Day 3 - Super Tote Sew-Along

How exciting! We're almost finished, and the best part is that it's all sewing from here on out! If you still need to catch up, you can find Day 1 here, and Day 2 here. Don't forget to take advantage of the discounts right now too:
Anna from Noodlehead has generously set up a coupon code for my readers to save 20% off the Super Tote pattern. Use code STSAL, valid until August 31, 2015.

Daryl from Fabric Spark has also generously agreed to extend a discount to my readers, and I think you'll agree it's the perfect discount for this pattern: Save 15% off all Linen/Canvas fabrics, with code Happy15 until July 31, 2015

Yesterday we completed all the different pieces, and today we'll put them together to assemble and complete the bag. 

Completing Lining with zipper

If you've chosen a recessed zipper, you'll need to add it to the lining. We'll do that now. If you've opted not to have a recessed zipper, skip to the gussets. Take your completed recessed zipper panel and place it right side up on Lining B, which should be right side up, matching folded edge of zipper panel to top raw edge of lining B, then place lining A right side down on top, matching raw edges of lining A and B with folded edge of zipper panel sandwiched between lining pieces. Sew together, open and press seam up toward lining A, then topstitch on lining A. Repeat with remaining lining pieces and other half of recessed zipper panel. 

Gussets

Place both exterior gusset pieces right sides together. If you have a directional fabric, pay attention to which ends are together. Sew along one short edge, press seam open and topstitch along each seam. Repeat with lining gusset pieces. Next step is marking the pleats on the gussets. Flip over and use the pattern piece to place your marks onto the interfaced sides of the unsewn short edges of the gussets. You will be making marks on each short edge of both the exterior and lining gussets.

Once you've placed your marks, fold right sides together, matching the pleat marks and sew along the pleat line, making sure to backstitch several times. Do this for each pleat marking (2 on exterior gusset, and 2 on lining). Press all pleats open (flat).
Now we attach the gussets! This is my favourite part!! Start by finding the centers of your assembled exterior bag front, then pin/clip center of gusset right sides together there and then matchup top of bag front with top of gusset and pin/clip there. You want to take your time with this step to make sure it's lined up nicely, use lots of pins or clips.

To sew together, start at top of gusset/bag front, then sew down toward the center, then start again at the other side and continue again to the center, completing the line of stitching. Repeat with exterior bag back and other edge of gusset. Then repeat with lining gusset and assembled lining, except leave a 4-5" turning hole on one side or bottom of one lining/gusset, making sure to backstitch at start and stop of hole. The lining will be a bit tricker, because the zipper panel connects the lining pieces. Just make sure you don't sew through the zipper panel. I pinned mine out of the way. Open zipper at least half way. Turn exterior bag right side out. If you're feeling adventurous, press seam allowance toward gusset and topstitch along gusset. This step is optional, but does give an extra nice touch; it's tricky, my tip is to not be afraid to manhandle the bag.

Final assembly

Place the exterior bag into the lining, right sides together. 

Match up all seams and pin or clip along top of the bag (make sure you tuck you handles in, or even pin them safely inside the bag). Sew along top of bag, using the free arm makes this step a lot easier. Now turn bag right sides out and give it a good once over. If you see any spots that need to be sewn, now's your chance to fix it before you close it all up. Press the edges of the turning hole in and stitch using a very small seam allowance or hand stitch the hole closed. Push the lining inside the exterior and finger press, then press along top edge. I like to use clips here too. I find sometimes when I don't clip, this folded edge can roll, and I don't end up with a nice even topstitch. 

Topstitch along top edge of bag; I usually stitch about 1/8" away from the edge, but this distance comes down to personal preference. Anna suggests in the pattern, and I agree, that a slightly longer stitch length looks really nice for a final topstitch. If you're using metal zipper ends, and you haven't installed them yet, do that now. Now your bag is finished!! Give it a final pressing and go show it off! Don't forget to use #HappyOkapiSTSAL to be entered to win the prize and share your work. Let me know if I can share your pictures too. 

As a recap, here's how you can win 2 Noodlehead patterns of your choice.


How To Win until August 5

• Post a picture of your completed Super Tote on Facebook using #HappyOkapiSTSAL, make sure the post is public so I can see it; it can be on your business page or personal page

• Post a picture of your completed Super Tote on Instagram using #HappyOkapiSTSAL, make sure the post is public so I can see it

• Email me a picture of your completed Super Tote

• Post a link of a picture of your completed Super Tote in the comments of the DAY 3 blog post (that's this one)
• Upload a picture of your completed Super Tote through my Contact form