If you can sew a straight line, you can whip up an unlined library, or book bag. This is a very easy project - perfect for someone who is new to sewing.
Here in Australia, Primary School aged children require a library bag to enable them to borrow books from the school library. Read on to see just how easy it is...
Materials:
- Two pieces of fabric: 16" x 13" (41cm x 33cm) - for the bag body
- Two pieces of contrasting fabric: 16" x 2" (41cm x 5cm) - for the facing
- Two pieces of fabric: 11½" x 4" (30cm x 10cm) - for the handles
Finished Dimensions
- 15½" x 12½" (39cm x 32cm)
Instructions:
Read all instructions before you begin.
All seams are ⅜"(1cm), unless otherwise indicated.
Basting (hand sewing with a long stitch), is a good way to hold seams together while sewing two pieces of fabric together. The fabric won't move, and you don't have to worry about keeping pins away from the machine needle. Another good alternative is wonder clips. If you do use pins, remove them as you sew - keep them well away from the presser foot - don't sew over them!
Sew Seams...
- Place the two pieces of fabric right sides together.
- Sew down both side seams and across the bottom with a regular stitch.
- Backstitch when stopping and starting
- Neaten edges with an overlocker (serger) or zig zag stitch
Sew the Handles...
- Fold in half lengthwise and press, either with an iron or finger press.
- Open out so you can see the crease.
- Fold each half in to meet the crease and press.
- Fold in half.
- Topstitch ⅛" (3mm) from the edge, on both sides of each handle. Increase stitch length to 2.8 for the topstitching.
- Reinforce the bag handles by sewing a few lines of stitching along the length of each handle.
Attach Handles...
- Make a mark 3½" (9cm) from each side seam - on the right side of the fabric.
- Place the outside of the handles on the 3½" mark.
- Sew the handles to the exterior. If you pin, remove them as you sew - keep them well away from the presser foot - don't sew over them!
- Sew back and forth a few times to reinforce.
Sew Facing...
- Sew the short ends of the facing.
- Neaten.
- Turn a ¼" (6mm) hem on the bottom of the facing - either press or stitch.
- Place the right side of the facing on top of the right side of the bag, lining up the side seams and with the handles sandwiched between.
- Face the seams in opposite directions.
- Move the machine needle two notches to the left so the seam is slightly wider than ⅜"(1cm). If your machine doesn't have this feature, just sew slightly wider than ⅜"(1cm).
- Sew back and forth over the handles a few times to reinforce.
- Fold the facing to the wrong side.
- Press the top edge of the bag.
- Increase stitch length to 2.8
- Topstitch ⅛" (3mm) from the edge, around the top of the bag.
- Sew the the bottom edge of the facing in place.
That's it - you have finished!
The photo above is of one of the other bags I made at the same time. It's the only photo showing the facing on a finished bag. If you look closely, you can see two lines of stitching at the hem. It looks nicer with one, but for speed I stitch the first turn over of the hem, rather than press.
This tutorial was started in January of this year. Three unlined bags, along with lined library bags, were sent to Sewing for Charity Australia a long time ago.
If you're after a lined library bag, check out my Lined Library Bag Tutorial.
I adore that owl fabric, but now only have small pieces left. Many moons ago, my daughter and I used to make and sell skirts from the same fabric. I've since written a tutorial - Simple Gathered Skirt with Embroidered Band.
Do kids where you live need library bags for school?
... Pam
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I used to sew drawstring gym bags for my boys when they were still at school but I can't remember how they brought library books home! No school age children to sew for it at the minute but will make sure to ask if they need one of these when the time comes :)
ReplyDeleteHi, I live in a small town in NSW, each year during book week the local librarian gives a library bag with goodies to all the local kinders. I have helped with this project for years and last year I saw that darker owl material in Spotlight and bought quite a few metres, made 20 last year and 10 with other material, I have just finished 14 more using up most of it. It is such a happy print and was so excited to see it used in your great tutorial, cheers Sue.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful project to be involved with, Sue - giving library bags, complete with goodies, to the Kinder kids. They would have loved that dark owl fabric - it's definitely my favourite of the two. Thanks for taking the time to comment.
DeleteGlad to see that you're back into "tutorial" form, Pam. (That fabric is a hoot, if you'll forgive the awful pun!)
ReplyDeleteI don't know if it's usual practice for kiddies or people in general to use library bags. (My time inside a library is typically less than two minutes as I pick up my materials on hold and flee.) However, I did receive a bag from our local library a few years back, so I assume the idea is still valid.
Our libraries have slowly opened up over the past few weeks, but only for curbside pickup. It's a little weird, to be sure.
I love this book bag tutorial. The bright facing at the top is perfect for a project like this when you don't need a fully lined bag.
ReplyDeleteThanks for this. I bought my first sewing machine yesterday, worked out how to use it, and then made this bag for my daughter who starts school this year. Perfect, thank you!
ReplyDeleteWelcome to the world of sewing. You're off and running now. I'm so pleased you used my tutorial to make your first item. Thanks so much for leaving a comment.
DeletePlease don't take offence as I am not having a go but just clarifying stuff.
ReplyDeleteBag photographed is longer than it is wide.
If I assume this as I have done then 16 is the long side top to bottom.
The width of bag is 13" and therefore the facing should be 13 not 16??
This is how I will be cutting it as I cut fabric so design was in direction for a long bag rather than wide one.
I did just wonder if I had second guessed myself and jotted down wrong measurements but nope for once I got it right first time.
For beginners and indeed folk like me we look at image first presume that is how our items will look too then layout fabric to cut accordingly.
You have however given me food for thought and I might just make one in both orientations because people are all different and the shallower bag may well suit because it is easier to get into.
Thanks for the time you have taken putting this all together, It is appreciated.
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ReplyDeleteThe instructions provide a simple guide to create a library bag for Primary School children in Australia. It's crucial to have the necessary materials ready before starting the project, such as sturdy, washable fabric. If you're seeking more detailed insights or a step-by-step visual guide, consider buy article review to gain a comprehensive understanding before diving into the project.
ReplyDeleteThis tutorial offers a beginner-friendly guide to creating an unlined library bag, utilizing contrasting fabric for the facing and mentioning techniques like basting and wonder clips. abogado de derecho de familia
ReplyDeleteThis tutorial is fantastic! Even beginners can easily make this library bag. The instructions are clear and straightforward. I love how practical and customizable it is. Great job!
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