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Thursday, July 27, 2006

Flower Bag

Here are the instructions for a flower bag. Bear in mind that the exact measurements are not at all important. I have made tiny ones of silk for keeping earrings in and large ones to use as lunch bags. This one is made of two layers of cotton but that is a bit heavy. A double sided fabric like batik, nicely hemmed would be better. I have also used thrift store scarves. Anything that is square will work.


I started with two 14.5 inch squares because that is the size of my square quilting ruler. I sewed them together, turned them and sewed around the edges so I wouldn't have to get out a needle and thread to sew up the opening.



Mark about 5 or 6 inches down from the point on each side and draw diagonal lines connecting the marks. Fold all these triangles to one side.





Sew across the angle. I used a half inch seam because I have only fairly thick yarn to use as a drawstring. On a tiny silk bag I would use a narrower seam and probably fine ribbon for drawstrings.


Thread in two drawstrings. I usually start from opposite sides. This is a very common thing in Japanese bags, but not so common over here.

Turn it over and pull up both drawstrings at once. Voila! A flower bag, all done.

8 comments:

just jenn said...

Thank you so much for this tutorial. I can't wait to make it.

Lily Mulholland said...

Thanks Joyce! This will make an excellent 'gift wrap' for future pressies :)

quiltpixie said...

what a wonderful idea! Thanks!!!

quiltpixie said...

I'm thinking of coming out your direction for the quilt show in Altona... is it generally worth a trip from the city?? (Wpg)

Unknown said...

Joyce - you are a saviour!!! The group leader called last night to ask me to email the quilt show details to the local paper (no-one else in the group really uses a computer) I showed her the finished group quilt which she was delighted with (big sigh of relief there phew!) and then she added 'Anything you might have for the sales table would be most welcome HINT HINT - I smiled sweetly while thinking OMG what can I rustle up quickly in the next few days GULP! Your flower bags are the solution - Thank you so much xxx

Cynthia said...

What a cute little bag! I will definetly have to make one.

Melanie said...

I was thinking the same thing Lily was. I HATE wasting money on wrapping paper. This is a great idea. and easy enough for a teenager to do. thanks.
Melanie

ForestJane said...

Thanks for the good idea! Like Lily, I'll have to remember this for gift giving. :)

Bet it'd be good for potpourri too!