Well, isn’t this just super cute? I love giving handmade valentine gifts but I love giving something that will bring joy all year long even better! This bag features a simple patchwork (with a fun trick to make it quick and easy!), a button closure, simple lining, and a whimsical new way to add a handle. Let’s get started!
First gather 4 scrap fabrics that are 2.5” x 7.5”. Coordinate as much as you would like!
You will also need a piece of 6.5” x 8.5” cotton fabric for the exterior back. 2 pieces of interfacing (fusible if you would like) that are 6.5” x 8.5”, and 2 cotton lining pieces that are 6.5” x 8.5”.
A piece of cotton fabric that is 2” x WOF (about 40”-42”) for the strap.
Sewing machine, thread, iron, scissors, hand needle and thread.
3” elastic cord
A pretty button!
Let’s begin~
Sew the scraps together and press the seams out flat.
Cut the piece into three 2.5” strips. Rotate the middle strip so that the fabrics alternate.
Sew the pieces together to create a patchwork piece. Tray to line up the seams as much as possible so it looks nice and tidy.
Use the heart shaped pattern piece to cut the heart. You can download it with this link: Patchwork Heart Pattern Piece.
Next cut a matching heart from solid fabric for the backing, 2 pieces from solid fabric for the lining, and 2 piece of interfacing. I used fusible interfacing (pellon 931TD). In the photo below the pink solid is beneath the patchwork and there are 2 white pieces together. The interfacing is not pictured.
Fuse the interfacing to the back of the patchwork piece and the solid piece that will be the back. At this point you can optionally top stitch the patchwork piece like I did in the photo below. Also, take the 3” piece of elastic cord and attach it to the backing piece like the photo below.
Layer the patchwork piece and the backing right sides together. Place pins 2” from either side of the center of the heart on the top edge. Use these pins to mark where to begin sewing the sides together. Sew the pieces together and stop at the pin on the other side. Use more pins to hold the piece together if needed.
Repeat with the lining but leave a 3” opening on one side- preferably at the straight edge like in the photo below.
Clip along the curves of both the exterior and lining seams. Make sure not to cut the stitches! You can see the cliped curves in the photo below.
Turn the exterior right side out and insert into the lining through the opening. I have made one of thee by sewing the lining and exterior together with my machine but it was a challenge. I found it much easier to hand sew the lining and exterior together! And it only took a few minutes. Use small straight stitches like in the photo below. In the photo below, you can’t see very well but you will be hand sewing the exterior backing to one side of the lining, and then hand sewing the patchwork exterior to the other side of the lining.
Once you have sewn the lining and exterior together, turn it right side out through the opening in the lining and press flat. Make sure all the seams are extended so the shape of the heart looks its best!
To make the handle, take the 2” x WOF (about 40”) piece of fabric and fold it in half right sides together. Sew up one short side, and then turn and sew for about 2 inches on the long side. Stop, back stitch, leave a 2” gap and then continue sewing along the length of the fabric until you are about 4” from the other end. Again, stop and backstitch, leave a 2” opening, and finish the piece by sewing the other end closed.
Turn the tube right side out with a chopstick and working slowly or if you have a tube turner like I have below. This one is from dritz and it works great! Press the strap flat and press the openings under to match the seams. Don’t worry about closing them up though.
Place the strap on top of the heart bag just like in the photo below. Make sure the strap is not twisted! It should be place about .5” down from the top and about 1.25” in from the side edge. You can see how I used the patchwork to line up the handle properly below. Stitch in place with your machine. The stitches should go through all layers and will be visible on the back so keep them tidy!
Now that the strap is secured to the bag, tie the strap into a cute knot to not only cover up the stitches that attach it to the bag but also this will take care of the opening on the strap. yay!
The final step is attaching a button to the front so the bag can be help closed. Very cute!
The way that I attached the strap is only a suggestion! I made this one below by using grommets and a nylon cord for the strap. Also, you could just attach it traditionally when you are sewing the 2 sides exterior sides together. Make sure to make this project your own!
