9. Mark the center of the 8" piece of elastic, pin it to the
side of the large pocket at the center, X on Figure C.
Bring each end of the elastic into the middle and pin in
place.
10. Use a zig zag stitch to tack the elastic in place through
all 3 layers of elastic. This makes 2 elastic loops to hold
rolled up napkins. When using the bag as a table cloth
the elastic holds the napkins so they don’t blow away.
assembling the picnic bag
Machine set up
Sewing Foot: Regular Sewing foot
Thread: All-purpose thread top and bobbin
Needle: Microtex size 80
Fill your bag with
everything you need and
keep it handy for the
next sunny day!
1. Pin the outside and inside of the bag right sides together.
2. Make sure that the pockets are lined up with the zipper
circles on the outside. With a ½" seam allowance; sew
around entire bag leaving about a 6" opening for turning.
3. Clip the corners and trim seam with pinking shears.
TIP For nicer corners run the Fabric Folding Pen along the
stitches at each corner before turning.
4. Turn bag right side out. Press and sew opening closed.
5. Top stitch around entire bag if desired.
TIP When sewing over the zipper ends; turn the machine
wheel by hand. This will allow you to stop and move the
fabric under the foot if the needle is going to hit the little
metal stopper on the zipper.
finishing touches
Shaping
Machine set up
Sewing Foot: Zipper Foot
Thread: Invisible thread top and bobbin
Needle: Microtex size 80
1. Flatten the bag on a table and pin through all layers
around both zipper circles.
2. Use a zipper foot and a straight stitch to sew around
the zipper tape on both circles. This will create a curved
bottom for the plate pocket and help the bag keep its
shape.
Buttons
Machine set up
Sewing Foot: Buttonhole Foot
Thread: All-purpose thread top and bobbin
Needle: Microtex size 80
1. To close the bag, close all the zippers and bring the tabs
on the sides of the bag together.
2. Mark for a buttonhole and a button.
3. Sew both in place.
4. To create a handle bring the front and back tabs together over the side tabs and mark for a buttonhole and a
button.
5. Sew both in place.
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