Friday 12 March 2010

A Modification for Jill

In the comments today someone said:

"I LOVE this tutorial, great job! I was wondering what the finished size of the bag is? I'm trying to find a tutorial/bag that is at least 14" tall x 18" wide x 4" deep. I'm sure I could alter the measurements to match that, but wanted to get an idea of how much to alter...Thanks!!"

Now before I get into that let me say. Hi All! I have been busy and I miss you all. I'm alive and kicking, just very quiet in the blogland. I'll have to show you all the Hallowe'en costumes I made for last year. They were great especially if you are a Tim Burton fan....some Nightmare Before Christmas characters made special appearances that night!!

Anyway, before I get distracted and start writing a post I didn't intend to let me answer Miss Jill's questions.

The finished bag measurements are 10X14X4. So if you wanted to change the dimensions it wouldn't be too hard. I used 1/2 inch seam allowances because it's just easier to work with and leaves a little extra inside the bag so it'll wear better.

You should come up with something like this for your measurements:

Exterior Material
  • Front & Back 15x19 inches
  • 2 Sides 5x15
  • 1 Bottom 5x19
  • 2 Pockets 5x8** I made the pockets a little taller for you so they wouldn't look too short on the taller bag.
Lining Material
  • Front & Back 15x 19 inches
  • 2 Sides 5 1/2 x15
  • 1 Bottom 5x19
  • 2 Pockets 5x8
  • 2 Divider Pocket 13x19

For the top where the handles meet the bag I would make the interfacing pattern the same way cutting 4 - 22x4 inch pieces and drafting the handle onto the interfacing.

I think drafting the Top Trim at the handles might need to be done backwards since I don't have all the measurements. I would fold the interfacing in half so the piece measures 11X4. On the cut edges (not the fold) measure in 2 inches from the edge and 1 1/2 inches from the top edge and mark. Along the top edge measure in 3 inches and mark. Draw the curve connecting these two marks. Cut the piece out and re-use as a template for the rest of the curves.

From "Now measure over 1 3/4 inches" you should be able to follow the rest of the instructions for drafting the Top Trim. Hopefully those measurements won't put the handles too far apart and the bag won't bow out in the middle.

I hope this helps you out a little. If you have anymore questions feel free to ask and send me along some pics when you get it done!

Cheers!
Kerri

I'll be back soon I promise, now that some new post ideas are a-brewing. Hey Hallowe'en isn't that far away now!!

1 comment:

Mel from malaysia said...

I love this tote bag and made 2 for myself (original size). It was so practical and surprisingly easy to make, I ended up making one for my sister to store her school books (she's a teacher) and one for my mom as her birthday present. Now it became so popular among their friends. Recently i received a request from my grand aunt to make 4 bags for her friends. She told me she's willing to pay for the materials and effort if I help her with the sewing. I feel bad if I have to turn her down....i feel even worse making it for a price without your permission....did I mentioned my neighbor love it too.. I did mentioned to everybody who admire the bag about your blog but not everybody can sew and have the time to make one even if they know how to sew....btw, I
made the bag without the zippered pocket. So..please tell me it is ok to 'help' them...Mel from Malaysia.