BEACH BAG (with tutorial)

What a good way to forget about the cold for just one second. A beach bag!


This would be my first REAL tutorial.

I am very proud (by the way) that I did it!

First things first I got my fabric. I actually used a heavier fabric for the outside of the bag and a lightweight cotton for the inside.

I cut everything out. The length was 20"x 14" x 6".

(after I made a plan of action)

Then I cut out some light interfacing to steam on the outside fabric. (yes I was doing homework while ironing)
Start sowing the edges together. Make sure they are the right direction with all the hems out (it will look something like this before you sow all the edges together). Sow so it looks like a 'box'
Then you hem the edges of the 'box' (only on the portions on the opening of the box)You should end up with something like this...


THEN..

Do the same for the light fabric to line the bag

Cut (make sure it is the same size as the outer fabric.)

I didn't put interfacing on the inside fabric because I didn't want it stiff, but you can if you want.

Then the lightweight or inner fabric was sown the same way as the outside (so you end up with a box.)

For the pocket I cut a size I wanted, ironed the edges (so it would be easier to sow) steamed the interfacing on.
I then cut a another piece of fabric of the same size and ironed the edges, sowed the two pocket pieces together, measured and sowed the pocket onto the lightweight (inner) fabric. REMEMBER to only sow three sides so you have a pocket.

Then come the handles.
For the handles I cut two pieces 24" x 5".

Start by fold them over and sew around three sides, leaving one side unfinished to turn inside out. After you turn them inside out stitch on the outside of the last side

I folded the handles once more (hotdog style) and pinned with 4 inches on each end. I sowed between the pins to get something of a flare on the end of the to-be handles.
Another view.

I then measured and pined them in place on the inside of the bag. Make sure both handles are the same height otherwise the bag will hang uneven.


At this point all you need to do to finish is sowing the lining in. I pinned the lining to the outside of the bag and started sowing. Both the inner and outer "boxes" are inside out. Line the bags up and sow them up. (Ya, sad. I work at a lotion shop and my hands DESPERATELY need some lotion here.)It will look kinda crazy... Something like this.
Flip the outside fabric onto the inside fabric. By doing this you end up with the liner inside the 'box'. Then pin the inner fabric to the outer fabric. Make sure to fold a hem into the inner fabric before you sow them together.




YOU ARE DONE!

LOVE IT!

The perfect bag for all those large (possibly beachy) items!