Super Simple Summer Sack

OK, once you've mastered that tongue twister you're ready to make one!  This is one of the simplest designs but so cute, with lots of room for all of your beach stuff or little things you pick up at garage sales.

Here are the supplies I used:



+ a sewing machine

I used .8 metre (31.5") of 115cm (45") wide cotton fabric, but you can use any length.  The longer your rectangle, the bigger your bag will be~

Steps:

1) Create a tube with your fabric by folding it along the long edge, right sides together, and closing the open edge.

2) With a straight edge, mark a diagonal line from one corner to the other and cut along this line.

    

3)  You now have two large triangles.  Hem the two sides.  You can just zig zag or serge, turn over, and sew down for the basic purse.  I lined mine for a more finished look.  I just followed the first two steps again with contrasting fabric, laying one lining on top of one outside fabric, right sides together, and stitching up the two triangle sides.  Just ignore all of this if you're going for the super simple version and do a simple hem.

4) Once your sides are hemmed, lay one triangle on top of the other, lining up the bottoms, and having the bottom point of the left triangle match up with the centre of the right triangle.  Pin along the edge.

5) Turn over your triangles and overlap the same way on this side as you did in step four.

6) Stitch along the edges where the fabrics overlap, attaching the two fronts together.  You can continue to the end of the strap if you like.

7) You're almost done, just the bottom to close up.  Turn your bag inside out, pin along the bottom.  You may need to trim your fabrics to line them up.  This is normal because when you cut your diagonal lines you cut along the bias of the fabric.  That can sometimes cause the fabric to stretch.  Just trim what you need to, pin, and sew through ALL of the layers of fabric.

If you  have a serger, serge your hem.  Make sure to cut your corners so that when you turn your bag right side out the corners won't bunch up.

(If you want a flat bottom, just use the technique I showed you when I made this cushion.)

8) Here's what you should have.

9) Just tie the straps, fling it over your shoulder, and away you go!

 I made another one for my friend Gen who gave me the Vintage Dress and Silk Blouse to transform that you all liked so much.

There are sooooo many ways you can make this your own.  You don't even need to buy new fabric, you can make these using a pillow case if you want.  Add some piping or lace along the edges, play with the proportions of your rectangles, add fabric embellishments...the list goes on and on.

Have fun with it and check out loads of other great projects on the linky party tab.

Leave a comment and let me know what you think.