CORK PHONE BAG TUTORIAL!
Posted by Sheri Ferraro on
Here is the tutorial for the cork phone bag that I have promised! Bear with me, this is my very first Blog post ever!
Finished size is 8" tall and 6" wide.
What you will need:
cork - 18"x7" + a few scraps (Or two 9"x7")
lining fabric - 18"x7" (or 14"x9")
woven fusible interfacing (optional) - 18"x7" (or 14"x9")
zipper tape - 8" + pull (I get mine from Blue Calla)
cork cording (5mm) - 1.5-2 yards
4" strapping (1/2' or 3/4") OR
make your own using a 1" strip of cork with the long edges sewn to the centre
Want to make it super simple? Purchase your Phone Bag Kit here
Cutting:
Cut 1 each of the following in cork, lining and interfacing:
back - 7" x 9"
front top - 7" x 2"
front bottom - 7" x 7"
Cut from cork:
2 strap tabs - 2" x 3/4" (or 2" strapping)
zipper tab - 1" x 1.25" (optional: note - these are not included in the kit - just omit this step)
Step 1:
If using the optional interfacing, fuse the woven fusible interfacing pieces to the wrong side of the matching lining pieces.
Step 2:
Attach zipper pull to zipper tape, then sew a line of stitching over the closed end of the zipper as close to the end as possible. (Optional - Take your zipper tab and place it so a 1/2" of the zipper tape is covered. Sew it in place.)
TIP: a zip tab is recommended if your machine will not sew over nylon coil zip tape or if using metal zip tape.
This is what it should look like from the backside.
This is what it should look like from the front.
Step 3:
Mark the right (fashion side up) side of the top lining and bottom lining at 3/4" on the LEFT side. Place assembled zipper (teeth facing up) on top of the right side of the top lining piece with the closed end on the right, open end on the left.
Sew zipper in place with a 1/8" seam allowance, stop at the 3/4" mark on the end. Using a stiletto tool, fold the end of the zipper back onto itself at a 90 degree angle, sew over the zipper to keep in place.
Place the top exterior cork piece on top off the zipper, right side down. Sew along the same side, this time with a 1/4" seam allowance.
Flip the sewn piece right sides out, finger press to flatten the seams and top stitch the full length above the zipper.
REPEAT Step 3 for the front bottom pieces, however this time you will start the opposite way - with the folding of the open zip end first.
Step 4:
Fold a strap tab in half, place the open ends just above the zipper on the top front of your bag, sew in place. Repeat for the other side.
Step 5:
Time to layer your bag! Take the exterior back piece and place it on your mat facing up. OPEN YOUR ZIPPER!!! Place your assembled front on top with the exteriors facing each other, the lining will be facing up. Finally place your interior back lining piece on top with the right sides together. Like so:
Clip all edges in place, but fold the linings up (along the top edge) approx 3/4" like this:
Take the sides of the lining tops and fold them away from each other , making a triangle on the corners:
Sew all the way around the bag, making sure to not sew through the folded back part of the lining.
Step 6:
Flip and Finish!
Trim your corners, be careful not to trim your stitching, you may also trim your zip end if it is longer than your front piece. Pull your bag through the top of the lining, this is a good time to finger poke the top corners out. Once your bag is flipped, tuck the exterior into the lining, line up the top fold and sew it shut using a narrow seam allowance.
Tuck the lining right into the bag and finger roll out the top corners.
Take one end of your cork cording and pull it through the strap connector - knot it up! Repeat to the other side.
Here is a great youtube tutorial on different knot tying techniques
All Done!!
Feel free to get creative with it! Use up the small scraps and make a patchwork one, add weaving or ribbon - Have FUN!
Please share your cork phone bags with me on my facebook page/group or on instagram!
Cheers!
Sheri