A step by step tutorial to assist in the making of the Sweets and Treats project – the pattern is available for sale here.

For those of you who do better visually when making, follow this along with the instructions in your pattern for a perfect finish.

Follow instructions to transfer the stitchery design and stitch on all transfer lines (except the outer  cutting line).

Cut on cutting line and press well.

Place right sides together with lining fabric and stitch around outside edges with a scant 1/4” seam allowance leaving an opening at the top.  (note: the lining fabric maybe larger, just trim to size)  Clip curves and corners, turn through opening and press all seams well so the curves are smooth.

Edge stitch along top edge closing the opening as you go.

Position centrally on the outer Template A bag piece.  (which has pellon or parlan fused to the back) Edge stitch around curved edge through both layers forming a pocket.

Make applecore panel as per instructions. Remember there are videos and tutorials to help you with the applecore method. I also demonstrated this on a Facebook live.

Place template A over panel and trim to shape.

You will now have two outer Template A panels and two lining panels.

Fuse lightweight fusible batting to the applecore panel now and trim to size

Sit 12” zipper at top edge of front panel. Mark 1/4” in from each end. Trim zipper to these marks.

Place tab right sides together above zipper stop and stitch. Fold outwards and over the cut end to the back. Fold hem and meet the stitch line. Edge stitch from the front. Repeat for other end. Trim tabs to the width of the zipper.

Place zipper right side down on the top edge of the outer stitched panel. Pin, klip or glue baste in place. I trialed using double sided Ezi tape by Pellon, which held my zipper perfectly in place for stitching without having to dodge pins etc.

Stitch then press both panels outwards from the zipper with the seam allowance towards the outer panel. Edge stitch through the zip and outer panel only.

Repeat this with the other side.

Handle. Fold the fabric in half wrong sides together and press. Open and fold both edges to the centre fold and then fold in half. Edge stitch down both sides.

Fold in half and position on the outer stitched panel just below the top zipper – on the closed end. Baste.

Fold both linings right side together and both outer panels right sides together. Match the centre seams and the zipper should be folded towards the lining. Ensure the zipper is opened.

Stitch around the outer edge leaving a 3” gap in the bottom of the lining. The stitch line should not catch the zipper end tabs.

Clip the curves and turn the bag through the opening. Push out all seams well and press. Close the lining opening and push inside the bag. Close zipper