How To Make a Snap Bag

I wanted to make a Snap Bag and a friend gave me the address of a blog that had instructions. I thought I would expound a little on the instructions and post them here.

The measurements can vary greatly so I'll use a set of measurements and give some hints along the way.

1. Start with 2 squares (These could be two rectangles or just one large piece of fabric!) I used 2 orphan blocks that I trimmed to 9 1/4 inches square. I ended up with a bag that was 6 inches tall, 8 inches wide and 2 inches across the bottom.

2. Sew together the two pieces with a 1/4" seam. This seam is the center of the bottom of the bag.

3. Cut a piece of lining the same size as this piece. Mine was 9 1/4" X 18".

4. Sew the lining to the blocks, right sides together with a 1/4" seam using this method: 

First sew one short side. Then sew the other short side leaving an opening for turning. Now sew the long sides turning the already sewn seam in at both ends. This makes a nicer corner when you turn the bag right side out.

  

5. Turn the bag right side out. Press the bag, pressing the opening in the seam allowance as if it were sewn. 

6. Press approximately 1 1/4" toward the lining on both short ends. 

7. Stitch straight across the 1 1/4" close to the edge leaving the ends of the casing open.

8. With right sides of the bag together, sew one side using a 1//4" seam.

9. Cut two pieces of a metal tape measure about the width of your bag. Using tin snips, round off one end of the tape measure on both pieces.

10. Cover the ends with duct tape. Cut and trim the other ends at least 1/2" shorter than the width of your bag

and cover the ends with duct tape.

11. Insert the tape measure pieces into the casing of the bag with the numbers facing the RIGHT SIDE or OUTSIDE of the bag. (The outside of the bag is probably on the inside right now!) If you don't insert the tape correctly, the bag won't snap shut.

12. Sew the other side seam being very careful to not hit the tape measure.

13. All we have left is to make the bottom. (You actually can stop here and not do anything else to the bottom. Go to step 15.) With the bag still inside out, pin the side seam to the bottom.

14. Measure up about an inch and draw a line across. The measurement should be the same from the side seam to each side. My side seam just happened to be 1" from each side. Sew on the line. 

Repeat for the other side.

15. Turn the bag right side out!

I think any size square/rectangle will work for this project. You could add a shoulder strap or purse handles. This is just a neat bag - the perfect size for a small quilting project!