Easy Tote Bags (Sewing Project For Beginners)

By -
Image
Hi there, I made two tote bags using cute cat-printed home decor fabrics. These tote bags are easy and fast to make, a perfect sewing project for beginner sewists. The final size is approximately 34 cm long x 34 cm wide and 9 cm deep. The size is enough to carry books or shopping stuff. The process started with cutting the fabric,  - The tote bag's body: 42 cm long x 38 cm wide (on fold). - Handle: 62 cm long x 8 cm wide (2x). - Bias tape band 4 cm wide. Fold the fabric right sides together and sew both sides. And then, clip and sew the bias tape band to secure the fabric (to avoid fraying). Cut the corners, 3 cm x 3cm square, after the seam allowance. Sew the corner and secure it with bias tape band ( both sides). Here is the look after I sew the corners. I work on the handles by folding them in half and then clip the seam allowance 1 cm inside. Fold the seam allowance 1 cm inside and fold the fabr...
1 comment

Batik Dress #5

By -
Hello, I finished the dress for my April stash "make a garment a month". The fabric is one of my oldest stash and it is a very special batik from my country produced by Batik Keris, I am not sure which type, I bought it just because of the print :)

After so much thinking of the right pattern, I decided to use BurdaStyle pattern from 08/2014 #106A size 36. The dress is sleeveless, seamed in between a natural and drop waist for structure and hip pockets, just perfect for hot summer weather.


Actually, the pattern suggest to use scuba knit or high tech fabric but I went with cotton. And as I used cotton, I added 2 cm in the both sides until the waist and 3 cm in both sides of the hips. And then I drew new facings for front and back. I also added the dress length 3 cm - just right in my knee with 2.5 cm hem allowance and 1.5 seam allowance in all edges.

The sewing process was enjoyable, I decided to hand-sewn the armhole facing to get prettier look - in my mind :) The hips pockets weren't difficult to sew and I like the result, I think a summer dress will not be complete without pockets.
Also, sewing the side zipper wasn't easy. I was very careful pinning it and make sure that the two lines front and back are matching properly. Glad that I did it, otherwise I will remove and sew it again.
The final step of this dress is sew the hem allowance 2.5 cm with my sewing machine. Done!

And here are more pictures of the final dress, front - back and side with pocket. Hope you can see the seams in between busy print :)



Happy Sewing!

Love, Hana

Comments

  1. Faye LewisApril 30, 2016 at 8:35 PM

    How very cute Hana!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Sarah LizMay 1, 2016 at 11:35 AM

    What a very special piece of fabric this is - full of memories. Your country makes wonderful batiks. And an ideal pattern - the geometric lines of the dress work nicely with the geometric print. Interesting that this worked in a woven - I guess it is because it does have some shape. I like it in a woven fabric.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. @velvetribbon_sewsMay 1, 2016 at 11:55 PM

      Thank you for such a lovely comment, Sarah Liz :)
      I added a little shape on the body before I cut the fabric, 2 cm in both sides of the upper body and 3 cm in both sides of the hips down to the hemline.

      Delete
  3. KathySMay 1, 2016 at 1:42 PM

    A lovely dress, beautifully made.

    ReplyDelete
  4. FröbelinaMay 1, 2016 at 4:46 PM

    Love the print and what you made from it! :) The dress suits you very well! :)

    ReplyDelete
  5. The Winter~QueenMay 1, 2016 at 9:13 PM

    Love your choice of fabric for this dress. The diagonal print is awesome! You so suit this style of dress also. Great result :)

    ReplyDelete
  6. Sue @ A Colourful CanvasMay 2, 2016 at 1:13 AM

    I really love your dress Hana. I've been gravitating towards this silhouette more and more. I like how this Burda pattern has the horizontal seaming near the waist...it really enhances the overall look of the dress.

    Your batik fabric is STUNNING! I love it!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. @velvetribbon_sewsMay 2, 2016 at 3:40 PM

      Thank you sweet lady! BurdaStyle make some great patterns :)

      Delete
  7. LisaMay 3, 2016 at 10:13 PM

    That batik is gorgeous and the pattern you chose complements it perfectly. Yes, I could see the pretty seams and I just love everything about your new dress! Always enjoy reading the instructions and instructional pictures you include. This dress must feel extra special for you to wear with such special fabric. Oh, and the colors look amazing on you too! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. @velvetribbon_sewsMay 5, 2016 at 11:09 PM

      Thank you so much Lisa. I am thinking to make one more dress in solid color to show the lovely seams. Me too, always enjoy reading your blog :)

      Delete
  8. The Sewing CPAMay 5, 2016 at 9:05 AM

    This is very lovely, Hana. The fabric is just gorgeous!

    ReplyDelete
  9. UnknownMay 6, 2016 at 3:09 PM

    You make me turn back open the tailor ..

    ReplyDelete
  10. Sew Blessed Maw [Judy]May 11, 2016 at 10:58 AM

    adorable..love that fabric. Perfect pattern.

    ReplyDelete
  11. AriBJuly 14, 2016 at 10:27 PM

    Beautiful dress Hannah! The fabric is lovely and the dress style is most suitable. I hope all is well!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. @velvetribbon_sewsJuly 14, 2016 at 11:49 PM

      Thank you AriB, everything is fine here and hope you too. I missed your creations :)

      Delete
  12. AnonymousOctober 10, 2016 at 6:39 PM

    Love the retro print on this fabric Hana. The dress looks great on you!

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment