HOW TO WORK SATIN STITCH
MATERIALS
Cotton fabric: 45x40cm (small bag), 55x60cm (large bag)
Stranded cotton: 1 skein to coordinate with the fabric
Cord: 100cm (small bag), 150cm (large bag)
Sewing thread
Basic embroidery kit
STITCHES USED
Backstitch, Satin Stitch
NOTES
Find the template on p63. Measurements are listed vertically, then horizontally.
Use a 1cm seam allowance for making up.
RS = right side(s).
WS = wrong side(s).
Cut the cotton fabric into two pieces as follows: Small bag: 41x17cm each, for the front and back. Large bag: 51x27cm each, for the front and back.
Transfer the lettering on the bag front fabric using your preferred method. Position it so that the lettering sits centrally across and 12cm up from the bottom of the small bag front, or 17cm up from the bottom edge of the large bag front.
Work the letters in Satin Stitch. We used outline Satin Stitch for our designs as this gives a neater outline and is easier when working both curves and straight edges. First work the outline in Backstitch using two strands of the same colour you are going to work the Satin Stitch in.
Once this has been completed, fill the area in Satin Stitch using four strands. Start by stitching at the centre point of the first letter, working the stitches at a slant, then stitch outwards from here to the edge of the letter. When this is finished, go back to the centre and stitch outwards in the other direction.
When the stitching is complete, press the fabric on the WS, placing a towel underneath to avoid flattening the stitches.
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Place the stitched bag front and the bag back RS facing and pin together. Measure 13cm down from the top on the right side and mark, then measure 2cm down from this and mark. Measure and mark the left side in the same way. Stitch the front and back together down the sides and across the bottom, but leave the 2cm marked gap unstitched, reverse stitching either side for strength. This will be the gap for the casing. Press the seams open. Topstitch around the edge of the casing on each side to strengthen the edges of it and hold the seam allowances open and flat. Turn the top edge of the bag front and back over by 1cm to the WS and press. Turn over again by 7cm to the WS and press. Stitch the turned under edge into place all around, close to the folded-under edge. Stitch another row 2cm above this to form the casing channel.
Turn the bag RS out pushing out the bottom corners, then press. Cut the cord in half. Then, using a safety pin, thread one piece of cord through the casing, starting and finishing at the same side. Knot the ends. Repeat to thread the other length of the cord, starting and finishing at the opposite side. Knot the ends to finish.
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