In this class we will construct a lined tote bag using only a serger.  No sewing machine required!  The bag can double as a purse and handles can be made any length.   If you choose to make longer handles, it becomes a shoulder bag.  Serger wechniques will include decorative edge stitching, ladder stitched piecing, shirring, and more.  Besides making a beautiful tote, you will learn some new ways to put your serger to use.

Supply List-

Serger in good working order, user’s manual.  (You must know how to thread your machine.)

General sewing supplies: Rotary cutter, ruler, scissors, hands sewing needle and thread, stiletto, extra serger needles, etc.

Fabric strip 1:  2 ½” x WOF (shirred center strip, outside of bag)

Fabric strip 2:  2 strips, 4” x 24” (will be placed next to shirred strip on each side)

Fabric strips 3:  2 strips, 3 ½” x 24” (joined to fabric strip 2 on each side)

Top band: 2 strips, 5” x 16” each

Prairie Points:  1 strip, 2” x WOF

Lining fabric:  2 pieces, 15 ½” x 14 ½”

By Annie’s Soft and Stable:  1 piece, 15 ½” x 30”

Handles:

Option 1-Webbing, 1 ½ yds to 2 yds, according to the length you desire (shoulder length is about 34”)
Option 2-4 strips of fabric, 1 ¾” x desired length of straps (shoulder length is about 34”) and 2 Soft and Stable strips, 1 3/4'” x desired length less 2 inches.

Thread:  Serger or All-purpose sewing thread, 4 spools or cones.

Optional:  12 wt. cotton thread, decorative threads, embroidery thread, metallic thread

Steam a Seam lite-1/4”

For flower ornaments:  Squares of fabric scraps 2 each cut to 3”, 2 ½”, 2”; 3 buttons or decorative “gems”.

Pre-class Homework:  Cut all fabric and Soft and Stable to dimensions listed above.