10 Bag Makeover Tips from Nancy Zieman

Featuring Trace ‘n Create Bag Template “Town & Country Collection” Metro Bag

Guest Blog Posting by Nancy Zieman

I’m excited to be the guest blogger in the first of Clover’s Bag Makeovers Series. Throughout the month of May, we’ll be sharing the latest bag making techniques and notions. Plus I’ll be sharing my favorite tips for quick and easy bag-sewing methods along with the inside scoop on how I give my bags the couture-look.

Clover and I introduced the Trace ‘n Create Bag Templates—the Town & Country Collection in 2008. With the two template that are included in the package, there are six style options. The bag featured below is the Metro Plus Bag. It’s a chic bag that’s an ideal size. The easy-to-sew darts provide perfect shaping–the liberal-sized tab closure makes a fashion statement.

Since the template’s launch, new products and fabrics have been introduced, giving this bag even greater possibilities. For the makeover, I selected a trendy floral and paisley print laminated cotton from the Verona fabric collection by Riley Blake Designs. The lining and piping are coordinating cottons from the same collection.

Start with Clover’s Trace ‘n Create Bag Templates Town & Country Collection: Metro Plus Bag style. Gather the fabric and notions listed on the package back. For additional designer touches, I added one package Clover’s 3/16” Wrap ‘n Fuse Piping, and used two packages Clover Glossy Nickel 1” D-Rings.

Follow the Town & Country Collection instructions and trace, interface and cut out the Metro Plus Bag – Style D. The instructions will guide you through the easy steps of bag assembly.

Nancy’s Bag Makeover Tip #1

Trace the Bag Template onto paper and cut out the bag shape. Move the cutout around the fabric to “fussy cut” the bag front and back.

Nancy’s Bag Makeover Tip #2

Select a Teflon Foot when sewing on laminated cottons and vinyl fabrics.

Nancy’s Bag Makeover Tip #3

Give your bag body. Cut a layer of Pellon® Peltex® Ultra Firm Sew-in Stablizer.

Instead of stitching a traditional dart, you’ll cut on the marked dart lines and remove the wedge of Peltex.  Set sewing machine for a zigzag stitch and bring edges together as you stitch the seam. Repeat for the bag back.

Nancy’s Bag Makeover Tip #4

The secret to achieving a couture look lies in the bottom. Cut a layer of Clover’s Shape ‘n Create  and a layer of Pellon® Peltex® Ultra Firm Sew-in Stablizer for the bag bottom. I use Clover’s Double Sided Basting tape  to “baste” the layers together before stitching.

Nancy’s Bag Makeover Tip #5

When layering the outer fabric to the Peltex, use Clover’s Wonder Clips to “pin” the layers together. The clips are easy to use, yet securely hold multiple layers together.

Nancy’s Bag Makeover Tip #6

It’s easy to add a designer touch with contrasting strap lining. Cut 1-1/2” strips, thread them through Clover’s 3/4” Bias Tape Maker,  and press. Instant trim!

Nancy’s Bag Makeover Tip #7

Another designer accent is easily added with piping accents. I make my own piping with Clover’s 3/16” Wrap ‘n Fuse Piping and 1-1/4” fabric strips.

Nancy’s Bag Makeover Tip #8

Attach a zipper foot and add piping accents to outer tab prior to stitching outer tab to lining tab.

Nancy’s Bag Makeover Tip #9

Add piping accents to bag top prior to stitching tab to bag top.

Nancy’s Bag Makeover Tip #10

Add drama to your bag by using two D-Rings per strap connector.

I hope you’ve enjoyed reading about the 10 tips that I used to create my new Town & Country Metro Plus Bag. Let me know what tip is your favorite!

For all the latest and greatest  is sewing, quilting and creating visit my blog.

And connect with me on Facebook, facebook.com/nancyzieman

Bye for now,

Nancy Zieman

 

Get convenience and style all in one pack! The new Trace ‘n Create Bag Template Sets are just what you need to complete your bag creations. From rings, piping to strap interfacing — Nancy has you covered!

The set includes: Trace `n Create Bag Template (Town & Country Bag), Shape `n Create Bag & Tote Stabilizer (White), Create-A-Strap 1” X 2.2 yds., Snap Closures 3/4” (Antique Gold), D Rings 1” (Satin Bronze), Double-Sided Basting Tape valued at $47.00.