Kids Makes

Sassy Shoe Bag

These bags are really easy to make and will keep your best party shoes in tip-top condition.

We've made them with French seams so that there are no exposed rough seams or threads to snag on shoe buckles and beads. 

MATERIALS

• 33 x 46 cm  of printed cotton fabric (13 x 18”)
• 1 m  of 1 cm wide ribbon (1 yd of 3/8”)
• Beads to decorate
• Sewing thread to match
• Large safety pin

Steps to sew

1. With fabric folded in half, right sides together, cut a rectangle 33 x 46 cm (13 x 18") .The folded end will be the bottom of the bag.

2. To form the casing - at the top side edges, mark 6.5 cm (2 1/2") down and make a snip into the sides approx 6 mm (1/4") through both front and back layers on both sides.

3. On the front section, fold the fabric above the cuts towards the WRONG side and machine stitch a small hem to neaten. Repeat for back side.

FRENCH SEAMS

4. Refold the bag with WRONG sides together and top edges even, then machine stitch the side seams below the indented section, taking just 6 mm (1/4”) seam allowance. Trim seam allowance to a scant 3 mm (1/8”).

5. Turn bag through so RIGHT sides are together with seam right on the edges at the sides and press. Then stitch again taking a 1 cm (3/8”) seam allowance. Press.

CASING

6. Create a casing by folding down the top indented edge of the bag, tucking the raw edge under again. Press then stitch close to inner fold across the front and then repeat for the back. You will have openings either side above the stitching.

7. Cut the ribbon in half and using a safety pin, thread one piece from left side through front and back casing and back out at the same place. Knot ends together.  Repeat with other ribbon, starting from the opposite side of the bag.

HANDY HINT: Use two 50 cm lengths of co-ordinating ribbons and finish ends with beads threaded through both ends before knotting.

SQUARE BAG BOTTOM

8. To create the square bottom, turn the bag inside out and pull the front and back apart at the corners, so that the French seam runs down the centre and the top forms a trirangle. Machine stitch across from side to side 3 cm down from point of triangle.

9. Turn right way out and pop in your shoes and pull the ribbons tight from either side.

Use to protect your shoes in your suitcase or make a few and surprise mum by using them to keep your bedroom tidy!

STOCKIST INFORMATION
Shoe print fabric from Makower UK fabrics,
www.makower.com, tel: 01491 579727

This project is by Julie Bonnar and featured in Sewing World magazine in February 2010. For more details of Sewing World magazine, tel: 01684 588500 or visit: www.sewingworldmagazine.com.