A WORK IN progress

Put all your other projects on hold while you whip up this versatile craft bag by Mandi Bharij to store them in

- Mandi Bharij

HOW TO MAKE A PROJECT BAG

MATERIALS

115 x 50cm (4514 x 193/4") main outer fabric

115 x 50cm (4514 x 1934") contrast and lining fabric

2 x 0.6 x 90cm (1/4 x 35") drawcord

We all have makes that seem to hang around forever before getting completed. Give works in progress somewhere snazzy to live with this reversible project bag - designer Mandi has made it in on-trend gingham and linen from Ray-Stitch (www.raystitch.co.uk).

01 Start by making the handles. Cut two 14 x 47cm (5½ x 18/2") pieces from either the lining or main fabric - whichever you'd like to see more of on the finished make.

02 Fold the long edges of the cut pieces into the middle until the raw edges meet, then press. Next, fold in half again lengthways so the folded edges meet. Press and sew two millimetres from the edge all the way down the long side.

03 For the main bag, cut two pieces of the main fabric and and two of the lining, each 39 x 20cm (15% x 7%"). Measure 10cm (4") from one short edge of the main bag piece. Pin one end of the handle and repeat from the opposite short edge. - both pinned to the right side (RS) of the main fabric.

04 Machine baste the short edges of the handles to the main bag.

05 Cut two bottom contrasting bands from both the main fabric and lining, 39 x 11cm (15% x 43"').

06 Attach the contrast bottom panel to the main bag along the horizontal seam. Repeat for the lining. Press the seams upwards in the same direction.