{Make} A Bag Sew Along: Questions and Answers

Here I will be listing your questions and answers you have asked about the sew along. I’ll be updating it as you ask them, so it may be handy to check this list if you have a question.

»Is it too late to join in?

No! You can sew along with us, or you can come back at any stage and do the tutorials in your own time. I’ll be leaving them on the blog for the foreseeable future.

»I would like to show you what I’ve created as part of the sew along. Where can I send my photos?

If you use Flickr, you can add them to the {em ay kay ee.} Flickr Group here:

Or alternatively, you can email me your photos to have them featured on my ‘corkboard’. (By doing this you give me permission to resize them or edit them to fit the overall theme of my blog.)
See what’s been on my corkboard so far!

»Is this suitable for beginners?

Yes. I’m assuming, however, that you have basic sewing skills, have sewn a few items before, and can follow sewing instructions. I will be as specific as I can while writing the tutorials, making them as easy to follow as possible. I’ll add “Tips for Beginners” to each post in case something needs clarification.

»What is . . . . . ?

– a lobster clasp?
Please see the Wikipedia article on lobster clasps.

- hook and loop tape?
It is better known as its brand name, Velcro. Please see the Wikipedia article on Velcro.

- a snap fastener?
Please see the Wikipedia article on snap fasteners.

»What will the lobster clasp/hook and loop tape/snap fasteners be used for? Can I use something different?

The lobster clasp will be used for the keyring decoration/zipper pull. You could alternatively use a split ring (the round circle thing you add your keys to).

The hook and loop tape will be used to seal the opening of the “Extras” pouch. I’ve made this so that if you put small items in it, they won’t fall out. If you’re not planning on putting small things in it, you could alternatively use any closure method you choose (buttons, snap fasteners, etc).

The snap fasteners will be used for the large pocket in the main bag, so that it doesn’t gape open, and for the sunglasses/glasses/phone pouch. You could alternatively use any closure method you choose (hook and loop tape, buttons, etc).

»I’m cutting my own charm pack. How many different types of fabric should I use?

This is up to you. You can use whatever scraps or materials you have on hand. However, for a nice effect I would recommend at least 10 different fabrics.

»What width of ribbon do you suggest?

Probably a width of at least 1/3 inch {1 cm}. It is not essential however. You could also use cotton tape. Selvedges would be a creative option!

»How big is the largest bag?

Once the corners are boxed, one side of the bag measures about 13 inches (height) by 11.5 inches (width). I find this is a nice size for everyday use. Not too big and not too small.

»Will you have a printable PDF file for every tutorial?

Yes! The PDFs will be a simplified version of the tutorials I’m posting on my blog. The tutorials in the blog posts will breakdown everything step by step, with tips for beginners. If you’re a less-than-confident sewer, you may want to read through the blog posts first, and then print out the PDF file to take with you to your sewing room.

»What will the coordinating fabrics (the two 20 inch pieces) be used for?

The coordinating fabrics will be used for:
- the base of the bag
- the lining of the bag
- the inside pockets of the bag
- the bag handles
- the lining of the toiletries pouch
- the lining of the pockets in the makeup roll
- the lining of the glasses case
- the lining of the ‘extras’ pouch

»How do I add a button to my Blogspot blog?

Select all of the code from underneath the button you want to use. Copy it. From your dashboard, click on “Layout” of the blog you want to add the button to. This should bring you to the “Page Elements” section. At the top of the sidebar area you want to add the button to, click on “Add a Gadget”. From the pop up box, scroll down until you see “HTML/Javascript”. Click on it. Give your gadget a title (optional). In the content area, paste the code you have copied. Make sure you have all the code, from <a href> …to… </a>. Click save. Your new HTML/Javascript gadget will be at the top of your sidebar. Move it to where you would like it, and click Save (near the top right of the page).

»My button is not working.

If you can’t get the code to work, simply save the picture you would like to use, upload it to your blog, and link it back to my Sew Along Introduction post.

»I have a different question!

Please feel free to ask questions in the comments of any sew along post, or email me. I’ll get back to you as soon as possible!