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Cost: $ $ $ $ $

Difficulty: • • • • •

Time: 3h00

Not the best picture but it's a pleated shoulder bag, for sure
The fabric is by Henry Alexander (Or is it Alexander Henry?? I forget) This was the first bag I ever completed so luxuries such as reinforcing the stitching on the straps (One is already hanging off) or even ironing the finished article were forgotten about in all the excitment... I'm currently making another one for a friend in exchange for real coinage!! You'll also observe a lock of hair lying beautifully on the desk to the left. It's not mine so I can't take credit.

Posted by Natalie S. from London, United Kingdom • Published 11th March 2009 • See Natalie S.'s 8 projects »

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Alma added Pleated Shoulder Bag. My First Ever Bag! to Bags, Wallets... 31 Jul 09:39
elarablair favorited Pleated Shoulder Bag. My First Ever Bag! 23 Feb 17:57

Step 1
This is my first tutorial so if it's not very good then I want to get all my excuses out of the way now. Okay. Draw 2 semi circle templates. The first (We'll call it 'A')will be aprox 11inches tall and 19inches wide. The next(B) will be 10.5 inces tall and 13" wide. Cut two from each template and then interface the 2 B pieces. Do another template, a rectangle this time that measures 14" wide and 3" tall. This is 'C'. Cut two and interface.
Finally, for your handle do a rectangle template that is 20" long and 2.5" tall. Cut 2 (one from lining fabric and one from the outside fabric)
Step 2
Take your two A's and pleat them till they are the same width as the B pieces (13") I did about 5 pleats using about 1" of fabric for each pleat
Step 3
Put your two A's right sides together and sew around sides and bottom. Do the same with the lining pieces although if you want to add pockets/fastenings etc then it's probably best to do so before you stitch the B pieces together
Step 4
Take the 2 C pieces and iron a fold about 1" in on each of the widest sides. Turn A right side out and stitch the 2 C pieces to the front and back of A in whichever way you think looks the nicest. I did it so that my top fold on piece C was folded over the inward rim of piece A.
Step 5
For the handles: Place the 2 pieces, right sides together and sew around a quarter of inch from edge BUT LEAVE A GAP OF A COUPLE OF INCHES. Turn the handle right side out via the gap, fold the edges of the gap inwards and topstitch all the way round the edge
Step 6
Fold over the rim of piece B about 1" down and iron. Put piece B inside A and then slot one end of the handle between A and B. secure with pins. Do the same with the other end of the handle. stitch around the rim so that the lining and handles are held in place. Maybe stitch a couple of times to ensure it's nice and strong. Done! If anything isn't clear then let me know!