Learn how to make a neat little bag to safely carry your mobile phone or a small sketchbook, when you haven't got pockets or don't want to use a larger handbag. Detach the strap, and it's a beautiful, protective case if you do! I'll show you how to make it exactly the right size.
I'll show you how to make an embroidered crazy patchwork from fabric scraps and easy machine embroidery, but you can use whatever fabrics you wish - with or without the embroidery! This makes it a great project for beginners, but has plenty of scope for creativity if you're more experienced.
The bag also features a front pocket that's perfect for tickets or a shopping list, and a larger back pocket for a handkerchief or slim notebook and pencil. You can even slip the strap through a keyring so you can carry your keys securely, too.
All lessons have detailed written instructions and close-up video footage to show you how to:
Measure and cut a template to fit your device/notebook exactly
Stitch a colourful patchwork base with 'normal' sewing and free-motion embroidery
Use the decorated base and a lining fabric to create a bag with simple fastening and useful, integrated pockets
Finish the edges neatly
Make a removable strap
Bonus lessons include:
An extra project to use up all the scraps and off-cuts
Detailed instructions and video demonstration for free-motion embroidery - just in case you've never tried it before.
This lesson alone has been described as "the best guide to free-motion embroidery I've ever seen" by a previous student!
All materials are easily sourced - and you only need a regular household sewing machine, with a free-motion presser foot.
Once you've learned the process to make this little bag, you can make many more - to fit anything you like!*
This is the one I use all the time, when I go for a walk. It holds my phone snuggly and securely (no falling out of a pocket) yet still easy to reach if I want to take a quick photo or answer a call.
*not your groceries...only small things!
This one is slightly wider, to hold a hardback A6 sketchbook.
A useful pocket on the front is the right size for a small train ticket or card, and the larger back pocket is ideal for a few folded papers such as leaflets, or a slim notebook and pencil.
You can make the strap whatever length you need it to be. It's detachable, so slip a door key over the end, clip it back on, and never lose your key again! Or remove the strap completely to just use the bag as a protective cover.
The beauty of this project is the scope to create a beautiful bag from whatever fabric you wish. Once you've learned the basic construction, you could make bags from almost anything! How about trying a beautiful piece of handmade felt, or maybe upcycle your old jeans? You could even give an abandoned quilting or embroidery project a new lease of life!
You’ve got questions. I've got answers!
It's yours to keep. There is no end date.
Access would only end if I should ever need to move from this website - which I have NO plans to do!
ALL the lessons are available as soon as you join.
You can access the lessons any time you want, whenever it suits you, wherever you are in the world.
This is a straight-forward course, easily accessible for beginners, but with creative scope for those with more experience. It doesn't matter if you've never used your sewing machine for creative embroidery before, I'll show you how - even if you've never tried free-motion embroidery before.
My comprehensive guide to free motion embroidery is included in this course, and has been described by a previous participant as the best free motion tutorial they've ever had.
If you need assistance, I'm always on hand for help and support should you get stuck! Just ping me a message through this course platform, or send me an email: I'm happy to help!
Yes! You could do this whole project with straight stitch, and if you're not sure about free-motion embroidery, perhaps use a few patterns that every sewing machine will have.
If you want to try free-motion you'll need to be able to cover or drop the feed teeth, and preferably have a free motion embroidery or darning or quilting foot to be able to stitch with ease. It's possible to buy a universal free-motion foot - please check your machine manufacturer's instruction manual or website.
If you've never tried any free-motion with your machine before, I'll talk you through step-by-step. It's one of the most exciting things you can learn, so give it a go - you won't regret it!
You could easily make a bag in a day - and use any trimmings and leftovers for another project (which I've included in the bonus section!) another time.
The course is there for you whenever it suits you and your schedule; you can fit it around all your other commitments.
You'll need some
plain cotton calico (even old sheeting would do)
fusible adhesive fabric
paper-like embroidery stabiliser (cheap and easy to find from haberdashers)
fabric scraps
a fat-quarter (or thereabouts) of cotton or other lightweight fabric, for the lining
a few machine threads
woven twill cotton tape (not bias-binding)
a couple of lobster clasps (suitable for bags, not jewellery).
First, there's no such thing as a silly question! I'm here to help.
There's a chat box on every page in the course - ping me a message, and I'll reply as soon as I'm next online. You can also leave a comment (and even upload a photo) or email me.
You can also ask your question in my private Facebook group (which you can join as soon as you start the course) - and others may be able to help you out or give you suggestions to try.
Once you've signed up, I'm not able to give refunds. But if you're really unhappy with the course please email me.
Take the time to read through the information on this page, and if you want to clarify anything before you go ahead and sign up, drop me a line! There's also a link right here to send me a direct message.
If you don't see the answer to your question above, please get in touch!
I'm happy to answer any query you have about the course.
The videos were excellent and very "step by step" so we couldn't really go wrong. You don't give so much information that it's confusing - I love the way you keep it simple.
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Your videos and explanations of things are THE BEST!! No-one comes close to you!
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The videos were so helpful throughout the course. I'm very much a visual learner.
I love your detailed explanations backed with great videos that lead you every step of the way 😊
I'm Isobel (or Izzy) and I’ve been creating as long as I can remember.
For over fifteen years, I’ve helped people make friends with their sewing machine and become confident exploring ideas and inspirations through stitch.