4.      OPEN POCKET

Since the ring ties are optional, we will come back to those. 

Today, we will work on the Open Pocket.  The Open Pocket is the top pocket which comprises the pocket panel on the inside of the bag.  It has no closure and is great to store bulky items while hanging the bag from the d- or square ring. 

To begin, make sure your open pocket and open pocket lining pieces are pressed well.  With RIGHT SIDES TOGETHER,  pin along the top edge of the pocket.  Notice your pocket will be longer than your lining.  Stitch along top edge.

Press stitching.  This ensures that stitching will “set”.

         Open out pocket/pocket lining and press flat.

With WRONG sides together, bring raw edges of bottom pocket and pocket lining together.  This creates a decorative top edge or strip.   

          “Stitch in the ditch.” 

           Also, top stitch the decorative strip.

Trim raw edges if needed.

STEP 4 IS COMPLETE!

Hope you are enjoying this project so far.  Tomorrow will be a little bit daunting, but not to worry!  Working with zippers is fun.  Read through Step 5.  Hopefully, I will be able to do a video for Step 5 and 6, along with a tutorial to help with those confusing areas.

2.         D-RING TAB

You can customize the width of the D-Ring tab to custom fit your larger or smaller D-Ring.  I have had customers ask for a larger square ring to hang on hangers for cruise ship cabins (because of the space limitations).

To do this, measure the inside width of the hardware (D-Ring or Square Ring).  Cut the width of your fabric 4 times wider.  This will give you the perfect fit for any size hardware EVERY TIME!

You can also make the D-Ring Tab shorter or longer, if you prefer.

Fold from top raw edge to center press line, wrong sides together. PRESS AGAIN.

Press WRONG sides together meeting raw edges.  Fold raw edges toward middle (press line) and press.

Stitch along the two pressed edges (clean edges).  Slip metal hardware onto tab.

Meet raw edges of tab together and stitch a ¼” seam at raw ends so that hardware is locked onto tab.

STEP 2 IS COMPLETE!

SEW ALONG—Tuck N Roll Bag

Step 1—Wrap Around Strap

Press the long strip of fabric. 

With RIGHT sides together, press raw edges together creating a long narrow strip. 

Stitch along long side using a ¼” seam allowance.  (See Tips Section below to cut wide of strap specifically for the width of your hardware) 

Using a tube turner and following tube turner directions, load fabric tube onto tube turner.  

Carefully start turning fabric tube end inside out onto tube turner.  Sometimes, serger tweezers are helpful in getting the tube started. 

Carefully turn fabric tube right side out. 

Press seam flat, then press seam to side. 

Lay one raw end on top of the other and stitch together.  Set aside.

Tips:  You can piece together the length of fabric by stitching two shorter pieces of fabric together. Using a fabric pencil, draw a diagonal line from corner to corner of the two pieces of fabric.  See sample below.  Stitch along line. 

Open out and press.  

Trim excess. 

Press fabric strip to ready for stitching.

To customize width of strap, measure hardware; cut fabric  4 times the width of hardware width. 

STEP 1 IS COMPLETE!

Tuck N Roll Sew-Along

We will begin the sew along on Monday, July 20^th.  To participate, purchase your pattern at Craftsy.com or beaserbags.com.  You will also need your fabrics and notions.  We will do a step-by-step sew-along, following the pattern, via video and/or tutorial fashion with pictures, tips/hints, etc.  This is an advanced pattern, but anyone who can sew a straight stitch can follow along and complete this project with professional results.

Once  you have your pattern and supplies, follow the cutting instructions for the paper pieces, tape any paper pattern pieces together according to the directions, and cut out your fabrics and fusibles (LABEL your fabric pieces to save time while sewing).  FUSE your fusible pieces to the WRONG side of the corresponding and correct fabric pieces (refer to the pattern instructions).

Fill 4 or 5 bobbins with thread, insert a fresh needle into your machine, and thread your machine.  Have your supplies and tools neatly arranged in your sewing area, and stack your LABELED cut fabric pieces in the order that they will be sewn (refer to your pattern) from top to bottom.

Remove your zippers from the packaging, and carefully press them (see pattern for tips on how to do this).

We will NOT complete this sew along in one day.  This sew along will be done one step at a time so that beginners do not get overwhelmed.  Expected completion date for this sew along is July 31^st.  (There are 13 steps in the pattern—we will complete the sew along in 12 days--give or take a few days).  I am breaking the steps down individually so that everyone will be able complete the project in a stress-free and relaxed (and non-rushed) fashion.

Meet me back here on Monday with a cup of coffee and supplies to start sewing the Tuck N Roll Bag!  See you soon!

Join us for a Tuck N Roll Sew-Along!  We will post pictures, videos, and tips on how to make a professional and absolutely “must-have” bag.  This pattern can be a bit daunting.  However, I am here to help.  We will take our time, and sew this pattern one step at a time—from putting the pattern together, to rolling up the finished bag.  The sew along will begin here at the blog on Monday, July 20, 2015.  Grab your pattern at beaserbags.com  or in my Craftsy shop http://www.craftsy.com/pattern/sewing/accessory/tuck-n-roll-jewelry-bag/123735 and shop for your supplies (either in your stash or visit your fabric store), and meet me back here on July 20 to begin making this versatile and fun bag.  You will want to make one for yourself (for your summer vacation) and several for the holidays.