Book bags can be a bit boring, yet are used pretty much everyday. After my daughter Ilse’s bag fell apart, I thought I could do a better job with some much prettier fabric.
Ripstop is the best waterproof fabric for this kind of project and is fairly easy to come by. Abakhan stock a good range, although it would be nice to see more boys patterns. Plushaddict are a good online supplier. It’s great to sew with as there is no fraying or finishing of seams, making it a quick and easy project that can be done in under an hour. Nice as original birthday present for the kids friends as well.
What you’ll need:
- Sewing machine
- Machine needle 14/ 90 or Leather needle
- Fabric scissors
- Masking tape
- Mini bulldog clips
- Circular object (A small bowl or roll or tape will do)
Materials
- Ripstop waterproof fabric measuring – 39 x 82cm (the pattern if directional needs run from top to bottom)
- Polyester webbed tape ( 85 cm x 2. cm wide)
- Velcro ( 28 x 2.5 cm wide)
- matching thread
Step 1 – Cut two pieces of ripstop measuring 39 x 70 cm and 39 x 12 cm. Make sure the pattern (if directional) runs from top to bottom. Place the small section, right sides together at the top of the large section, so the edges at the side meet and clip in place. Place a circular object on at one corner so circle meets the top and side edges. Draw round to make a rounded corner. Repeat on the opposite side and carefully cut out through both layers at the same time.
Step 2 – Fold over 1 cm of the straight cut edge on the large section and clip with mini bulldog clips. Bulldog clips area god send with this type of fabric as pins will make holes, meaning that it won’t be waterproof. Sew a 1 cm seam allowance, back stitching at both ends. Measure down 2 cm from the seam and mark on the right side. Take one side of the velcro and position an equal distance, around 5.5 cm from each edge and sew into place. Use masking tape to hold and remove as you would with pins before your each it.
Step 3 – On the long rounded end of the large section, measure and mark across the right side of the ripstop two lines, 8.5cm and a 11.5 cm line from the short edge. Position a 41cm piece of webbing tape between the lines and tape into place using masking tape. This should overhang the edge by at least 1 cm. Sew along each long edge removing the masking tape before the needle reaches it as you would with pins.
Step 4 – To create the bag handle position a 44 cm piece of tape over the top of the sewn tape. The ends should overhang the edge by 1 cm. Working from one edge place masking tape at 12 cm and repeat on the opposite side. This will make loop big enough for your hand. Make sure the tape lines up with the tape below. Sew up to the tape and the pivot and turn alongside the length of tape, then pivot again and sew back down the opposite side.
Step 5 – Place a piece of tape 3 cm away from the first piece tape. Sew a rectangle from the new tape edge with a cross through the centre as pictured in the diagram below. Repeat on the opposite side.
Step 6 – On the short section, measure and mark 2 cm from the straight cut edge and take the remaining side of the velcro and position an equal distance, around 5.5 cm, from each edge and sew into place. Placing the right sides together, match up the curves of the two sections. Clip together with mini bulldog clips (add masking tape for extra hold if you need to!)
Step 7 – Sew a 0.5cm seam allowance around the edge. Snip carefully into the curves. Fold up the bottom section, so that the short edges meet. Sew a 0.5cm seam allowance along each edge.
Step 8 – Turn both sections right side out and then top stitch around the flap to hold the two layers together.
Ta Dah! You have your finished bag.
a tin of pins 