Crafty Threads 'n' Yarns

Piglottie · Posted: Tue Sep 18, 2007 10:51 pm Post subject: Newbie sewing questions

I'm making a bag (which is a surprise in a swap Smile

) and am following a pattern for only the second time. I've cut all my pieces out - which took forever as I was trying to be soooooo careful and now just need to sew the bag up. I have a few questions though and would be grateful if anyone can help out.

1. I've ironed on my fusible/interfacing stuff (first time I've used it) and it hasn't completely stuck to the fabric. Does it matter? Am I doing something wrong? Will it be OK to just sew and its attached like that, or does it need to stick everywhere?

2. Do I need to overlock the edges of the pieces of the bag? It doesn't say so on the pattern but wondered if people had any advice.

3. Does anyone know of any instructions (preferrably with pics Smile

) on the net which show how to add a pocket to the inside of a bag? I dont want anything fancy, not a zip one or anything, just a simple pocket.

Thanks Smile

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franney · Posted: Wed Sep 19, 2007 7:27 am Post subject:

Hmmmmm... i'm not an experienced sewer by any stretch of the imagination but i'll have a go at helping Smile

1. If it were me, i would liek it all stuck down, otherwise the rest of it may work loose and spoil the finished look of the bag

2. It depends what type of fabric you are using, if it's likely to fray then yes, overlock it as a precaution to prevent the whole bag coming unravelled Wink

3. No idea on this one i'm afraid. Knowing me i'd just add a patch pocket but i am presuming you want an "inline" pocket (or whatever they're called Confused

)
Having just had a google there are a fair few tutorials but none (on a very quick click through with decent pictures on how to sew the pocket in) i did however get distracted by some very nice blogs Embarassed

Half an hour later i remembered i was replying to your post Laughing

Good luck with the bag luv, sorry i wasn't more help Confused

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craftybernie · Posted: Sun Sep 23, 2007 2:15 pm Post subject: Re: Newbie sewing questions

franney · Posted: Mon Sep 24, 2007 7:27 am Post subject:

I don't have an overlocker but i use the zigzag stitch on my sewing machine to go over the edges even though i line my bags, just in case the edges fray, i'd be gutted if one of my bags fell apart Sad

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Piglottie · Posted: Mon Sep 24, 2007 11:44 am Post subject:

Thanks for the tips Smile

I haven't had time to do anymore but hope to later this week. I spoke to my mum's best friend who is a seamstress and she has offered to come and help if I get stuck.
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melody yarns · Site Admin Joined: 03 Nov 2006 Posts: 8688 Location: UK

I do have one little tip about sticky interfacing which might help.....

You can press it onto the fabric under a slightly damp cloth, and press down with the iron for around ten to fifteen seconds - CB is rigth about the recommended 'sticking' time (or was it Franney??)

Also, I always allow my pieces (that I've just fused the interfacing to) to cool down and let the bonding agent stick before doing anything else with the piece. That's mum's tip, not mine though Laughing

I'd probably serge the edges too to make doubly sure, but pinking sounds a cool method too Cool

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