Are you looking for a new and exciting way to make bags? If so, then you should try making snap bags! This tutorial will show you how to make a snap bag using a tape measure. It is a very easy process, and the results are impressive.
I had so much fun preparing for this project. I have been making so many snap bags in all shapes and sizes.
Before we get started let’s talk about a way to give the snap bag a finished look. In this tutorial, I am going to show you how to make the snap bag with a french seam. You might ask what is a french seam. A French seam is a type of seam that finishes the raw edge of the fabric and encloses it within the seam. This will give your bag a clean look on the inside and prevent any fraying.
So what are you waiting for? Get started today!
SUPPLIES
To make a snap bag, you will need:
- A tape measure
- Rotary Cutter or Scissors
- Cutting Mat
- Sewing Machine
- Thread
- Fabric
- Medium Weight Fusible Interfacing
- Iron
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Check out the video tutorial below or follow the step by step instructions below! You choose how you want to learn to make this project!
Step #1 Determine Snap Bag Size and Cut Fabric
First, measure the width and height of the bag that you want to make. Add two inches to the width, and three inches to the height. The bag I made measures 3″ x 5″.
Next, cut two pieces of fabric and two pieces of interfacing using these dimensions. The outside fabric measures 7″x9″ and the inside fabric measures 7″ X 13 1/2″ plus cut two 5 1/2 inch squares for the tabs.
Step #2 Add Interfacing
Lay one piece of interfacing on top of the wrong side of the inside and out side fabric pieces and press with the iron to adhere the interfacing to each fabric piece.
Step #3 Assemble Snap Bag
Determine the center of the outside and inside pieces of fabric. Lay the fabric wrong sides together. Pin in place. Turn under and press the ends of each end of the fabric about 1/4″. Then fold the fabric over 1 inch on each end and press and pin in place.
Step #4 Assemble Pull Tabs
To assemble the tabs fold the 5 1/2 squares into a triangle and press. Then fold the square the opposite way to make a triangle and press. Open up the pressed square and fold in the center to make a triangle and press. See the example below:
Insert the tabs under the edge that was folded down in the previous step and pin them in place. Topstitch along the edge to secure the tabs in place.
Step #5 Tape Measure
Cut two 5″ strips from the tape measure and tape the ends with black electrical tape. Be very careful the ends of the tape measure are sharp.
Insert the tape measure number side down into the 1 inch channel that you made in the previous step.
Step #6 Sew French Seam
Pin the WRONG sides of your fabric together.
Stitch the seam. Your seam allowance should be ¼inch.
Trim the seam allowance to ⅛ inch. I like to use my ruler and rotary cutter to trim. This will leave you with a nice clean edge
Turn your bag the wrong side out and stitch a seam on each side. I like to use my presser foot as a guide. I like to stitch a little bigger than a 1/4 seam to enclose our last seam.
Clip your threads and turn your bag right side out.
There you have it! You have now made a snap bag using a tape measure. This is a great project for beginners. It is simple and easy to do, and the results are impressive. Give it a try today!
I hope you enjoyed this tutorial. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.
Happy Sewing!
-Lisa
If this project inspired you, then check out some of my other projects for more inspiration!
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7 comments
Wow this video was great! I am looking forward to making these/
Thanks! I would love to see yours when you make one.
[…] Snap Bags […]
I really enjoyed your video – looking to make the larger snap bag – the one laptop size. What was the dimensions of your fabric? Anddid you cut the foam 1/2 smaller for seam allowance?
Yes when I use the fusible foam I do cut the foam slightly smaller to help with bulk in the seam area.
What would you cut your fabric to if you wanted a snap bag 5×7, I’m new to sewing and I’m confused on how odd scale up.
For a 5×7 bag you would cut your outside fabric would be 9×10 1/2 and your I side fabric would be 9×15 that should give you a finish bag right at about 5 inches tall and 7 inches wide.