Today I’m excited to share a pattern review by Carrie. The Knotted Bag is the newest pattern by Craft Apple. I’m in love with the beautiful detailing of this bag and I love how Carrie mixed the prints on both the All Day (large bag) and Afternoon (small bag).
Here’s Carrie’s review:
I was so excited when I found the Knotted Bag pattern! First off, I thought it was cuter than cute and then I found out it has a friendly copyright. I am considering selling some of my sewing projects, so it has become important to me to use patterns that grant the home sewer the right to sell a few items.
I was attracted to this bag by the inset and knot on the front. I felt it would lend itself nicely to using many complementary fabrics. I chose Denise Schmidt’s Hope Valley. I think these fabrics are a great combination of modern and vintage. I also made the smaller bag in a fun pink and brown combination by Erin McMorris.
The pattern was simple to follow. The fabric cutting diagrams were helpful in sorting the different fabrics and pattern pieces and made it easy to get started. I am always surprised by how much interfacing is needed. Yes, the big bag takes the full 5 yards. Once I had the fabric cut and interfacing fused, I was ready to sew.
The steps are numbered 1 thru 19 and if you follow them line by line, you will have an easy time producing a fabulous bag. I used a different method for attaching the magnetic snaps. I put 2 extra layers of interfacing in the snap location to strengthen the area and it seems to give enough stability for the snap. I think the buttonhole method in the pattern is a good suggestion too.
When I assembled the bag interior, I did snip the curve before I turned it. In step 7, when I attached the pocket snap, I accidently put the magnetic snap too high. Pay careful attention to the markings on the pattern. In step 10, when making the bows, I pushed through the end of the points the first time I made them. On the second bag, I made my stitch length smaller and double stitched next to the line just at the point. I did not have any problems with that bow.
Step 15 is the assembly of the contoured straps. They have a wide spot in the center, which was fun to create as my machine took me around the bend. They are simple to turn through the 3 inch opening. I used the suggestion of trimming down the seam allowance to ¼”.
The bag will be a snug turn through the lining, but stick with it. It is so exciting to see how beautiful this project turns out. After you turn the bag, give it a quick press to crisp up the seams, topstitch around the bag and hand stitch the interior opening… voila!!
I will definitely make this bag again and I strongly recommend you give it a try.
Happy sewing, Carrie
Thank you to Carrie for a great review and to Linda of Craft Apple for another fantastic sewing pattern!
The mention of fusible interfacing makes me break into a sweat. It’s probably just me but it seems so ambiguous. Maybe if I just practiced more, I would figure it out. Anyway….what did you use: Steam a Seam Lite? something else? Can you be specific? You would be my new bag-sewing BFF. Thanks!
I am checking on the details as to what interfacing I used because I do not have the bolt at my house. I will get the information and respond again soon. You are not the only one that breaks into a sweat when thinking about the interfacing…it makes me nervous too. I received some very good tips from Kathy. I think the process is getting better for me. Here is what she said, place your fabric on the ironing board then put the interfacing on top and cover with a pressing cloth, take a squirt bottle and almost soak the cloth. Place your iron on the damp cloth and hold until it is basically dry. Continue until you have ironed the entire piece. I found with this method my interfacing was much improved from the past. I will tell you I still need some practice and it is a continual experiment as to what weight of interfacing to use. I think I will start making notes so I can remember what turned out the best. I just did a bag with interfacing only on the lining and I don’t think that was enought. I have also had good luck with sew in interfacing. Happy sewing, Carrie
When I was at Joann’s the other day, I bought some knitted interfacing, which apparently they don’t sell very often but was recommended in a bag-making book. When I mentioned that interfacing-terror dilemma and asked about Steam-A-Seam, she reminded me that that is fusible WEB, not INTERFACING. Two entirely different things. And therefore, I think we have solved part of my problem! But not my confusion…
I can’t wait to make it. Maybe this week!!!Thanks for the great review!
Great review Carrie! And the bag is to die for. Love the fabric combo!
As always, beauty fabric choices and a great pattern!
They are beautiful and a wonderful, thorough review as always!!
I’d buy one from you if you leave your contact details. I love the blue one and am far too lazy to make a bag from a pattern
If Carrie can’t make one for you contact me through my website and maybe we could work something out.
So, I finally got my Stitch magazine. And, guess what I saw–your Mail Bag. I really need to make one!
I want to have that floral bag. I love it. So cute!
I bought this pattern and can’t wait to use it. In fact I bought it right here!
Both of these bags are super cute!! I have used other patterns by Craft Apple and they are easy to follow. Now I am anxious to get started on making this pattern. I do appreciate her giving us the right to make and sell as well.
@Krista-Poppyprint: Yes, fabric bags are really great choices.
These are cool to carry around. Hopefully, I can have one and finish it the way it is design so I carry my bag with pride. Congrats, to those who’ve made their own bag like this.
I have had this bag for several months and keep taking it out to read it over .. the facing is odd as I don’t see what purpose it serves .. the absolute best interfacing I have used is by Bosal, made in Maine .. I don’t like sew in, always use fusible and I’ve had problems with the store bought stuff fusing .. I’m NOT a dealer nor do I sell it .. I’m in Canada and I can’t find anything like it so I order it from the US … I am hoping to try the large bag .. so many possibilities for fabrics .. love your choices on both bags. Wow 5 yds is a lot of interfacing .. guess that’s why my fabric of choice is tapestry and heavy drapery.