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All designs are copyright protected. 2008 A Stitch A Half. All Rights Reserved.

Bag a Bug
Created Monday, 17 March 2008
Dear Embroidery Friend,
We had fun compiling this collection and know that you shall have too.
Please feel free to contact me at annelr@mweb.com.na for any information.
*********************************
You need:
1. Machine Embroidery Thread (we used marathon viscose rayon thread)
2. Fabric any fabric will be suitable TIP: Make sure your fabric is washable. This way you can
wash your bag as needed.
3. Lining any fabric will be suitable
5. Water soluble stabilizer
6. Fabric Adhesive Spray
7. Batting (any type)
8. Webbing approx: 40 or 90 cm (used as handles)
Stitch out for a complete bag:
4*4 & 5*7
16 x design panels = front & back
4 x pocket panels = left & right side
4 x pocket panels = inside pockets for the front & back panels
2 x design panels = pocket for each side
2 x base panel (this will form the base of your bag) Attach these base panels side to side

TIP: If you would like a larger Tote Bag just stitch out 6 more panels, and add them to the top
of the tote bag
6*10
Stitch out for a complete bag:
2 x base panels,
3 x 610pocket_short (stitch first and keep ready)
3 x 610pocket_long (stitch first and keep ready)
1 of each x 610panels (with design) (follow in-the-hoop steps to attach pocket to inside and
outside of these panels)
Short panel will have the short pocket and long panel will have the long pocket. The side panels
can have 1 of each pocket but attached to the inside as an inside pocket.
Color sequence:

Design panels
1. Appliqu position (choose color to match your fabric)
2. Material stitched (choose color to match your fabric)
3. Stitch design according to color chart mentioned above
4. Lining stitched (choose color to match your fabric)
5. Satin outline
(choose color to match your fabric)
Base & pocket panels:
1. Appliqu position
(choose color to match your fabric)
2. Material stitched
(choose color to match your fabric)
3. Lining stitched
(choose color to match your fabric)
4. Satin outline
(choose color to match your fabric)

Embroidery steps:
Hoop 2 x layers water soluble stabilizer and you can start stitching.
All panels are appliqu machine embroidery designs
Follow these basic appliqu machine embroidery steps:
1st Default color = appliqu position
This is a running stitch indicating where the batting (1st layer) and fabric (2d layer) must be
placed on top of the hooped water-soluble stabilizer.
2d Default color = material stitched
This is a running stitch/zigzag stitch where your fabric and batting is stitched to the indicated
area in the hoop. Remove hoop from embroidery machine without interfering with the hooped
fabric. Cut away excess fabric. Attach hoop to embroidery machine and stitch step 3
3d Color = design will now be stitched see color chart above.
Pre-last color = lining
After step 2 remove hoop from embroidery machine without interfering with the hooped fabric.
Turn around, spray adhesive spray to the back and attach the lining fabric. Attach hoop to
embroidery machine and stitch the color to follow = running stitch where the lining will be
stitched to the indicated area in the hoop. Remove hoop again and turn around cutting away
excess fabric. Attach hoop to embroidery machine and stitch final satin outline
Last color = satin outline
In-the-Hoop steps: Only applicable for the 6*10 panels
Complete all the panels as usual keep aside and lastly do the 6*10 panel long & short as
follows
1st Default color = appliqu position
This is a running stitch indicating where the batting (1st layer) and fabric (2d layer) must be
placed on top of the hooped water-soluble stabilizer.
2d Default color = material stitched
This is a running stitch/zigzag stitch where your fabric and batting is stitched to the indicated
area in the hoop. Remove hoop from embroidery machine without interfering with the hooped
fabric. Cut away excess fabric. Attach hoop to embroidery machine and stitch step 3
3d Color = running stitch will now be stitch this is to indicate where the front panel must be
placed.
Pre-last color = lining
After step 2 remove hoop from embroidery machine without interfering with the hooped fabric.
Turn around, spray adhesive spray to the back and attach the lining fabric. Attach hoop to
embroidery machine and stitch step 3 = running stitch where the lining will be stitched to the
indicated area in the hoop. Remove hoop again and turn around cutting away excess fabric.
Attach hoop to embroidery machine and STOP
For the SIDE panels
ATTACH 610pocket_panels TO INSIDE OF 610panel_SIDE WITH ADHESIVE SPRAY.
MAKE SURE THE PANEL WILL NOT SHIFT.
For the FRONT & BACK panels remove hoop again and
ATTACH matching 610pocket_panels TO OUTSIDE OF matching 610panels (with bug design)
WITH ADHESIVE SPRAY. MAKE SURE THE PANEL WILL NOT SHIFT.

Now you are ready to stitch the final satin outline this outline will secure the pocket to the
panel in-the-hoop.
When finished remove design from hoop, cut away excess water-soluble stabilizer. Complete
all panels and you are ready to assemble your bag
Construction: ALSO SEE FREE TUTORIAL
http://www.astitchahalf.com/fuzzy_Tote_tutorial/tote_fuzzy_tutorial.html
* Using the same thread or invisible thread, stitch all blocks together with a zigzag stitch on your
sewing machine.
1. Stitch the base panels to each other
2. Attach side panels to each side of the base section
3. Attach front panels to one side of the base section
4. Attach back panels to other side of the base section
5. Close all the side seams.
6. The handles are webbing purchased from a local supplier. The length = 14.5" (37cm) for a
single handle when attached. You can add 2"(5cm) to the length to attach to your tote bag
* Attach webbing (handles) with a rectangular shape straight stitch (approx: 1 or 2.5cm x or
1.25cm) and stitch a cross through the rectangle. This will ensure the handles not to tear loose
when the bag is loaded.
7. Embellish if you like and your bag is finished!

Embroidery wishes
Annemarie

Visit my website at <www.astitchahalf.com/>

All designs are copyright protected. 2008 A Stitch A Half. All Rights Reserved.