A diaper bag tutorial

I have totally been slacking on my blog since summer has started. I attribute this to several things. One: my back up computer that I have been using is really slooooowwwwww. Two: My camera cords are still to be found and emailing photos from my phone and downloading them to my computer is even slooowwwwerrrr (just took me 30 mins to email and download all the pics to this post). Three: I have been totally consumed by my kids (ok I am always consumed by my kids. They are my world. Just sounded good). Four: I may have to go to pinning annonymous. I am obsessed people! I feel the need to pin several times a day and yes I even do it from my phone. I am hoping it is just because it's new and I will lose interest before an intervention is needed :) So the point of all this, I hope you enjoy the posts that I do, even if it's only two or three times a week instead of everyday.

On to the tutorial. I just love how this bag turned out. My sister is having twins in October, a boy and a girl. I am so excited for her. A little jealous too, I am feeling ready for another baby ;) Any who since I am now a pro at making bags, see HERE and HERE, I thought I would make her a one of a kind bag.

You are going to need:
1 yard of fabric for outside
1 yard of coordinating fabric for lining and details
coordinating thread
2 yards of ric rac
One package of medium weight fusible interfacing
one extremely cute button
1/4 inch elastic

Here is what you will need to cut out in both fabrics (the front and backs of purse measure 15in in width and 13 inch in height. The sides are 5 inch in width and 13 inch in height. The bottom piece is 5 inch in width and 13 inch in height. For the straps just play with how long you want them, one strap should be about 4 inches longer than the other)

 Now put all four of the front and back pieces together and cut about 5 inches off the tops and sew opposite pieces on each other:

 For the outside pieces, take ric rac and sew a straight stitch down the middle.

Now cut a large trianlge that is slightly bigger than the purse in both fabrics. Make a pocket by sewing pieces together inside out. Then flip to the right side and iron flat. You should have a piece that is lined in the coordinating fabric.

 Sew a straight stitch down the middle. Make sure to back stitch several times. This is an outside pocket that I am sure will get lots of use. I don't have a pic of the next part, but do a zig zag stitch around the bottom portion of the purse to sew pocket into place. Trim excess fabric.

Onto the pockets on the sides. You will cut four pieces of fabric that are 8in by 8in. Make a pocket by sewing inside out on three corners. Flip to right side and fold unhemmed edges under and make a casing for elastic. Sew around the whole thing leaving an opening for elastic. Put elastic through by attaching a safety pin to the end. Now sew both ends of fabric together. Sew ric rac on the top. Now sew two sides and bottom to side piece of purse. Repeat on other side. If that was confusing please email me with any questions :)

Now attach all pieces together inside out and sew a zig zag stitch around all edges.

Attach fusible interfacing per directions on package to all pieces of lining fabric.

 Now the lining. Cut out two large pieces for the pocket. One in each fabric. I did one about the length of the purse and made them pretty deep. Sew coordinating fabrics together inside out, except for top edge. Turn right side. Iron flat. fold top pieces under and sew a straight stitch. attach ric rac to cover seam. Do a straight stitch down the ric rac to hold in place. Now do a zig zag stitch around the edges and bottom of pocket to apply to lining of bag. After, I did two stitches down the pocket to make three pockets. Be sure to back stitch back stitch back stitch. Remember there will be lots of baby stuff going in and out of these.

 Now you are going to attach all pieces togeth just like you did for the outside of the purse. Except you are NOT going to sew one portion of the bottom of lining. See pic above. You will see later on why.

 Now allign both outer and inner pieces together with pockets facing each other on the inside. Do a zig zag stitch on the front and back of the bag. Leaving the sides unhemmed. This is where your straps will go. Now remember the hole on the bottom of the lining? Turn bag right side by flippping purse through that hole. Stitch up the hole and stuff lining in bag.

Now take the strap pieces and sew along the edges

 PLeat in the middle of the straps by folding corners in slightly. pin in place.

Now insert straps into the opening on the sides you left:

 Do a zig zag stitch along the edge and back stitch several times.

Now enjoy the fact you have finished your very own one of a kind diaper bag. Keep it or give it away as a lovely baby shower gift.

 Notice the knotted strap on the top. I love this! You can tie it longer or shorter to make the bag the length you want it. I have seen this done several times, but I got the idea of it from HERE.

 Love the V pocket in the front. I got the idea of that from HERE

 Loving all the storage in this bag!

 I am so happy with the fact you can't see any stitch lines on this bag except for where the straps are. This makes the bag look very professional. I have come so far in my sewing. I really am so proud of myself, as corny as that sounds :)

 Stay tuned to see what I am going to make to put in the bag! It will be fun! I may also add something cute to the front of the bag, you will just have to wait and see :)


Michelle

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