Sewing - mushrooms sewn into book bags with an inside zippered pocket

 

I started by cutting strips of red fabric to frame the mushrooms which will finish at 16".  I created a square with an enclosed zipper the same size as the embroidery which will be sewn in at the same time as I sew the bag and create a zippered pocket on the inside of the bag.  I stitched on the two sides, pressed the seam allowance towards the red fabric and then top stitched the seam at about 1/8" to secure the seam allowance and protect the seam.  Next I stitched on the top and bottom pieces.  The bottom section and the back are one large piece with a fold at the bottom. I top stitched those two seams as well after pressing them towards the red.  This securely creates the pocket with a zipper.   I stitched the two sides and top stitched both of those seams as close as I could to the bottom corner.  I cut a handle  - 25"x 4.5" - folded a seam allowance on both sides to the middle and pressed them.  I then folded the two edge to each other and top stitched both edges at about 1/8".  I created inside facings, pinned my handles into place and stitched the top edge.  After pressing it down I top stitched this seam twice - 1/4" and then again at 1/2" which captures the handle twice.  I then folded and pressed another seam allowance and stitched the bottom edge of the facing to the bag.  Gives a neat finish inside the bag.  My next blog post will show the finishing touches!!  Therese