How to construct a handbag

Some things you’ll need to make a bag

STEP 11. Select the ribbons and

trimmings for the bag. Check that the colours blend or contrast etc.

2. Pin the ribbons in place.

Adding decorative features

3. Tack all the ribbons using tacking or running stitches –

why?

4. A running stitch is an easyup and out stitch -

Contrasting ribbons

Pins (look at how they are placed)

Running stitch totack down ribbons

Teacher notes – handbag construction.

Background – This sounds a little brief but it is really the essence of what we want the pupils to take on board - “Less is more”.

Possible teaching/discussion point e.g. Often pupils first instinct is to use too many decorative features. Pupils need to select contrasting or complimentary ribbons etc. They might need to be reminded that proportion will influence the effectiveness of their design, the division of three guide could be reintroduced. Pinning and tacking – we have found that this needs an actual demonstration.

Background – Pupils are given a choice of two main bag styles to develop in their first Textiles unit in Year 7. We have in the past attempted to give them a greater choice of outline shapes but have ended up with various difficulties including the dreaded box of unfinished work. These construction presentation slides have been developed for a number of reasons. They can be run through quickly before the beginning of the “make” sessions, to give pupils an outline of what is entailed in the making of their selected bag.. Presentation slides can be selected and shown at the beginning of a lesson to illustrate a specific process/technique that is to be completed in that session. Or left to “loop”, as semi-self help guides. The available Flash version has engaging animations of the construction process e.g. machine stitching etc

1. Tack all the ribbons and remove the pins.

STEP 2 Adding tacking stitches Running stitch totack down all ribbons

2. Tacking down the ribbons makes it easier to sew on the machine as the pins don’t get in the way.

3. Tacking should go in and out of the fabric just to fasten the ribbons to the fabric

STEP 3 Adding further decorative features – sewing machine

2. Continuing adding stitches to the bag until all the ribbons are attached and you have an attractive pattern.

1. Select your decorative stitches it helps to use a guideline to get a straight line – what could you use as a guideline?

3. Remove all tacking stitches .

Running stitch totack down all ribbons

Zigzag stitch in contrasting stitches

Sewingmachinefoot

Possible teaching/discussion point e.g. we have found that “ straighter” lines of embroidery stitches are achieved if pupils follow a guideline, these could be actual ribbons, or lines of drawn tailors chalk. It is surprising how well they build up really effective decorative effects from a few ribbons with decorative stitches.

Possible teaching/discussion point e.g. Ribbons are often made of man-made fibres and have a tendency to slip, we have found tacking essential.

STEP 4 Neatening the raw edges

1. Neaten the raw edges on the top the bag – Whatstitch could be used?

2. Remember to neaten the top raw edge of the back of the bag.

Zig zag stitch the top raw edge.

Tacking stitch taken out.

Then fold down iron and sew

3. Turn under 3 cms of the neatened top edge of the bag.

Pins

STEP 5

2. Add pins – which way are the pins heads placed ?

3. Straight stitch along the edge of the fabric – where should the edge of the machine foot be placed ?

1. Iron the top edge.

4. Remember to neaten front & back sides of thebag.

Neatening the top of the bag. Sewing machine foot

Straight stitch

Wrong side of fabric

Fold about 3cm over on the wrong side

Possible teaching/discussion point e.g. Front of bag. Concept of why fabric is neatened and what method can they use. – a quick look at a garments they are wearing will be the clue what stitch is needed. A re-cap on how to set the zigzag stitch might be needed. Neatening of the top raw edge of the front of the bag.

Possible teaching/discussion point e.g. A number of possible aspects to consider such as the Safety Issue with the pins, the placing of the edge of the machine foot to act as guide and achieve a straight line.

Sewing machine foot

STEP 6 Back section of the bag.

Back section of the bag

You then need a second piece of material. Theexact same size as your first piece. You must then do the same to neaten the top.

1. Zigzag the top

2. Fold 3cm and iron

3. Straight stitch down

pins

straight stitch

FRONT OF BAG – back view. Second piece of fabric

STEP 6a

You should then have two pieces of fabric. That look similar to this. One piece with ribbons and decorative stitching. The second piece will be plain. You then have to attach both pieces together to create your bag.

Neatened edges

Ribbons and decorative stitches

Zig zag and straight stitch

Right side of fabric 1 Wrong side of fabric 2

Possible teaching/discussion point e.g. beginning to join the bag together, lining up the front and back accurately.

Possible teaching/discussion point e.g. the same points as previous presentation slide– these apply to the back of the bag.

STEP 7

The front and the back of the bag need to be held together. To do this seamsare used. A seam is twopieces of fabric stitched

together.

1. Place the front and back sides of the bag

together.

2. Pin the front and theback of the bag together–do you remember anyrules about how you

would place the pins?

Placing the right sides together.

Pin in place all theway around the bag.

Putting the bag together

STEP 7 Constructing the seams - 2

1. Straight stitch the bag in a U shape.

2. Start at the top left hand corner and run down afew stitches and then reverse and then continue to the bottom right STOPPING just before the end – needle in the fabric –why?

3. Lift the foot – 90 degreesand straight stitch across the base – where do you stop?

4. Again STOP – needle in the fabric turn 90 degrees and straight stitch to the top of the bag and reverse a few

stitches.

Sewing machine foot

Possible teaching/discussion point e.g. Discussion of concepts of seams – definition and method., placement of pins.

Possible teaching/discussion point e.g. Aspects to be reaffirmed: making the side seams - starting at the very top of the fabric - reverse stitching and using either the edge the fabric or guide plate as guideline. The need to stitch in a U shape and turn sharply at 90 degree angles. An attempt has been made using animation here, but it is more effective in the Flash version.

STEP 8 Neatening the raw edges

1. How can the raw edges of the fabric

be neatened?2. Set the machine to zig-zag. Start top left– down to the base of the bag..

3. Needle down & turn90 degrees and along

the base. STOP

4. Needle down – turn 90 degrees & zig-zagto the top of the bag –reverse stitch.

Look at the zig-zagstitches why are two of them incorrect ?

A quick recap!

Zig zag stitch

STEP 8 Neatening the corners

Once you have sew all the way around and zig zag stitched the edges to neaten them,your next stage is to cut off the corner edges. Cutting off the excess fabric will make the corner neat and flat when you turn it the right way round. Be careful not to cut through the straight stitch or you’ll have a hole in your bag!!

Cut off corners

Straight stitchBe careful not to cut past her

Zigzag stitch

If you are unsureAsk your teacher to help you

Possible teaching/discussion point e.g. trimming off excess fabric to achieve a flat and neat corner to the bag. Care with trimming!

Possible teaching/discussion point e.g. concept of positioning zigzag stitching and importance of stitching on the edge of the fabric. Pupils are asked to give reasons why two of the samples are incorrect. The re-cap also reaffirms the need to stop and turn 90 degrees at corners Again the Flash version engages pupils well on this aspect.

STEP 9

1.Turn the bag inside out and press with a

warm iron.

Completing the bag

2. Attach the handle of the bag – your teacher may need to help you with this.

Option 1. A long handleOption 2. two short handles

3. Take care when ironing your ribbons as they may melt if they are made from man-made fabrics.

Well done you have

completed your bag.

Possible teaching/discussion point e.g. We often have to help pupils with the handles due to the thickness of the fabric . A quick press, watch the ribbons, a page of paper over can help avoid any scorching.