feltbagtut01feltbagtut02 This is a tutorial for making a simple bag from felt that a Pullip or Monster High doll can wear.

I added some scales to the pattern to make it easier for you to print it correctly. Cut out the two parts and transfer them to a thin but sturdy piece of felt. (I noticed that some of my felt was much softer than the other pieces and as a result the bag is much more fragile and the needle left much bigger holes..) Notice that you need two of the smaller parts.
In addition to that you will also need some embroidery thread or thick yarn. Embroidery thread has 5-6 strings which is too much so I unravelled it and only kept 2 strings together. Roughly 1.20m is a perfect length for one bag for me but depending on the length and frequency of your stitches you might need a bit more or less.
You will also need about 15cm of material to make a cord for the bag. Most often I use micro sude from Rayher for that (3mm width), but you can also use ribbons, a string of beads or whatever you desire.
Of course you also need some needles and scissors, plus a press-stud and some yarn, preferably of the invisible sort.
feltbagtut03 Start with a first stitch on the upper left corner of the big part. Leave some lose thread (you will tie a knot with the other end once you're done), then put one of the small parts above it as seen on the picture, making a "sandwich" around the loose end.
feltbagtut04feltbagtut05feltbagtut06 The decorative blanket stitch I use for this bag is done as follows:
The thread is below the felt at the start. Pinch the needle in from above so the thread wraps around the edge of the felt. Make a second stitch through the same hole, then the start looks better.
All stitches go from top to bottom now. Before you tighten the thread though bring the needle through the hoop that wraps around the felt. That creates the rim. You should make sure to always bring the needle through the hoop from the same direction (either from the bottom or from the top) as both methods look slightly different. I always make my stitches from top to bottom and bring the needle upwards through the hoop.
feltbagtut07feltbagtut08 Sew your way around the small piece of felt while following the rounded end and holding the big piece in place.
I place the stitches as evenly and closely as possible for more stability and an overall less frayed look.
Once you reach the end of the small part make a second stitch through the same hole for more stability, then keep sewing around the long end of just the big piece. This will become the front of the bag so we want it to have a nice rim.
feltbagtut09feltbagtut10  Test fit the position for the other small felt piece, pin it in place with another double stitch through the same hole and then sew it in place like the first one vice versa. Once you're done with that there is only the blunt end of the big piece left to decorate. Make yet another double stitch, then decorate the straight edge until you end up where you started. Make a knot from both ends and you're done with this part.

Tip: If your felt is very soft and you're worried that it might fray or rip you can stabilize the two short undecorated edges with separate thread too. I often use invisible thread for that instead, though.
feltbagtut11feltbagtut12  Next up is the cord. In this example I use micro suede. Since that stuff is too hard for my needles I wrap invisible thread around it several times and make several very tight knots. Then I use the same thread to sew it inside the bag with several stitches and knot both ends together. (Pro tip: If you want to decorate the side of the bag with beads or anything you can add them directly with these stitches.)
Do the same with the other end. Do not sew the cord in too high or there'll be higher danger of ripping. It should sit at least 5mm below the edge.

If you use ribbon instead I recommend fixing the ends with some glue so they don't fray and eventually rip out.
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Finally, add the press-stud, preferably with invisible thread, and you're done!

Now it's time to go wild with decorating!

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Here are some examples for finished bags to give you some ideas.

A few things you can use for decorating:
- beads
- decorative stitching and embroidery
- sequins
- charms (also hung from a ring around the cord)
- felt or fabric leftovers
- ribbons and bows
- deco gems and stones that are glued on

You can also vary the material of the cord, the shape of the front etc pp. Have fun!

 

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Comments   

#1 Casie 2014-06-26 13:02
Excellent web site. A lot of useful information here.
I am sending it to several buddies ans also sharing in delicious.
And certainly, thanks in your effort!

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