Hi, and Happy Thursday! It’s full-swing Christmas gift sewing mode over here, and this week I tried a new-to-me pattern for vinyl front quilted project bags. There are lots of patterns available for these bags (including several free tutorials); however, I finally settled on this design because I wanted two specific features: a quilted bag with vinyl on just one side.
Project Bags with Soft & Stable
I really love the texture and stability that Soft & Stable provides, so I
chose the Project Bags pattern by Annie Unrein. I also love the professional finishes she always adds to her projects. This pattern offers four different sizes (the smallest size doesn’t have a vinyl front). I made the second to largest size which finishes at 13″ x 13″ for my trial sewing. I love this size but also think the next smaller size (10″ x 12″) and the next larger size (16″ x 16″) will be very useful.
Additionally, I must mention that I love using Annie’s handbag zippers for projects like this; the larger zipper pull makes it easy to open and close and you can make a cute fabric zipper pull to tie in through the hole.
Handle Options
The pattern calls for a handle…I wasn’t sure whether or not I wanted that, so I made one with a handle and one without. I actually think I do like the handle and will probably add them to the rest of these that I make. With the smaller sizes, the handle would make it especially easy to pull the bag out from a larger bag, and the handle would also make the larger versions easier to carry.
I took a photo of the backs of the bags…use a favorite fabric for your bag back!
Uses
I’m definitely making more of these for gifts this season…after the quilting is finished up they go together very quickly. The pattern gives directions for a patchwork bottom on the front of the bag, but I used a single fabric instead–it saved a bit of time. I can think of all sorts of uses for these cases: carrying handwork, hexies, class or project supplies. This would also be a great gift for knitters or even just as a storage case inside a larger bag.
What is your favorite gift to make this year?
Thanks so much for stopping by!
Karen Dobbs says
Nice bags! (Too bad I'm not on your list.) Seriously, they're nice. Thanks for sharing.
Susan Smith says
Those look great! I'd much rather use those than the zip-loc bags I normally use!!
Terri says
Your bags are beautiful, great fabric choices. Everything you make is beautiful. I love reading your blog; your writing is upbeat and inspiring. Thank you!
Kaynik says
WOW your fabrics are perfect! I love these bags. I think I'll have to try my hand at making some 🙂
Thank you for sharing.
Kaye
Kathy B. says
Also, a handle is nice if you want to hang the bag. Cute bags in any event.
Joan says
Love the bags and the pretty fabrics! Thank you for sharing the link.
Janet says
I'm so glad that you included this post, because I've been debating between this ByAnnie bag (that uses my favorite product Soft & Stable) and other project bags. You sold me!
COAV says
You said exactly what I was thinking!
Linda
Helen L says
They look great Sherri, I think the handle does make it a bit easier to grab and hold onto. have a great weekend!! Hugs, H
ByAnnie says
Sherri:
Thanks so much for featuring our pattern, Soft and Stable, and zippers! Your bags turned out so nice. I love the fabrics you picked. One clarification: The smallest bag in the pattern DOES have a vinyl front — it just skips the pieced border at the bottom. It's perfect for rotary cutters and scissors.
Happy holidays to you and yours!
Annie
Quilting Kim says
Love your bags. Can you share what type of vinyl you used .
Beverly says
After seeing your bags I order the pattern. Thank you for sharing.