Getting to the sewing table was difficult during a season of major life changes, but sewing dreams continued. The first planned make was a relaxed shoulder bag in a heavy Designers Guild cut velvet.
Upholstery remnants are excellent bag material: durable, visually rich and often available in useful small lengths. This fabric is stiff enough that it may not require interfacing. The decision can wait until the cut pieces are handled together.
The shape
The plan is a bag 63cm wide by 40cm deep, with an 82cm strap and one magnetic fastener concealed in the top facing. The body is divided into panels so the velvet nap can turn in different directions and make the same cloth appear darker or lighter.
Construction decisions
- Cut one test panel and handle it before committing to interfacing.
- Mark nap direction on the reverse of every piece.
- Use a longer stitch length and test the presser-foot pressure on a scrap.
- Keep the facing deep enough to carry the fastener without distorting the bag opening.
- Add a lining only if the reverse of the cloth catches or sheds in use.
Heavy cloth asks for fewer, better-considered layers. The most polished result may come from leaving out the structure that a lighter fabric would need.
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