The patchwork bag

Assembling the bag starts with stacking the layers correctly: lining at the bottom, batting in the middle and the patchwork panel on top; the three layers are held together round the edge with temporary stitches. Then quilting is done along the lines of the squares – this fixes the layers together and makes the pattern stand out; extra batting and lining are trimmed level with the panel edge. The two panels are placed right sides facing and the sides and bottom are sewn; the raw seam allowance is wrapped in piping so it does not fray, and the bag opening is also finished with piping. The strap piece is folded lengthwise and one end and the long side are sewn, then it is turned right side out through the open end, pressed, and the open end is folded in and closed. The strap ends are sewn firmly to the side seams with several rows of stitching; ties or a button may be added. There is also an unlined version: if batting is quilted between two panels that are both patchwork, the inside of the bag looks good too. A hard cardboard base at the bottom keeps the bag from sagging when filled. Safety: repeat the machine rules (lesson 48); pass scissors closed; to turn a strap use a long pencil or a turner, not a sharp object; round the sharp corners of the cardboard base; make sure the strap will not tear if the bag is loaded – sew the ends firmly and stitch over the seam again. Count that no needle or pin is left in the finished bag.