  Turn right sides out and press the seams flat.  Top stitch 1/4″ and 1/8″ from edge on top and 1/8″ from edge on bottom.

With a removable marker, draw a line down the middle of the pocket piece.  Set aside.

To prepare the small pocket, fold the 6 1/2″ x 8 1/2″ piece in half so it measures about 4 1/4″ x 6 1/2″.  Stitch along the three open sides, leaving a 2″ opening along the bottom.  Trim corners.  Turn right side out and press.

Next, sew the pockets to the lining.  The large pocket should be placed about 4 1/4″ from the center bottom of the lining.  The small pocket should be placed 3 1/2″ from the top opposite the large pocket, and 4″ from the side.

Alright, hope this keeps everyone moving forward!  We’re just enjoying cuddling a baby these days, but it sure does keep me off the computer!  Hope you’re all enjoying the holidays, and I’ll have some more baby photos in the next few days {hopefully, no one is getting tired of the cuties that seem to have taken over this blog!}