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Step 5Bias and You're Done!
Trim off the excess fabric very close to the seam, even and straight.... like 1-2 mm.
See *** below if you don't want to use bias tape
Take your Bias tape and to prepare it, you could fold it lengthways and iron it down the middle. But I didn't. In hindsight, I realize it would have been easier. Also, you could use a larger size than I did. I used quite small tape, then regretted it. It would have been much easier to use a larger tape. Note: If you buy a bias tape maker, you can make really cool contrasting tape out of fabric scraps you have lying about. They come in lots of sizes and I will be using one on my next project.
Then you place the bias tape onto the edges. This is tricky. If you've never used bias tape (I haven't before), you fold it down the middle and it slots over the edges, basically to cover the seam, to make it look tidy.
The wider the tape the better. If you haven't used padding it will be easier as well. So I took the machine off the stretchy setting and used a single stitch for this. You can pin it together, but it's hard. Get a thimble... good luck.
Sew it on, staying close to the edge of the bias tape so it doesn't curl up.
Just remember to sew on any embellishments before you sew the layers together. You can go to the following addie to see bias tape in action:
http://www.purlbee.com/mollys-handmade-napkins/
I wish I'd seen this before I made my project.
*** Last note: If you don't want to use bias tape, then you could fold the outer seam once, then twice on itself and stitch it down.
Now it should be complete. That's it .... *whew*!
See *** below if you don't want to use bias tape
Take your Bias tape and to prepare it, you could fold it lengthways and iron it down the middle. But I didn't. In hindsight, I realize it would have been easier. Also, you could use a larger size than I did. I used quite small tape, then regretted it. It would have been much easier to use a larger tape. Note: If you buy a bias tape maker, you can make really cool contrasting tape out of fabric scraps you have lying about. They come in lots of sizes and I will be using one on my next project.
Then you place the bias tape onto the edges. This is tricky. If you've never used bias tape (I haven't before), you fold it down the middle and it slots over the edges, basically to cover the seam, to make it look tidy.
The wider the tape the better. If you haven't used padding it will be easier as well. So I took the machine off the stretchy setting and used a single stitch for this. You can pin it together, but it's hard. Get a thimble... good luck.
Sew it on, staying close to the edge of the bias tape so it doesn't curl up.
Just remember to sew on any embellishments before you sew the layers together. You can go to the following addie to see bias tape in action:
http://www.purlbee.com/mollys-handmade-napkins/
I wish I'd seen this before I made my project.
*** Last note: If you don't want to use bias tape, then you could fold the outer seam once, then twice on itself and stitch it down.
Now it should be complete. That's it .... *whew*!
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thanks
I got a janome and when I started, I was scourign the instruction manual every two seconds. I think the only things you need to know that you can't find in the manual is that heavier fabrics need bigger thread and needles. :P Mostly, I don't have ANY special skills, and I really think with patience, anyone can make this. if you got to http://u-handbag.typepad.com/uhandblog/
she has amazing tutorials on bag making, which has been a revelation. I think the biggest changes I've made to the way I sew (since this really amateur post) is getting a cutting mat, rotary cutter, and keeping my iron on hand to press first.
I'm making a bag for a friend for xmas, and I'm amazed how it's turned out!
Just don't worry, you can do anything you put your mind to! Cheers :) Christina