YOU WILL NEED
  • 1m (1yd) of lightweight polyethylene 183cm (72in.) wide 
  • Scraps of fabric for appliqué
  • 1m (1yd) medium/heavy sew-in interfacing
  • 140cm of 15mm ribbon (11⁄2yd of 1⁄2in.) – optional
  • Matching general purpose thread
  • Sewing machine
  • Teflon-coated presser foot
  • Point turner
1 Cut out fabric pieces as follows: four panels each 109cm x 33cm (43in. x 13in.) wide; two lids 38cm (15in.) square; two handles 50cm x 10cm (20in. x 4in.); one pocket piece 36cm x 19cm (14in. x 71⁄2in.)

2 Cut the interfacing as follows: two panels each 109cm x 28cm (43in. x 11in.) wide; one lid 38cm (15in.) square; two handles 50cm x 8cm (20in. x 3in.)

3 Place lid pieces right sides together and pin interfacing to top. Taking a 13mm (1⁄2in.) seam allowance, machine stitch around all four sides, leaving a turning gap in one edge of about 23cm (9in.). Trim corners at angle and turn through, pushing corners out with a point turner. Slip stitch the opening closed.

4 Make lid lip by folding lid in half diagonally, right sides together and stitch across corners 2.5cm (1in.) from edge to fold (see diagram 1). Repeat for each corner. Finish lid lip by machine stitching ribbon to outer edge all the way round.



5 Place panel interfacing on one fabric panel, centre it so seam allowances are even on both side edges. Machine stitch to panel at either end. Mark base 38cm (15in.) from ends (should be 33cm/13in. square). Stitch interfacing to fabric around the marked base.

6 With right sides together, pin and stitch short ends of interfaced piece to another fabric panel. Trim seam allowance and turn right side out. Finger press so the seam is on the edge, pin and then top stitch 13mm (1⁄2in.) from edge. 

7 Make second panel following steps five and six.

8 Working on a flat surface, place panels together at right angles, right side up.



NOTE: Side edges of uppermost panel will sit on stitched base of bottom panel. Stitch layers together around base, stitching close to the edges (see diagram 2). Pull sides up to create bag. Pin and stitch from top to bottom (diagram 3).



9 Try lid in position. Decide which will be back and then pin and stitch one lip of lid to back of bag. Stitch along previous lid stitching.

TIP: For greater flexibility when stitching lid to bag, convert sewing machine from flat bed to a free arm.
Handles

Handles
Place interfacing in centre of handle strip, turn short ends under 13mm (1⁄2in.) and stitch, catching interfacing ends. Fold long edges to middle, overlapping edges and then machine stitch through all layers  (see diagram 4). Turn strap over and top stitch, working in the same direction and stitching 3mm (1⁄8in.) from first row of stitches. Attach straps to sides of bag, placing them approximately 8cm (3in.) from side and top edge. Machine stitch in place – stitching in a square for added strength.



Pocket
Fold pocket piece in half lengthways, sew side seams and part of top edge. Clip corners and turn through. Cut appliqué flowers from fabric scraps (we’ve used printed fleece) or use ready–made motifs. Appliqué in position on the pocket front using appliqué stitch or very close zigzag stitch. Stitch stems in green thread, again using very close zigzag stitch. Pin pocket to front of bag and edge stitch sides and bottom.PC

SUPPLIERS
The polyethylene is available from Pennine Outdoor, priced £2.60 per metre.
For mail order details call 01524 263377