Beginning Sewing Project

Life Skills: Thinking & Reasoning; Employability

Background For Teachers: This is a final project to be made after teaching basic construction techniques.

Student Prior Knowledge: Construction Terms, Use of the Needle and Thread

Intended Learning Outcome: Students will complete a clothing construction project.

Measurement Chart:

Finished Tote Size: 14" wide by 14" high
Size to Cut Fabric: 15" by 30"
Strap Placement From Seam: 3"

Finished Tote Size: 18" wide by 24" high
Size to Cut Fabric: 19" by 50"
Strap Placement From Seam: 6"

Finished Tote Size: 10" wide by 12" high
Size to Cut Fabric: 11" by 26"
Strap Placement From Seam: 2.5"

Materials:
Fabric to the size shown in the chart for the bag size you want to create. Nylon fabric is my favorite as it folds compactly and is resistant to water.

2 - 20" pieces of 1" wide webbing. The length of the straps may be varied to meet your needs or desires. Carefully use a lighter or candle to gently melt and fuse the raw edges of nylon webbing to prevent it from unraveling. If you are using cotton webbing, zig zag or turn under the edges of the webbing when you are attaching it to the bag.

Thread to match your fabric. (The samples shown in these directions uses contrasting thread for visibility.)

Note: All measurements can be changed to suit your needs.

Directions:
1. Fold the length of the fabric in half with the right sides together.
2. Using a 1/2" seam allowance, sew both side seams.
3. Apply a seam finish1 to the seams.
4. Turn under the raw edge by 1/8 to 1/4" and stitch in place.
5. Turn under one inch of the top edge to the inside of the bag.
6. Pin in place.
7. Stitch the edge in place stitching as close to the edge as possible.
8. With the bag wrong sides out, fold the sides of the bag to be over the bottom fold of the bag.
9. Measure 2" from the point and sew a straight line across the bag.
10. Using the measurements on the cutting chart or finding a placement that is comfortable for you, place the straps an even distance from the side seams.
11. Test for even placement by refolding the bag matching the side seams.
12. Sew a square at the end of the strap to attach it to the bag.
13. Turn the bag right side out and press.

Sources:
http://sewing.about.com/od/freeprojects/ss/totebag.htm?p=1
http://www.uen.org/Lessonplan/preview.cgi?LPid=457)\