Sewing Patterns and Trouble-Free Tote Bags

By David Urmann

Sewing is a well-known craft that dates back to olden times. Its beginning stemmed from as
early as the Paleolithic age. The advancement of sewing machines had made sewing procedures much quicker and simpler. There are various stitches and methods used.

Patterns are graphical sketches in a paper that will be basis for a sewing project. Sewing patterns are normally comprised of two elements:

1. The individual parts that make up the item
2. The instructions for fitting together the item.

Use a dressmaker chalk to transfer patterns onto cloth/fabric, or trace the pattern with a tracing wheel.

Three Methods of Making Patterns:

• The drafting pattern method entails sketching or outlining a pattern straight onto paper pattern with the use of lines and curves. This is common in sewing apparels.

• The draping pattern method is three dimensional. A fabric is actually draped onto a subject to see the actual flowing effect. This method is best for more decorative and intricate designs that a sketch can not capture.

• The flat pattern method starts with the crafting of a sloper. A sloper is a pattern for a tight skirt or fitted corsage or bodice customized to the measurements of the user. Slopers are often made of cardboards with no specified styles or seam allowances.

Here is an easy project to hone your sewing skills:

TROUBLE-FREE TOTE BAGS
Tote bags can are functional small bags fit for traveling. Here's how to make one:

Materials:
(Feel free to alter materials to your taste)
a. Nylon fabric
b. 20 pieces of 1-inch thick nylon webbing. You can decide for the length of the straps that can go well with your needs. With the use of a candle or lighter, melt and unify the nylon webbing's raw edges to thwart it from disentanglement.
c. Thread. (Choose one that fits your fabric material)

Procedure:
• Fold the fabric in half.
• Sew the two side seams with a ½ inch margin
• Turn the raw edges by ¼ inch and sew.
• Turn under 1 inch of the upper border to the inside portion of the bag.
• Pin in position and stitch edges.
• With the wrong sides of the bag out, fold the sides such that they only on top of the underside fold of the bag.

Strap Placement and Finishing:
• Cut bag strap to desired length.
• Position the straps at an even gap from the side seams.
• Sew a square shape to the strap ends connecting the side seams.
• Accentuate your new bag with laces or beads.

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