You must know this trick!

When we sew bags and pouches, sometimes we have to bind raw edges (on the interior or exterior of the bag). There is an easy way to do this, and it is not only easy, but the binding will enclose nicely the edges.

Here is a little bag (pattern here), look at the beautiful top edge.

How to bind raw edgesHow to bind raw edges


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Binding raw edges of bags and pouches

Here is what you have to do:

Cut a strip 1” longer than the edge you want to bind. The width of the strip depends on the thickness of your layers, I cut my strip 2” wide; see below what the technique involves  and make a test first.

Align the strip along the raw edge, on the front side of your work.

How to bind raw edgesFold the excess strip on the back side as shown. Use clips to keep the strip in place.

How to bind raw edgesSew the strip in place, with the desired seam allowance.

How to bind raw edgesHere is the view of the back side.

How to bind raw edgesTurn the work back side up and fold the binding as shown in the pictures below.

How to bind raw edgesLook below how nicely  the vertical edge is enclosed.

How to bind raw edgesI used pins in these pictures…

How to bind raw edges…but you have to use clips.
Turn the work front side up.

How to bind raw edges

Sew close to the folded edge of the binding (see the blue line below). Check on the back side that the binding is caught in the seam.

How to bind raw edgesSewing this pouch is a fun and easy experience and binding this way contributes a lot to this!

How to bind raw edgesFolding the pouch to create the bottom corners of the pouch is the other fun part of the sewing process.

How to bind raw edgesHard to stop sewing!

Pouch patternsPouch patternsThen why not trying a different finishing? This drawstring bag is even quicker to sew, because you skip the zipper. But both projects are super easy!

Drawstring bag patternDrawstring bag patternPouch patternIn Christmas fabrics- gorgeous gift bags, don’t you think?

Pouch pattern

Patterns here, if you want to sew your own little bags.

Happy sewing,

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4 Comments

  1. Hi Geta, is this fabric cotton?
    They are beautiful, like all your works,
    I greet and wish you health and success!🥰😘🍀
    Wanda Maria

  2. Geta, I am so glad to have found you. As a long-time sewist who aspires to bag-making, I’m very excited to have found such a talented and generous designer who is willing to share her knowledge and techniques. Thanks for being you!

  3. What a lovely surprise to receive a pattern for a very useful bag. Thank you very much. I think I shall make that one before the one I ordered!
    This is a lovely website. You clearly have understanding of the problems that some bags cause, but your explanations and tips are great.
    Your website now has its place in my favourites!

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