Catch-All Bag

I have had this free tutorial project on my Pinterest for a few weeks now, but it was definitely near the top of my list! This tutorial is on Sewing Steph; I saw it on Craft Gossip.  I made mine as a sort of cosmetic bag, but I don’t have nearly this much make-up, so it’ll probably store some sort of sewing gadgets…maybe my assorted feet (walking foot, ruffler foot, etc.)?

Catch-All Bags from the pattern instructions

Fabric – This pattern requires 3 fat quarters, 2 for the outside of the bag and 1 for the lining. You’ll also need 1/2 yard of stabilizer, but I sort of improvised (more on that later). A 10″ zipper and materials for the strap round out the materials.

Pattern Pieces – There are only 2 pattern pieces for this project, but you’ll need to measure out your main pattern piece using your ruler. There is also a pattern piece for the zipper ends. I had to spend a couple extra minutes making my main piece larger because the seam allowance is not included; rather than keep adding that extra 1/2″ throughout as I’m cutting the fabric, as the pattern designer did, I just added the allowance when I cut my pattern piece out in the first place. I was curious why she didn’t just add the allowance in, in her original measurements, but I realize some people are used to having to add the allowance (for Japanese sewing patterns, for instance).

Illustrations/Instructions – I feel like these instructions were spot-on. I thought it was really cool how everything is assembled in sandwich layers, if that makes sense, so that you’re able to get all the fabrics put together around the zipper. Since this is a boxy bag, the ends need to be connected to form the ‘box’.

Instead of the interfacing for the main fabric (I used a Joel Dewberry damask), I quilted it to a piece of Warm and Natural batting using a diamond pattern. It took me almost 2 hours to do those two little pieces of fabric, but I think the results are worth it. The quilting gives the main fabric a bit of punch. For the bottom of the outside of the bag, I used fusible Peltex interfacing. While it does help the bag stand up by itself, I’m not sure I’d use this again, as it made the bag extremely difficult to turn at the end. Some ideas only sound good in my head and not in real life, lol!

Instead of the handles (I didn’t want mine to look too much like a little purse), I made a handle on one end. I sewed a 9″x4″ piece of fabric, right sides together, and then turned it. I basted on onto the side panels of one end of the main fabric, and then as I was assembling the bag, the handle was sewn in permanently. I really like this side handle, it gives the bag a new look.

Other than the handle and interfacings, I didn’t make any other changes. I think this is a really great pattern. Although, I’m going to be honest and admit that in one of the last steps (when you’re sewing it into a box), I had to rip all of the seams, twice…it was after midnight and I was in a hurry to finish. Because this pattern uses so many sandwich layers sewn together, you’ll really want to read the instructions and study the pictures several times.

Conclusion – I love this pattern, and this bag would make a great gift. It really is beautiful. Just because of all the sandwich layers, which can be tricky, I would recommend this for an intermediate sewer. I would probably make this again.

P.S. Linking up to Sew Modern Monday and Fabric Tuesday!