The Bag Making Bible. Lisa Lam

      Need to know

       Heavier weight fabrics for the exterior are not recommended; medium weight fabric is best because there will be quite a few layers to work with at the top edge of the bag.

       Choose three fabrics that are all the same weight.

       As long as you are consistent, it doesn’t matter which fabric is interfaced with the fusible interfacing and which fabric is interfaced with the fusible fleece.

       All seam allowances are 1cm (3⁄8in) unless stated otherwise.

       Pattern pieces are given in the pull-out section and include the 1cm (3⁄8in) seam allowance.

      You will need

      • 1 piece of medium weight fabric for exterior, 50cm (¹⁄₂yd) x 112cm (44in) wide

      • 1 piece of medium weight fabric for lining, 50cm (¹⁄₂yd) x 112cm (44in) wide

      • 1 piece of medium weight fabric for contrast binding, base and button closure, 50cm (¹⁄₂yd) x 112cm (44in) wide

      • Medium weight woven fusible interfacing, 50cm (¹⁄₂yd)

      • Fusible fleece, 50cm (¹⁄₂yd)

      • Sewing threads to match the fabrics

      • 50mm bias tape maker

      • 1 self-cover button, 4cm (1¹⁄₂in)

      • 1 safety pin, 2cm (³⁄₄in)

      • Disappearing marker

      Preparation

      Cut the fabric and interfacing pieces as follows:

      From The Reversible Bucket Bag (main body) pattern piece (see Templates)

      • 2 x exterior fabric

      • 2 x lining fabric

      • 2 x fusible fleece

      • 2 x fusible interfacing

      From The Reversible Bucket Bag (base) pattern piece (see Templates)

      • 2 x contrast fabric

      • 1 x fusible fleece

      • 1 x fusible interfacing

      Transfer all pattern notches and markings to the fabric with a disappearing marker

      Also cut:

      • 2 bias-cut strips of contrast fabric, 86 x 10cm (34 x 4in), for the side top edge trim and bag handles

      • 2 bias-cut strips of contrast fabric, 29 x 10cm (11¹