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Level Up Your Sewing: Tricks That Worked for Me (and Will for You Too!)

November 19, 2024 2 Comments

I consider myself a perfectionist, and just a few days ago, one of my sisters suggested I should let go of it. However, as I worked on my current projects (which I can’t wait to share with you), I realized that sometimes perfectionism has its place.

For instance, I’ve been binding the interior raw edges of some bags. These edges are hidden and don’t necessarily need to be flawless. But my technique was so poor that I knew something had to change. Not only were the edges unattractive, but the lack of a reliable method left me feeling drained. So, I decided to invest time developing a sequence that ensures consistent and satisfying results. I’m thrilled to share it with you!

So here is what you need: a strip of fabric for binding. Its width depends on the thickness of your layers. My bags are made with foam, so I used a 1 3/4” wide strip.

You may also like:
Quick and easy zippered pouch tutorial
A few tricks you need to know
How to insert eyelets in fabric projects
The best interfacing for fabric bins, boxes, bowls
Striped fabric binding trick

And here is the technique:
Align the strip along the raw edge of the piece. Use clips to keep the strip in place.

Tips for sewing bagsTurn the piece over to the other side.

Tips for sewing bagsStitch a few threads away from the seam, inside the seam allowances (see the blue marking line below).
Turn the piece over on the other side.

Tips for sewing bagsFinger-press the strip as shown.
Flip the piece to the other side.

Tips for sewing bagsFold the binding to the raw edge of the piece…

Tips for sewing bags… then align the fold with the seam you just stitched in the previous step.
Use pins to keep the binding in place.
Stitch close to the edge (see the blue marking line).

Tips for sewing bagsAnd here is the clean look of an interior edge!

Tips for sewing bagsMany bag and pouch patterns require binding the interior seam allowances. This technique simplifies and speeds up the construction process, making it a popular choice.
Here are a few  examples of my projects:

Box pouch pattern
Click on the picture for CELINE pouch pattern 

Box pouch pattern

Pouch pattern
Click on the picture for Melly and Bonnie pouch patterns

This post is part of the series

15 techniques any bag maker should know
Happy sewing!

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Filed Under: bag tutorials

Comments

  1. Marilyn Culp says

    November 20, 2024 at 4:35 pm

    Thank you Geta for all you do for your followers. I really look forward to your emails with all your sewing knowledge. You have taught me so much. Keep up the great work.
    Thank you,
    Marilyn Culp

    Reply
  2. Karen Diggs says

    November 21, 2024 at 4:38 pm

    I just saw your website, browse and immediately got interested in your Shadow Trapunto patterns. They are so beautiful. I signed up and can’t wait to start. I have done some free motion stitching and these may give me a different challenge. I will get back with you to let you know how it went.

    Karen Diggs

    Reply

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