Happy Find: ultra kawaii bag

Bought a new book over the weekend and fell in love.

So many simple and easy designs, where do I begin?! Let's start with this one.

How darling is this?! I can so see this as a towel bag for the pool or beach. Imagine using mesh fabric?

Aaack! I LOVE it!!!

And when not in use, fold it and stow it away!

The instructions are fairly easy to follow. Even if you don't read Japanese, you can get by.

So let's get sewin'...

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I'm using a pillowcase and some extra scrap fabric for this bag.

You want to cut a square piece of fabric for both the outside and inside of your bag. You can make any size of bag you fancy, but for this one, I will cut a 20" x 20" piece.

Cut two pieces (outside and lining).

Take one of the pieces (doesn't matter which one) and fold in half like so.

Stitch the sides 6 1/2" from the fold of fabric.

Now take one side of the opening and bring the two corners together.

It should like this. Pin together and do the other side as well.

Then you will stitch 6 1/2" from the fold on both sides.
So now, your piece should look this is. All four sides are sewn 6 1/2", leaving 3 1/2" for the opening.

Repeat this process for the other piece of fabric.

Here are the two pieces.

Next, you will need to iron all the seam allowances flat.

First, trim all your corners.

Next, open the seams and iron.

Your seams should be open and ironed flat like so and your corners clean.

When making clean corners:

First, fold the corner over.

Second, follow the seam line on one side and fold over.

Third, repeat the second step for the other side.

Fourth, your corners should look like this.

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Again, repeat these steps for the other piece of fabric.

When you are finished ironing the seams and cleaning up your corners, take your "outside" fabric and turn it right side out.

Insert your liner. Match all the corners.

Pin the outside and the lining opening together.

Topstitch as close to edge as possible, all the way around the opening.

The body of the bag is done! Set aside and let's work on the straps.

Keep in mind what type or straps you are planning to use for your bag. If you plan to carry heavier items, have thicker straps.

For this bag, I'm using denim trim.

I cut my straps to 23 1/2" in length. It's a perfect length and it gives me enough for the seam allowance at the ends.

Take one end and fold in 1/2".

Bring the strap as close to the edge of the corner of the bag as possible.

Pin.

Repeat with the other end of the strap.

Sew.

I sewn along the edge, creating a rectangular shape for reinforcement.

Repeat process for the other strap.

I added buttons to hide the stitching. Plus, it makes the purse look pretty!

And there you have an ultra kawaii bag!

Cute for the beach, lounging poolside, or even a quick trip to the market. For whatever the occasion or purpose, this purse is just too darn cute!

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Happy sewing!

5 Comments

How stinkin' cool is this?

Answer: VERY cool.

Okay..... if you keep this up...I'll NEVER catch up. Soooo many great ideas.... negative on time.

p.s.
Hey, want to be a "feature" on my blog ??? ...I love your stuff (and you too) .... and would love to feature you. Want to write a guest post even?

It's all up to you. Let me know.

Posted by: Megan | February 16, 2010 at 05:45 PM