Simple Pleated Bag

I had picked up some beautiful Laura Ashley fabric on sale. Some velvet fabric, a contrasting cotton and a main patterned fabric. 

It has sat in a bag for a while and yesterday I had a spare hour ( which ended up being 3 or 4 😂) and I had in mind a pleated bag with a big velvet bow.

Once I’d laid out roughly the design I wanted and added copious layers of interfacing, a bow looked too over the top, so I settled for a tied knot instead. 

I have secured the velvet into the sides of the bag so it’s integral rather than just a sash wrapped around. 

I had also wanted to add wooden circular handles but they ended looking out of proportion. It’s quite satisfying creating a bag in an organic process but a little frustrating as you wish you had more technical knowledge to help! I did take a few shortcuts- I shortened the length of the bag once I’d cut it out so didn’t want to waste the fabric and added it inside as pockets. The pockets are not as deep as I’d have liked but I’ve used the fabric up so that’s positive.

I had to add pockets as having made a few tote styled bags, you end up with a mass of junk at the bottom so these pockets help organise the contents a little. The velvet handles were using up the excess velvet that I’d sewn for the bow. If I’d had the fabric, I’d have added some red handles for contrast, but still love the end result. 

The pleating is underneath a wide top band. You can’t see the contrast on the front due to the knot. I used my Fiskars self healing mat to measure out the inches for pleating so that it was absolutely even.

Having two directions to the fabric really helps with the design, to lead the eye in different directions. 

During the late night sewing, I neglected to add in magnetic clasps. I will add some press studs for a simple closure. 

I love learning through experimentation. This was a case in point. I did have to hand crank a good proportion of the top stitching once I’d pulled the bag through the bottom of the lining. Maybe not using so many layers of interfacing would be a good idea next time- but I do love more structural bags, so this suits me perfectly! 

I have some beautiful floral silk to use next time, but I’ve never really sewn silk bags before. Anyone seen any great ideas or have any ideas? Please shout! 

Have a lovely day!

Keren xx