Patchwork Bags
- Sharon Prigan
- 40 minutes ago
- 2 min read
I had a huge bag of corduroy and heavy cotton pieces and remnants of fabric from pants and jeans that I had cut up with the original purpose of using them to create patchwork bags. I hadn't done anything with them for a long time so I was considering moving the fabrics on to someone else.
Lately I find myself creating slow stitch pieces and small fabric landscapes which don't really call for using heavier weight fabrics. I am working a lot in light cottons and poly cottons from sheets and upcycled mens shirts.
I am also working on reorganizing the fabrics in my studio. At the moment they are organized according to the four seasons and all the colors of the rainbow in each season.
I store my fabrics for classes like that, but when I work I need to see the colors in a more organized manner. Each color and all of its shades. So I am contemplating organizing the fabric boxes according to the studio setup that I used to work with many years ago.
It means a complete overhaul and that is why I am taking the time to make the decision as it will be a lot of work.
But back to those rustic corduroy and heavy cotton fabrics.
With two birthdays coming up, I was on the lookout for thoughtful gifts. Bags and pouches are my go-to presents, and my friends have taken note of that..
They both requested the same style of bag—the Strip Rag Bag.
This design is versatile and offers a lot of creative freedom, especially with color and pattern choices.
The first birthday friend asked for a bag in olive greens,
while the second preferred warm browns and rust tones.
This was the perfect opportunity to explore my fabric stash. So there was a reason that I had not yet moved the rustic packet of fabric on.
The design of the Strip Rag Bag offers tremendous flexibility. I love that each bag can turn out entirely unique, even when following the same pattern. This underscores the idea that creativity knows no limits. Even the most rugged fabrics can be transformed into items that are beautiful and functional.
I will share pictures of the completed bags after they have been gifted.
Whether you are an experienced sewer or just getting started, I encourage you to to create with what you have. You may discover beautiful fabrics from items that you have in your closet.
Find more bag tutorials here
