Thursday, January 5, 2012

Ruffle Scripture Bags

Can I tell you how sick I am of making ruffly things?  They take forever.  But they turn out so cute that I'm glad I did it. I started out making ruffle Christmas dresses for my girls. Then I made ruffle bows for their hair. Lastly I made these cute ruffle scripture bags.



I started with a free pattern and instructions found here. Then I added my own twist.

I have made two other bags using this pattern. I have never added the snap.

This bag is made using the original pattern with no changes other than to shorten the length of the handles.



Here is one I made for my son using one color. It was even easier to make.



For the ruffle bags I made a few changes: I changed the size, made it all one color and added pockets and ruffles.

I hope it won't be too confusing, but please refer here for the basics of making this bag.  I will show you what I did differently.

First of all I made the bag a bit smaller.   
Here are the measurements I used:
2 handles: 3" x 20"
2 interfacing handles: 3" x 20"
4 bag panels: 10" x 12" (2 for liner, 2 for outer panel) - cut 2" squares out of the bottom corners
2 interfacing: 10" x 12"
2 pockets: 6" x 9"
4 ruffles: 6" x 36"



The first thing you need to do is sew the pockets onto the liner pieces.
Fold the one long edge of the pocket down 1/4 inch, press, fold down again, press again. Then stitch. This will be the top of your pocket.



Fold and press down 1/4 inch the sides and bottom of pockets.



Pin in place and then stitch.  Note: I put the pocket to close to the top. It needed to be about an inch lower.



If desired you can stitch down the center to make a double pocket.  I did this on one of the pockets and the other one I left as a big pocket.


Now follow the steps to constructing the bag as found here until you get to the last step (Note: Since we aren't using two colors of fabric, but instead one full piece you can construct the outer bag the same way as the liner.)

Before completely assembling the bag we need to add our ruffles. Take your outer bag and measure and draw lines with a fabric pencil. I spaced my ruffles at 2, 4 and 6 inches from the top of the bag (after it was pressed down 1/2 inch).



You'll notice my bag isn't sewn up all the way. I found when I did the second bag that it was easier to have it all sewn up first before adding the ruffles.

The top ruffle you need to sew it lengthwise with right sides together. Then turn right side out. Sew a basting stitch and gather. I did it this way because the top of the top ruffle is visible.


With wrong sides together and using a basting stitch sew the remaining ruffles down the length. Gather.


Sew together the ends of the ruffles so it makes one continuous loop. You can do this before or after you gather. (or somewhere in the middle of gathering like I did here)

Starting with the bottom ruffle, pin, then sew it onto the bag. Work your way up the bag.  Once all the ruffles are sewn on finish assembling your bag following these instructions.

Now enjoy all the nice comments you'll hear when others see these darling little bags.


Find out more about this cute pea coat here.



Don't they go just perfectly with their Christmas dresses?

I love them!!

14 comments :

  1. I love all the stuff you made for the girls in these outfits! You did a great job and I may just have to try my hand at one of these bags!

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  2. I'm totally impressed!!!! They look GREAT!!!!

    Check out my blog too:
    http://thediydreamer.blogspot.com/

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  3. Love them! New Follower! You can visit me at http://raisingdieter.blogspot.com/ THanks! Shay

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  4. I know ruffles take FOREVER! But they look so cute! I love the bags and now seriously want one for myself! Thanks so much for linking up and sharing!

    www.blissfulanddomestic.blogspot.com

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  5. Such cute bags!! What a great job you did! Thanks for linking up to my party!

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  6. I love the look of these bags!! Great tutorial! TFS!! Stopping by from delicate Construction linky party and your newest follower.

    Here is what I shared this week: http://craftybrooklynarmywife.blogspot.com/2012/01/my-first-amp-cover.html

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  7. How fun is this bag for a little princess. So cute :)
    I am your newest follower!

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  8. Saw you link on "My life His mission" Love the bags AND the dresses!

    I'll be following :)

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  9. Really cute bags! Really cute little models, too! Thanks for linking up!

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  10. These are adorable! Thanks for posting!!

    I'm happy to be your newest follower and am hoping that you'll visit my BRAND NEW blog and follow me back!

    Thanks a million :)
    Sarah @ Dotted Line Crafts

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  11. What a great post! Would you please share this with our readers for fun stuff fridays? http://www.toysinthedryer.com/2012/01/fun-stuff-fridays-6.html

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  12. those are so darling and will suit them beyond when the dresses will still fit. i just custom ordered a bag from a friend who sews them! such a wonderful thing to have!

    thanks for linking this up to my party last week!
    andie @ crayonfreckles

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  13. I bet your girls get lots of comments when out with their bags and in their ruffle dresses. Love the fabric used in the pink and floral bag. It's a great shape. The boys bag looks great too. I find it's harder to make bags for boys. I would love for you to share these at my ongoing linky that's exclusively for bags and totes... http://threadingmyway.blogspot.com/2012/01/threading-your-way-bags-and-totes-link.html

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