Leann's Toilet Bag Step by Step Instructions.

This is the bag I made for Leann Chivers when she launched the Frou Frou Collection.

Many of you requested instructions to make your own.......So here they are.



You may have heard Leann talk about "My Louise " Louise Welsh her friend of many years (and now mine) who also works at Crafters Companion. I created a second version of the bag for her, to prepare the step by step instructions, but you can design your own by choosing different papers and toppers.



You will need.....

A piece of light coloured cotton fabric big enough to cut out at least 5 A4 sheets.
                    
3 sheets of Fabric Transfer Inkjet Paper
(If you are not using Serif to create the front, you will need an extra sheet to print a topper)
                            
14 inch zip
 
Bias binding

Lace and Ribbon for trimming  
 
First we need to do the printing.
 
Serif Version   

Choose A4 Landscape Layout
        Page 1
Drag a background onto the layout.
From the embellishment section chose a topper and drag onto the page and resize as desired.
Place this about an inch from the top.
Add any other items and any text.
Remember group the text as soon as you insert it, so that you can resize easily
 
You now need to flip the text so that it prints correctly onto the transfer paper.If you have chosen a backing paper with text you will also need to flip that as well.
                                
(Click the text then on the righthand side on the arrange tab choose the icon  that looks like two sails. Text should be reversed. )
 Once you are happy with the layout Save.
                        
Insert a  Page 2
Drag the same background onto the layout.
 
      Print 1 copy of page 1 and 2 copies of page 2

Remember you are printing onto the plain side of the paper so make sure your paper is inserted into the printer correctly.
 
Printing from the CD
        Print 3 pages of A4 landscape backing paper.
            Print the topper page you have chosen.
If you have added text or chosen a paper with text you will need to go to the properties section when you click print and find your mirror option, this reverses everything so that when ironed onto your fabric it comes out the right way.


You are now ready to transfer the images onto the fabric.
 
Follow the instructions on the Transfer Paper but it is important that you do not remove the paper until the fabric has cooled as when it is still warm the image will lift from the fabric.
 

   
Cut around the pages leaving a 5/8 border for the seams.
(Non Serif version.) Cut out your chosen topper.
 
Cut a further piece the same width but long enough to fold up to make the pockets.
 

 Turn over one edge and make a hem. Then decide how wide you want the pockets and stitch down towards the fold.Stitch a 1/4 inch seam down both sides to hold in place.   Press flat.
 
 
 
 
 
Now with the right side of the fabric facing the right side of the zip stitch a 1/4 inch seam. The zip should overhang the edge.Do both sides.
 
 

Now attach the pocket to the back section. 

Right side of the bag facing the right side of the pockets.

Stitch along the zip seam line.

 

 

Turn over the top of each side enclosing the edge of the zip in the flap so that you have a neat top. The pocket section should now be on the inside.

 

 

Stitch along the top to form a tuck either side of the zip as shown below.

 

 

If you have a seperate topper (non Serif version ) position on the front section not too low or it will end up on the bottom.

If you are adding lace around the topper do this now as it will be easier to stitch.
 

                                                                                                                                                                               

With right sides together stitch a 5/8 seam along the bottom.Trim one edge down to 1/4 inch.Turn under the other edge and stich along fold.                                                                                           

                                                                                                                                                                   
Cut 2 side pieces from the remaining A4 piece.    
 4 1/2 inches wide.

With wrong sides together centre the side piece against the bottom seam.    As the picture shows stitch a 5/8 th seam across the bottom but leave a 5/8 gap each side.

Snip the seam where the stitching stops then pin the seams up both sides. Before you stitch the side seams you need to shorten the side pieces. Turn the top over about 1/2 inch below the zip. Trim off the excess and stitch a hem. Now stitch the side seams.

 

Trim the seam down to 1/4 inch and machine the bias around the seam. I stitched mine on the outside and slip hemmed it on the inside

Fold over the bias tape at the top to neaten the edge. Finish the bag by making a pocket for the end of the zip and thread a length of ribbon through the tag, either tie a knot or stitch together. this will make it easier to pull .














I hope I have made the instructions clear enough and you are able to make your own version of Leann's bag.
I'd love to see your finished results

Margaret.