Amy Butler's Style Stitches: 12 Easy Ways to 26 Wonderful Bags by Amy Butler

panel.
    Figure 2

    Figure 3

10 MAKE AND ATTACH THE TAGS.
    a. Repeat steps 6a, 6b, 6d, and 6e to make all 4 tags to cover the stitching that attaches the tie to the handle.
    b. Fold the first tag under ¼″ (0.6 cm) on each raw end and press in place.
    c. Center the tag over the stitching that attached the handle and ties together, and pin in place. (See Figure 3 .)
    d. Edge stitch down both folded edges to attach the tag. Backstitch at each end.
    e. Repeat steps 10b through 10d to attach the other 3 tags to cover the stitching that attaches the ties to the handles.
11 MAKE THE EXTERIOR.
    a. Place the bottom edge of the front main panel and one long edge of the bottom panel Right sides together and pin in place. Stitch a ½″ (1.3 cm) seam across the pinned edge. Backstitch at each end. Press the seam allowances* toward the bottom panel.
    b. Repeat step 11a to attach the back main panel to the other long edge of the bottom panel.
    c. Place the side edges of the first side panel Right sides together with the main and bottom panels, matching the top edges. Pin the panels together, easing the main panel around the curved edge of the side panel. Stitch a ½″ (1.3 cm) seam down the pinned edges, starting and stopping at the top edges on the main panels. Backstitch at each end.
    Figure 4

    d. Repeat step 11c to attach the second side panel to the other side edges on the main and bottom panels.
    e. Clip* in the seam allowance along the curved edge, being careful not to clip your stitching.
    Please set the exterior aside.
12 MAKE THE FLAP.
    a. Place the exterior and lining flaps Right sides together, matching the edges, and pin them in place.
    b. Stitch a ½″ (1.3 cm) seam around the pinned edges, leaving an 8″ (20.3 cm) opening centered on the long straight edge of the flap. Backstitch at each end.
    c. Trim* the corners in the seam allowance making sure not to clip the stitching. Then, trim the seam allowance to ¼″ (0.6 cm) along the rounded corners and across the front rounded edge.
    d. Clip in the seam allowance around the curved edges every ½″ to ¾″ (1.3 cm to 1.9 cm) to allow the flap to lay flat when turned Right side out.
    e. Turn the flap Right side out, using a turning tool* to gently push out the corners, and press.
    f. Fold each side of the opening under ½″ (1.3 cm) toward the Wrong side, and press. Pin the edges together. Edge stitch ⅛″ (0.3 cm) from the finished edge completely around the flap. This will close the opening and secure the Peltex inside.
    Please set the flap aside.
13 MAKE THE LINING FOR THE BAG.
    Repeat steps 11a through 11e to make the lining for the bag.
14 ATTACH THE LINING TO THE EXTERIOR.
    a. With the exterior Right side out and the lining Wrong side out, slip the lining over the exterior, matching the top edges and side seams. Tuck the handles down between the two layers and pin in place.
    b. Stitch a ½″ (1.3 cm) seam around the top edge, leaving a 10″ (25.4 cm) opening centered along the back main panel. Backstitch at each end.
    c. Turn the bag Right side out through the opening along the back main panel. Push the lining down inside. Gently push out the seams and press along the top edge.
    d. Fold each side of the opening under ½″ (1.3 cm) toward the Wrong side, and press. Pin it together. Edge stitch completely around the top edge and backstitch at each end.
15 ATTACH THE FLAP TO THE BACK OF THE BAG.
    a. Using your ruler and fabric marker, measure and mark 1½″ (3.8 cm) in from each side edge along the long straight edge on the exterior flap.
    b. Measure and mark ¾″ (1.9 cm) down from the top edge on each end of the back of the bag. Line up the two marks and draw a line connecting them.
    c. Center the long straight edge of the flap along the marked line on the back of the bag and pin it in place.
    d. Starting at the first 1½″ (3.8 cm) mark on the flap, edge stitch over the existing stitching, stopping at the mark on the opposite side. Backstitch at each