Today’s National Sewing Month Project is brought to you by Deby Coles from So Sew Easy.
I’m a sucker for shiny bag hardware. Any time I see something new, my mind starts to turn over with the possibilities for how to use it and this unusual little piece was no exception. It’s called an expandable gate-fold purse frame and lends itself perfectly to making a cute little round bag. I started out by making one for the little daughter of a friend, decorated it with lace and ric-rac, and it was so pretty. When we asked what she was going to keep in her little bag, she replied “All my sweeties” and so the name “Such a Sweetie” bag came about. It truly is a sweetie too, and looks great as an evening bag, fabulous in a sequin, beaded or embroidered fabric too. Make one in a luxurious silk with hand beading perhaps?
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I’ll be delighted to show you how to make one using a basic cotton then you can go wild with your own designs and fabrics.
Materials for the Such a Sweetie Gate-Fold Bag pattern
- 1 fat quarter of fabric in total, or mix and match smaller pieces
- Light-weight interfacing
- Plastic canvas 11 x 4 inches
- 4.5 inch expandable gate-fold purse frame
- Silver-tone chain with clips
- Little beads/pearls of your choice
- Optional – trim or lace of your choice
- Optional – invisible thread
Download the template for your Such A Sweetie Bag here
How to sew your Such a Sweetie Bag
Apply a light-weight interfacing to the two circular pieces, and the lower section on the outer and the lining of the bag. The circular template is designed so the outer circle is the bottom of the outside of the bag and the inner circle in the bottom of the lining.
Using a 1/4 inch seam allowance and with right sides together, sew the three rectangular pieces together along the long sides, with the piece without interfacing in the middle. If you are using a fabric with a directional print, the top of the print should both face inwards towards the center. Press seams towards the center piece.
You can decide to use 1, 2 or 3 different fabrics, depending on the look you are going for.
Top stitch on the center piece, close to both seam lines, and catching the seam allowances on the underneath side.
If you want to add any embellishment, beading, embroidery, lace or trims to your bag, add these now. I added a beaded trim and sewed it with a zipper foot and a zig-zag stitch. If you are using something with beads then take care to stop them before your seam allowance or you could break your needle when sewing the seam later.
Make sure you are sewing any embellishments on the outside of the bag. The slightly larger of the two outside panels is the outside of the bag.
Now sew the three pieces together to make a tube, with right sides together. Sew with a 1/4 inch seam. IMPORTANT – leave a gap unsewn in the lower lining section for 3 inches, to turn the bag right side out later. Press the seam open.
Using plenty of pins, fit the circular base into the bottom of the tube, matching right sides together. Match the bottom of the bag with the slightly larger of the outer pieces that will form the outside of the bag.
Carefully sew around the circle with a 1/4 inch seam allowance, avoiding little puckers and gathers as best you can. Take it nice and slow.
Repeat the same at the other end of the tube for the lining base. The lining base is cut a little smaller, so ease the two together. If you have to add a little gathering or pleats to the base of the lining to get it to fit the circle, that’s OK. The inside of the bag is always going to be smaller than the outside, or we’ll get too much loose fabric.
Clip into the seam allowances around both circles, but don’t snip your line of stitches.
Turn the bag the right side out. Cut your piece of plastic canvas 10.5 x 4 inches and slide it inside the bag to make sure its a good fit. Adjust if you need to. Sew the two short ends together with some thread or floss. Slide this into the gap in the lining and down into the outer part of the bag below the seam for the center piece. Neatly close the gap in the lining with a ladder stitch.
Push the lining down into the bag, so that you fold the middle section exactly in half. Match the seam line on the outside to the seam line on the inside to get it even and level. Carefully press around the top of the bag.
Open up your gate-fold frame to match the circumference of the fabric. Clips are easier to use than pins at this stage to keep everything nicely lined up.
Now carefully sew the frame to the purse, just catching the top of the fabric. You can use an invisible thread or one that matches your fabric. Adding beads here is a nice touch. Bring your needle through the hole in the frame from the back, add a bead, and then thread back through the hole in the frame.
I then sew a stitch to the center between the holes, bring the needle through to the front, then to the back in almost the same place so to make a tiny stitch on the front. Then up through the next hole in the frame, add a bead, down through the hole, and carry on all the way around until the frame is sewn in place. My pearls here are quite large, you can use tiny seed beads if you like too.
Add your chain, close up your purse frame and admire your new bag.
Get more free bag patterns and tutorials
Love sewing bags? Then there are SO many great bag patterns over at So Sew Easy I know that you’ll love. Check them out and all the other free sewing patterns at So Sew Easy today.
It’s time for the DAILY GIVEAWAY! Today’s prize is selection of cutting tools from Wescott! WOOOOOOO!
To enter the daily giveaway, leave a comment below telling us:
What is your favorite size rotary cutter?
Official Rules for Daily Contest
- There is a maximum of one entry per person. The entry will be based upon a comment left on this blog post. Duplicate comments will be deleted and are not tallied.
- Winner will be selected at random from the comments on this blog post below.
- You have until tonight, September 4th, 2015 at 11:59p EST to leave your comment on this post. Comments posted after that will not be counted.
- Contest open to anyone 18+ in US and/or Canada.
Enter daily for your chance to win the National Sewing Month 2015 Grand Prize Giveaway.
- The Biggest Selection of Free Bag Sewing Patterns! - January 9, 2021
- We Love Precuts: 13 Jelly Roll Quilt Patterns - January 7, 2021
- Blue Jean Baby: 19 Denim Sewing Patterns - January 6, 2021
I like the size 60 rotary the most.
I don’t know . I have never used a rotary cutter. I guess now would be as good a time as ever to try.
I don’t know . I have never used a rotary cutter. I guess now would be as good a time as ever to try.
I like the smaller rotary cutters better, because they are easier to use on curves when cutting out clothing patterns.
I have only used a 45mm one but I think I would liek the control it provides over a larger size.
I have only used a 45mm one but I think I would liek the control it provides over a larger size.
i have 3 different sizes but i use the 45mm the most
I like the 45mm rotary cutter the best.
Hello Quilters,
I like both the 28 mm & the 45mm rotary cutters. They have made my quilting and sewing adventures easier.
Thanks
I’ve only used a 45 mm and it has worked very well.
45mm is the easiest to handle for me. However I have not tried larger. Thanks for the chance to win the giveaway!
I prefer the 45 mm size.
I use both a 45 and a 60 depending on the project. And the 45 is better on curves in fabric patterns than the 60.
I have never used a rotary cutter but probably would prefer the smaller size.
I love the 45mm rotary cutter,
I have a small hand, so I tend to use a small cutter.
I like the size 60 best but do use a size 45 also. Might depend on which one is near by and handy. I do not know how people quilt without using a rotary cutter!!!!!!
I like ALL sizes of rotary cutters for different sizes of fabric cuts but I use the medium sizes the most. I like the larger sizes for large quilt fabric pieces and the smaller for tighter, smaller pieces
Hi from Sweden, I have a 45mm sizes and would prefer the smaller size.
I have used the 45mm and the smaller rotary cutters. So far, they have met all my cutting needs.
I have always used a 45mm rotary cutter . However, I am about to start a pattern using a Quick Curve Ruler and an 18mm rotary cutter was recommended – so it’s off to the quilt store I go, a new cutter a new experience!
I use 45mm the most.
The 45mm one is my favorite size. What would we do without this great tool?
I just did a class project with a borrowed 60 mm cutter. The instructor had several that we shared. We cut 9 layers of fabric, straight lines and curves. It was as real eye opener for me. .
I love my 45 mm rotary cutter, Best invention since the safety pin!
I use the 45mm rotary cutter because that is all that I have. I live in a very remote area so getting supplies is a challenge. I love my rotary cutter! Thanks for the give-away.
i really like using all different sizes rotary cutters,it depends on may projects i am doing. i think that they are so much easier to use then scissors
I use 45 mm rotary cutter
I usually use a 45mm rotary cutter. I’ve been wanting to try the 60mm.
I am fairly new to sewing and only have one rotary cutter, but I would love to try another to see the differences.
I use the 45 mm most of the time. I do keep the smaller one near my machine for trimming blocks when I am piecing.
I use all my rotary cutters for different projects/reasons, but love my 60mm one the best!
I use the 45 mm most of the time.
I love the 45 but use the 60 when cutting through several layers of fabric.
I mostly like the 45 but have used the 60 and the smaller one. I think I have at least 6 of the 45.
I love using the 45 mm size with the pinking blade for sewing and crafts. Also, I need to tell you that I just love the “gate fold” bag. I have to make one. It looks so interesting!
My rotary cutter is 45mm so that is the size I like best. Thanks!
I use my 60 mm daily as a quilter and love the fact that the grippy handle makes cutting so easy! I shudder at the thought of having to use scissors to cut my fabric!
I have never used a rotary cutter. Have only started sewing within the last 6 months and just got my own sewing machine for my birthday so would love to add this to my growing collection of sewing gadgets x
I only have one rotary cutter so I can’t say I have a favorite LOL! I’m not sure what size it is.
I like the 45 the best….
I’ve only used the 45mm but I would love to try others!
I like the skip stitch rotary blade
45mm is the only one I every tried.
I use 45mm size rotary cutter
I just started using the 60mm rotary and it’s definitely my favorite now!
I have just began quilting and I use a 45 mm cutter.
I use whatever size i have on hand.when I’m hit by inspiration I use any size.
So far I have only used the 60mm.
My fave has been the 45mm, but I’m thinking the 60mm would be awesome, esp. when making bags and totes using thicker home deco type fabrics. Love the folding gate tute, and will have to try it sometime.. “Sew” adorable!!! Thanks for the chance!!!
I have used both 60 and 45..I would LOVE to try other sizes too!
45 for me. .I’m needing a small one for upcoming projects. .but I have 3- 45’s..
I mainly use a 45 mm rotary cutter.
I still have my first 45 mm rotary cutter. It’s my go to blade.
I like the 45mm size.
I too have not used a rotary cutter before. I’d be very interested in trying it out as I sometimes have trouble with my joints when cutting with regular scissors.
I use whatever size I have handy when I need one.
I prefer a small size rotary cutter.
Love the 45 when cutting only a few layers of fabric
I use the 45 for all my cutting and I really like it but I would like to see if the 60mm works any better
I think my favorite size rotary cutter has to be the 45 mm!
I use the 45mm rotary cutter but may need a larger blade for thick fabric layers.
I like the 60mm. It cuts faster and lasts a long time.
I like 45mm the best
I only have a 45mm cutter, that’s why I need to win these!
I like and use the 45″ most, but the little 28″ comes in handy for small projects.
45 mm is just perfect
I use a 45mm, But would LOVE to try the 28mm for curves, I think I would have more control.
I have only used the 45mm but I would like to try the 28mm soon.
I have 3 sizes and use the 45mm most often.
I have the 28mm but would love to have a larger one too.
45 mm I love mine and can always use more
I have 3 different sizes but use the 45mm the most. Thanks for the great giveaway.
I only have the 60mm size, so I guess that makes it my favorite! Although, now I think I could use the smaller size as well.
I love my 45 mm cutter. Seams it has been very handy for many of my sewing projects.
I have both 28 and 45MM size, I tend to use the 45 more.Have great week,Carol P.
The only size of rotary cutter I’ve ever used is the 45 mm one. I’d be very interested in using other sizes on my projects!
I almost always use the 45mm, but have several other sizes also. I like the little one for small curves works really well.
Thanks for all you are doing for us. Have all things crossed, would like to win the sewing machine Would make a nice Birthday present to me (it’s Sept) Good luck all
It depends on the project.
I like the regular 45 mm sized rotary cutter. I’ve tried the little one and it just didn’t have the appeal I expected.
All I know is small, big and bigger rotary cutter. So I don’t know what size I use. Each project requires different tools. But I do like a rotary cutter, medium. Joanrob8@aol.com
45 mm for sure. This is very interesting.
i prefer the 45 mm 🙂
I have to say the 45mm is the one I turn to most. For most of my projects it’s the perfect fit unless I’m working on something smaller and more intricate…. Then I turn to the 28mm for precision 😀
I usually use the standard size cutter but I also have a tiny one that i use for small intricate cuts like doll clothes
For most of my projects i use a 45mm rotary cutter because i feel it is the standard size; however, i do find that for some of my smaller or larger cutting requirements a different size rotary blade would be more helpful and possibly cause less injury as i know all too well…thank you for this opportunity.
I have just started using a rotary cutter and I love it. But I only have the one and I would love to try different sizes.
I have a 45 cutter, I like it so I use it. I would like to try using another size but I’m a use what you have kind of person.
I have three sizes it depends on what I am working on, but I do use the 45 the most.
I like the 45 mm the best for most work.
I use my 45mm the most!
Dmac5958ataoldotcom
I use the 45mm rotary cutter
I have only used a 45mm but would love to try a smaller size.
My standby rotary is a 45 mm.
I have only used 45mm rotary cutter, but I did read somewhere that a smaller blade is great for those wee curvy areas…so I’m thinking that I should invest in one.
I use 45mm the most.
I don’t know don’t have one.
I use the 45mm the most. Great for everyday sewing.Handles most fabrics really well.