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DIY Gate-Fold Bag Pattern + Giveaway

September 4, 2015 by AllFreeSewing 98 Comments

National Sewing Month 2015

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?

This is adorable!  Use a beaded or glamorous fabric for an evening bag or a pretty print and lace or beads for a little girls purse.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

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

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

  • 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.

 

Such a sweetie 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!Day4-westcott2

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.

 

NSM-03Enter daily for your chance to win the National Sewing Month 2015 Grand Prize Giveaway.

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AllFreeSewing
Editor at AllFreeSewing at AllFreeSewing.com
AllFreeSewing is the ultimate resource for quick and easy sewing patterns, tutorials, and charts. You'll find dress and bag patterns, alteration guides, even instructions to help you with that pesky sewing machine. The best part? It's all absolutely free. Come and join our community!
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Filed Under: Giveaways & Contests Tagged With: Accessories, Giveaways, National Sewing Month 2015

Comments

  1. Carla S says

    September 4, 2015 at 9:36 am

    I like the size 60 rotary the most.

    Reply
  2. Ileene Fischer says

    September 4, 2015 at 11:54 am

    I don’t know . I have never used a rotary cutter. I guess now would be as good a time as ever to try.

    Reply
  3. Ileene Fischer says

    September 4, 2015 at 11:54 am

    I don’t know . I have never used a rotary cutter. I guess now would be as good a time as ever to try.

    Reply
  4. Deby at So Sew Easy says

    September 4, 2015 at 12:07 pm

    I like the smaller rotary cutters better, because they are easier to use on curves when cutting out clothing patterns.

    Reply
  5. Lacy says

    September 4, 2015 at 1:10 pm

    I have only used a 45mm one but I think I would liek the control it provides over a larger size.

    Reply
  6. Lacy says

    September 4, 2015 at 1:10 pm

    I have only used a 45mm one but I think I would liek the control it provides over a larger size.

    Reply
  7. Cheryl says

    September 4, 2015 at 1:23 pm

    i have 3 different sizes but i use the 45mm the most

    Reply
  8. Cheryl K says

    September 4, 2015 at 1:32 pm

    I like the 45mm rotary cutter the best.

    Reply
  9. Dorothy says

    September 4, 2015 at 1:42 pm

    Hello Quilters,
    I like both the 28 mm & the 45mm rotary cutters. They have made my quilting and sewing adventures easier.
    Thanks

    Reply
  10. Waneta says

    September 4, 2015 at 1:56 pm

    I’ve only used a 45 mm and it has worked very well.

    Reply
  11. Barbara Martin says

    September 4, 2015 at 2:25 pm

    45mm is the easiest to handle for me. However I have not tried larger. Thanks for the chance to win the giveaway!

    Reply
  12. Lynnelle says

    September 4, 2015 at 2:32 pm

    I prefer the 45 mm size.

    Reply
  13. Randi Johnson says

    September 4, 2015 at 2:34 pm

    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.

    Reply
  14. knittingdancer on Ravelry says

    September 4, 2015 at 2:45 pm

    I have never used a rotary cutter but probably would prefer the smaller size.

    Reply
  15. Karen Waldner says

    September 4, 2015 at 2:51 pm

    I love the 45mm rotary cutter,

    Reply
  16. Barbara says

    September 4, 2015 at 2:52 pm

    I have a small hand, so I tend to use a small cutter.

    Reply
  17. Imogene Hall says

    September 4, 2015 at 2:55 pm

    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!!!!!!

    Reply
  18. melissa nordell says

    September 4, 2015 at 3:09 pm

    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

    Reply
  19. Karin Johansson says

    September 4, 2015 at 3:10 pm

    Hi from Sweden, I have a 45mm sizes and would prefer the smaller size.

    Reply
  20. Susan Case says

    September 4, 2015 at 3:15 pm

    I have used the 45mm and the smaller rotary cutters. So far, they have met all my cutting needs.

    Reply
  21. Jean Cormier says

    September 4, 2015 at 3:16 pm

    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!

    Reply
  22. Mary says

    September 4, 2015 at 3:17 pm

    I use 45mm the most.

    Reply
  23. Jennifer Feller says

    September 4, 2015 at 3:26 pm

    The 45mm one is my favorite size. What would we do without this great tool?

    Reply
  24. Rene James says

    September 4, 2015 at 4:00 pm

    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. .

    Reply
  25. leoris says

    September 4, 2015 at 4:06 pm

    I love my 45 mm rotary cutter, Best invention since the safety pin!

    Reply
  26. Karen Erickson says

    September 4, 2015 at 4:09 pm

    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.

    Reply
  27. mary says

    September 4, 2015 at 4:18 pm

    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

    Reply
  28. Linda Brown says

    September 4, 2015 at 4:22 pm

    I use 45 mm rotary cutter

    Reply
  29. Helen T says

    September 4, 2015 at 4:24 pm

    I usually use a 45mm rotary cutter. I’ve been wanting to try the 60mm.

    Reply
  30. Debby says

    September 4, 2015 at 4:42 pm

    I am fairly new to sewing and only have one rotary cutter, but I would love to try another to see the differences.

    Reply
  31. Karen A says

    September 4, 2015 at 4:44 pm

    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.

    Reply
  32. Kim T says

    September 4, 2015 at 4:48 pm

    I use all my rotary cutters for different projects/reasons, but love my 60mm one the best!

    Reply
  33. Colleen says

    September 4, 2015 at 5:12 pm

    I use the 45 mm most of the time.

    Reply
  34. Margaret Phillips says

    September 4, 2015 at 5:12 pm

    I love the 45 but use the 60 when cutting through several layers of fabric.

    Reply
  35. MarleneC says

    September 4, 2015 at 5:14 pm

    I mostly like the 45 but have used the 60 and the smaller one. I think I have at least 6 of the 45.

    Reply
  36. Mary Kay Michaels says

    September 4, 2015 at 5:16 pm

    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!

    Reply
  37. Delaine says

    September 4, 2015 at 5:23 pm

    My rotary cutter is 45mm so that is the size I like best. Thanks!

    Reply
  38. Carol Andrews says

    September 4, 2015 at 5:24 pm

    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!

    Reply
  39. Claire Ross says

    September 4, 2015 at 5:25 pm

    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

    Reply
  40. Carmen N says

    September 4, 2015 at 5:28 pm

    I only have one rotary cutter so I can’t say I have a favorite LOL! I’m not sure what size it is.

    Reply
  41. Dorothy Eggerss says

    September 4, 2015 at 6:58 pm

    I like the 45 the best….

    Reply
  42. Kristine says

    September 4, 2015 at 7:00 pm

    I’ve only used the 45mm but I would love to try others!

    Reply
  43. Wanda Cannon says

    September 4, 2015 at 7:24 pm

    I like the skip stitch rotary blade

    Reply
  44. Quilting Tangent says

    September 4, 2015 at 7:34 pm

    45mm is the only one I every tried.

    Reply
  45. nancy nolan says

    September 4, 2015 at 7:43 pm

    I use 45mm size rotary cutter

    Reply
  46. Donna says

    September 4, 2015 at 7:48 pm

    I just started using the 60mm rotary and it’s definitely my favorite now!

    Reply
  47. Lee says

    September 4, 2015 at 8:06 pm

    I have just began quilting and I use a 45 mm cutter.

    Reply
  48. Carmen says

    September 4, 2015 at 8:11 pm

    I use whatever size i have on hand.when I’m hit by inspiration I use any size.

    Reply
  49. ANN BRASSELL says

    September 4, 2015 at 8:13 pm

    So far I have only used the 60mm.

    Reply
  50. Amy Caldwell (@See_Amy_Sew) says

    September 4, 2015 at 8:42 pm

    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!!!

    Reply
  51. Debbie U. says

    September 4, 2015 at 8:56 pm

    I have used both 60 and 45..I would LOVE to try other sizes too!

    Reply
  52. polly says

    September 4, 2015 at 9:25 pm

    45 for me. .I’m needing a small one for upcoming projects. .but I have 3- 45’s..

    Reply
  53. Lori Smith says

    September 4, 2015 at 9:39 pm

    I mainly use a 45 mm rotary cutter.

    Reply
  54. Brenda says

    September 4, 2015 at 9:40 pm

    I still have my first 45 mm rotary cutter. It’s my go to blade.

    Reply
  55. April Roudabush says

    September 4, 2015 at 10:32 pm

    I like the 45mm size.

    Reply
  56. Suzy says

    September 4, 2015 at 10:33 pm

    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.

    Reply
  57. Connie Janowski says

    September 4, 2015 at 11:04 pm

    I use whatever size I have handy when I need one.

    Reply
  58. Marge says

    September 4, 2015 at 11:08 pm

    I prefer a small size rotary cutter.

    Reply
  59. Mary Gambee says

    September 4, 2015 at 11:08 pm

    Love the 45 when cutting only a few layers of fabric

    Reply
  60. tammy says

    September 4, 2015 at 11:11 pm

    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

    Reply
  61. Karey says

    September 4, 2015 at 11:16 pm

    I think my favorite size rotary cutter has to be the 45 mm!

    Reply
  62. Carol Manning says

    September 4, 2015 at 11:22 pm

    I use the 45mm rotary cutter but may need a larger blade for thick fabric layers.

    Reply
  63. Kay Statom says

    September 4, 2015 at 11:31 pm

    I like the 60mm. It cuts faster and lasts a long time.

    Reply
  64. beverlywilliams says

    September 4, 2015 at 11:38 pm

    I like 45mm the best

    Reply
  65. Barbara Bailey says

    September 4, 2015 at 11:46 pm

    I only have a 45mm cutter, that’s why I need to win these!

    Reply
  66. Mimi says

    September 5, 2015 at 12:08 am

    I like and use the 45″ most, but the little 28″ comes in handy for small projects.

    Reply
  67. stanleybeagle says

    September 5, 2015 at 12:11 am

    45 mm is just perfect

    Reply
  68. Linda Jennings says

    September 5, 2015 at 12:20 am

    I use a 45mm, But would LOVE to try the 28mm for curves, I think I would have more control.

    Reply
  69. Jennifer K. says

    September 5, 2015 at 12:39 am

    I have only used the 45mm but I would like to try the 28mm soon.

    Reply
  70. Vicki H says

    September 5, 2015 at 12:41 am

    I have 3 sizes and use the 45mm most often.

    Reply
  71. Sandy K says

    September 5, 2015 at 12:43 am

    I have the 28mm but would love to have a larger one too.

    Reply
  72. Cynthia says

    September 5, 2015 at 1:05 am

    45 mm I love mine and can always use more

    Reply
  73. Renea says

    September 5, 2015 at 2:29 am

    I have 3 different sizes but use the 45mm the most. Thanks for the great giveaway.

    Reply
  74. Glynda says

    September 5, 2015 at 2:54 am

    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.

    Reply
  75. Charlene Letterly says

    September 5, 2015 at 2:59 am

    I love my 45 mm cutter. Seams it has been very handy for many of my sewing projects.

    Reply
  76. Carolyn Pomeroy says

    September 5, 2015 at 3:18 am

    I have both 28 and 45MM size, I tend to use the 45 more.Have great week,Carol P.

    Reply
  77. Kathy E. says

    September 5, 2015 at 3:25 am

    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!

    Reply
  78. Linda Barnes says

    September 5, 2015 at 3:36 am

    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

    Reply
  79. Catherine Cozart says

    September 5, 2015 at 3:52 am

    It depends on the project.

    Reply
  80. Janet S says

    September 5, 2015 at 4:17 am

    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.

    Reply
  81. Joanne Roberts says

    September 5, 2015 at 5:19 am

    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

    Reply
  82. Chris says

    September 5, 2015 at 7:59 am

    45 mm for sure. This is very interesting.

    Reply
  83. jenny says

    September 5, 2015 at 8:23 am

    i prefer the 45 mm 🙂

    Reply
  84. Wanda W says

    September 5, 2015 at 11:09 am

    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 😀

    Reply
  85. vickie m says

    September 5, 2015 at 11:51 am

    I usually use the standard size cutter but I also have a tiny one that i use for small intricate cuts like doll clothes

    Reply
  86. Rhonda Morrison says

    September 5, 2015 at 1:07 pm

    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.

    Reply
  87. Sylvia says

    September 5, 2015 at 3:08 pm

    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.

    Reply
  88. Alice says

    September 5, 2015 at 3:19 pm

    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.

    Reply
  89. margie juby says

    September 5, 2015 at 4:21 pm

    I have three sizes it depends on what I am working on, but I do use the 45 the most.

    Reply
  90. Janet Santiago says

    September 6, 2015 at 12:25 am

    I like the 45 mm the best for most work.

    Reply
  91. Doris McCarty says

    September 6, 2015 at 3:22 pm

    I use my 45mm the most!
    Dmac5958ataoldotcom

    Reply
  92. Darlene says

    September 6, 2015 at 5:52 pm

    I use the 45mm rotary cutter

    Reply
  93. Darlene MacDonald says

    September 7, 2015 at 5:11 am

    I have only used a 45mm but would love to try a smaller size.

    Reply
  94. Cindi says

    September 7, 2015 at 12:10 pm

    My standby rotary is a 45 mm.

    Reply
  95. Michele T says

    September 8, 2015 at 3:00 am

    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.

    Reply
  96. Loretta Maines says

    September 15, 2015 at 9:33 am

    I use 45mm the most.

    Reply
  97. Tonya Alm says

    February 15, 2016 at 4:34 pm

    I don’t know don’t have one.

    Reply
  98. Debra Luecke says

    July 18, 2017 at 2:31 pm

    I use the 45mm the most. Great for everyday sewing.Handles most fabrics really well.

    Reply

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