Today I thought I'd show you how I made some selvedge (selvage) fabric and turned it into a little drawstring bag. The selvedges are usually thrown away, so the cost of making this cute little bag is next to nothing, and it's super quick to make.
I've had a bit of a break from sewing this month. With all of my hobbies, I find that I need to step back every now and then. The other day, I was ready to get back into it, with renewed enthusiasm, but instead of tackling one of the jobs on my To Do list, I thought I'd make something for fun... just because...
I've been saving selvedges for a while now. They're stored in one of the beach huts zippered bags I made last year. It's pretty full as you can see.
Instead of using random colours, I pulled out the red, white and black selvedges. If the project allows, I always try to leave a little of the fabric with the selvedge, at least ¼" - more if possible.
To make your own selvedge fabric (suitable for a drawstring bag) it's easy. Here's how I made mine...
Choose selvedges that have at least ¼" of fabric past the selvedge.
Cut selvedges to roughly 8" in length.
Neaten the raw edge of each selvedge, with a narrow zig zag stitch.
Lay the second selvedge on top of the first, overlapping by about ¼".
Sew very close to the edge.
Sew a second row of stitching about ⅛" from the first.
Add the next selvedge and continue as above, until your fabric is the desired size. I made mine roughly 7"
The more fabric you have left attached to the selvedge, the more will show when you join them together. All depends on the look you are after.
You can see there's a curve to the selvedges. It doesn't matter! If making for a more structured bag, I'd use a totally different method, attaching the selvedges to batting or fabric as I was sewing, and this would eliminate the curves.
Taking your time and making sure the edges are even will also help lessen the curved effect. I didn't use any pins, but you could pin the selvedges together, then baste if you want. This will hold them firmly while you sew...
pin
baste (hand sew with a long stitch)
remove pins
stitch seam with machine
remove basting
If you ever pin without basting, make sure to remove the pins before the sewing machine needle is anywhere near them, to ensure you DON'T sew over them.
This is what the back of the selvedge fabric will look like. You can see I didn't worry too much about cutting each selvedge to the same length.
Trim to desired size - 6¼" x 7" if you use my small lined drawstring bag tutorial.
Stitch ⅛" from the trimmed edges, with a small stitch, to prevent the stitches from coming undone.
I made a mistake with the trimming and ended up with a square of 6¼" x 6¼".
Follow the insrtuctions for the small lined drawstring bag tutorial.
To compensate for my trimming mistake, I made the drawstring casing ½" closer to the top, resulting in a slightly smaller ruffle....
Sewing the exterior:
On both long sides measure and mark 1" and 1½" from the top edge. This is the part that's different to the original tutorial.
Even with the making of the selvedge fabric, this is a quick and easy sew.
I'm going to use my latest project as a gift bag this Christmas. My intention at the beginning of the year, was to sew one gift or Christmas item each month of this year. Hmmm... not doing as well as last year..
4 Drawstring Gift Bags in February
Denim Jeans Bag in May
... and now this little bag.
Fiona, from Celtic Thistle Stitches is helping us to get organised for Christmas, with the Ho Ho Ho and On We Sew link parties. Each month there will be...
a link party where everyone can add their Christmas makes
guest hosts with a tutorial for a Christmas / holiday-themed gift or home decoration item
a giveaway
This month, Ho Ho Ho is over at Wonky Patchwork. Sally has a tutorial for a beautiful Faux Cathedral Windows Christmas Table Runner made from white denim jeans.
One lucky person will win a Hana Bag Kit, courtesy of Katie, from Japan Crafts. If you want to be in the running, all you need to do is link up your Christmas / holiday makes over at Wonky Patchwork. I'll be adding my little selvedge drawstring bag.
My selvedge bag will also be added to the Drawstring Bags link party, here at Threading My Way.
I have heaps and heaps of selvedges left and lots of ideas swimming around in my head as to how I'll use them.
Do you keep your selvedges? Here's a few selvedge fabric projects you may like to check out...
Selvedge Pin Cushion ~ Sew Delicious
Selvedge Christmas Ornaments ~ McCalls Quilting
Selvedge Chair Cover ~ Lagniappe
Nothing is Wasted Tote ~ Debra Mason Designs
Selvedge Dress ~ Ric Rac
Large Zippered Selvedge Bag ~ Patchouli Moon Studio
Selvedge Mug Rug ~ Fussy Cut
How to Make Selvedge Fabric for a Laptop Case ~ made by ChrissieD
Selvedge Zip Pouch ~ Sew Delicious
... Pam
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