Feb 11

Feb 11 BFF Bag Sew Along: Middle Panel and Strap

Let’s get to the main zipper on the middle panel of the BFF Bag. This zipper is set in much the same manner as before for the zippered pocket. One set (exterior and lining) of side panels attaches to each side of the zipper’s tape. Right side/outer face of the zipper orienting to the exterior fabric.

Top stitch both through all the layers on both sides of the zipper and add the slider (if applicable), moving it open slightly to keep it out of the next seam.

Match the right sides of the exterior bottom and this completed zippered top as well as the right side of the linings. Stitch along the short ends.

When the middle panel is turned out, it becomes a ring with an exterior/main face and an inside/lining face. Top stitch these two seams on the solid side of the middle panel, opposite the zipper ends.

Next, prepare the bias strips. Fold one short end to the wrong side at forty-five (45) degrees, creating a point. One long side is now slightly shorter. Press 1/2” along the shorter long side under.

The long/unpressed side of the bias aligns with the middle panel’s lining side edge, RST. Baste the strip around the edge, using a 3/8” seam allowance.

The end of the bias extends past the starting/folded end and the pressed sides tuck inside one another.

Attach the remaining bias strip in the same manner. Keep the bias strips flat against the lining face.

Find the opening end of the middle panel’s zipper. This is the top and the seam is one quarter point along its curcumference.

The handle is basted to the exterior face of the middle panel at this location.

The middle panel is now fully completed and prepped.

The adjustable strap will be made by adding the slider and swivel clasp to the long cut of webbing which is determined by the wearer’s crossbody measurement. (See Cutting List in pattern for details.)

Folding one end under, bring about 2” of webbing through and around the slider’s middle bar.

Secure the end with stitching or by setting a rivet. The free end of the webbing is then passed through the swivel clasp’s ring and woven back across the slider.

Baste the adjustable strap’s free end to the back panel’s main face centered on one short side. For wearing over the right shoulder, this is the left side. The D ring connector (which I failed to photograph being prepped) bastes to the opposite short side.