Run and Play Bag Sew Along: Day Five

Today is the final day of the Run and Play Bag Sew-Along. Here are the links for previous posts and don’t forget to check out the competition details for your chance to be in the running for some fantastic prizes.

Run and Play Bag Sew-Along Introduction and Competition

Run and Play Bag Sew-Along: Day One

Run and Play Bag Sew-Along: Day Two

Run and Play Bag Sew-Along: Day Three

Run and Play Bag Sew-Along: Day Four

Constructing your bag is easy, especially if you follow the great instructions Emma has provided in the pattern. Here are a few extra hints to help you with your beautiful creation. 

• Baste the handles and flap in place before sewing the final seam. It can be tempting to skip this step and just try to pin all of the layers together, but that can be both messy and confusing. Trust me, it’s worth the extra time.

Pin and baste the flap and handles in place

• Take note of which side the magnetic snap is on the exterior and be sure to position the flap on the opposite side. Likewise, check that your flap is facing the right way before basting it on. I like to pin it in place, and then snap the flap closed to be doubly sure everything is sitting where it should be.

• Check where the internal pocket is on the lining. I like my pocket to be on the same side as the flap (i.e. the back of the bag).

• Carefully line up the external and lining side seams. Finger pressing the seams open can help to reduce bulk (or ‘nest’ the seams by placing them in opposite directions as shown in Run and Play Bag Sew-Along: Day Three)

• Take the time to smooth out the raw edges, making sure everything is lining up neatly.

• Once your bag is sewn and turned the right away around, push out the corners of both the external and interior bag, and make sure everything is sitting correctly, before closing the turning gap.

• When top stitching, take note of where your flap and handles are. I like to keep them under the arm/throat of the machine with the main body of the bag on the other side of the needle (i.e. have the flap open). If you have them both on the same side, you may end up accidentally top stitching them down.

Top stitch with the flap open

• Finally, give your bag a good press to help it recover from all the prodding and poking it has been through.

HOORAY. You are now the proud owner of a gorgeous new bag.

Finished bag

Plenty of room (plus an awesome internal pocket)

Remember to check out all of the competition details Run and Play Bag Sew-Along Introduction and Competition to be in the running for some wonderful prizes.

I can’t wait to see your creation in the Facebook group 2 Ladybugs, 4 Little Monsters and a Pattern Lover Group or on Instragram using the hashtag #runandplaysal (or #runandplaysalentry For your competition entry).

Thanks so much for joining me for the Run and Play Bag Sew-Along. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did.