DIY Apple Bag Tutorial

 

Some of you may remember me from the, Vintage Ribbon Skirt Tutorial I shared.

If you missed it be sure to check it out.

I was thrilled to be back sharing another DIY Tutorial over at the Ribbon Retreat Blog. I do hope that you will enjoy it and maybe even try making an Apple Bag of your very own.

So how about we get started.

The Ribbon Retreat offers a great selection of fabrics to choose from. And for this particular project I new that Moda’s,  American Jane’s School Days was the perfect fit.

I used:

1/2 yard School Days ( 21611-16  Apple ABC 123 )

1/2 yard School Days ( 21612-18 Recess )

1/4 yard School Days ( 21613-13 Textbook Blue Composition Book )

1/4 yard School Days ( 21613-18 Chalkboard Composition Book )

1/4 yard School Days ( 21617-14 No.2 Pencil Teachers Bouquet )

1/4 yard School Days ( 21617-16 Apple Teachers Bouquet )

Other Supplies Needed: Batting and Velcro

I started out with drawing a simple Apple. You can draw and scale yours to suit your size preference of finished bag.

Cut your pattern piece out.

Using my Pattern I cut 3 pieces (for my Apple Flap) 1 outer, 1 batting, and 1 lining. On my Stem and Leaf, I cut 2 pieces of brown felt and 2 pieces of green felt and top stitched them together ( making them more sturdy ).

For the inside of my bag I used my used my Fabric Apple piece as my template. I folded the top edge under (where the rounded parts of the apple were) leaving me with a straight edge.

I cut a total of 6 pieces. 4 pieces of Fabric and 2 pieces of batting.

If you would like to add pockets to the inside or outside of your bag, be sure to cut those out before assembling your bag together.

I added to pockets in my bag. One on the outside front of bag (pictured below) where the Apple Flap will attach to for closure and one on the inside of of the bag.

For the top of the pocket I just serged my top edge and folded over, Iron pressed hemmed top edge.

 

Assembly of Apple Flap:

Using coordinating Velcro I attached my Velcro to the outer Apple Flap as well as to the outer Bag front (pictured in collage bottom right corner )

I made sure that each piece was lined with the batting piece for extra strength.

 I then cut 2 pieces of coordinating lining fabric ( of the apple flap ) 4 inches wide and 3.5 inches long with a top point. Placing right sides together stitched around edges leaving bottom open for turning and pressed with iron.

Line up your Points and Stitch across.

This will be the piece that attaches to your main part of the bag, allowing your Apple Flap to open and close without loosing it’s Apple Shape.

Taking your stem and leaf, place upside down and baste in place on outer piece of your Apple Flap fabric.

 Placing right sides together of your Apple Flap fabric and batting, pin and sew. Be sure to leave a small opening for turning right sides out.

Press and top stitch

The Assembly of Inner Bag:

Cut a strip length of fabric on fold by 3 inches wide of coordinating fabric. ( this will be for used for the sides and bottom of your inner bag. )

Pictured below is the inside lining of my bag and I finished my pocket the same way and added a stitch down the middle, giving me two pockets.

Placing right sides together of my inner lining, I began pinning my side strip to one side of my fabric ( right sides together )

And repeated the same process on the bottom piece.

When you get to the bottom curve of your Apple fold fabric over and pin in place.

 This is what it will look like when finished.

Because this is this is the inside lining of my bag, I will not be turning right sides out.

Repeat the same process with the outside of your main bag.

I attached my batting to the outside fabric of my bag on front and back pieces. You can attach it to either your inside lining ( above ) or your outside.

I did not add any batting to my side pieces.

Slide in place the inside of your bag ( wrong sides together ) to your outer bag.

Fold raw edges under of both pieces and pin in place.

 Assembly of your Strap:

 Cut desired length and width of strap. Use Iron on fusible web to add a bit more body to it.

Stitch ride sides together leaving bottom edges open for turning. Press and top stitch.

Optional Strap Pad, Assembly:

Cut 2 pieces of coordinating fabric and 1 piece of batting, slightly wider than the width of your finished strap.

Sew right sides together, leaving a small opening for turning. Turn, press and top stitch. Mark where you would like for you openings to be, allowing your strap to slide through. Using a Satin/ Zig Zag stitch make two large button holes.

Using Scissors, cut down the center, being sure not to cut to close to your stitches. Slide strap through.

Place your straps in between your inside lining and outside of bag and pin in place.

 

Taking you Apple Flap slide in your Strap that was sewn onto the inside lining of your Apple Flap and slide in between the Lining and Outside of main bag ( arrow below ) Pin in place. Be sure to check that your Velcro pieces line up when closed ( make any adjustments needed before stitching top bag closed).

Stitch in place.

The arrow below again shows where your flap is attached to the main body of bag.

And there you have it…

Your Very own Apple Bag.

 Be sure to get creative and have fun. There really are endless options and possibilities with this bag.

Thank you again to theRibbon Retreat for having me and for allowing me to come and share with you.

Blessings,

Angelina

 

 Linking up at:

The 36th Ave.

Somewhat Simple

Live Laugh Rowe

Inspiration Friday