The August 18 Sew Day included a demonstration by Lana Arpin on making Snap Bags. Mary Hibbs was Lana's assistant and had her own cart full of projects. Alison McCullough was busy making a patchwork quilt to take to a workshop in Paducah to cut apart to make a quilted blazer.  Yes...explain that to a non-quilter. Donna Dawson whipped out a Quilt From the Heart and was starting on Doll Quilts for another philanthropy. Thank you, Donna! Hexie Queen, Melody Day, was making more. Along with Vickie Greenwood, Linda Bittel was helping prepare for the Marketplace. Others came and shared and chatted and admired each other's work.

SNAP BAGS  .pdf

Two fat quarters will make two bags 8 ½” x 9”.
CUT for each bag:
1 – 9 x 18 Outer fabric
1 – 9 x 21½ Lining fabric (Lining is always 3 ½” longer than outer fabric.)
1 – 8 ½ x 18 Interfacing or batting (Always ½” narrower than bag, same length as outer fabric.)
2 – 3” squares for prairie point tabs
2 – 8” pieces of metal measuring tape (Always 1” shorter than width of bag.) Round off the sharp corners with tin snips and cover with masking or duct tape to keep metal corners from poking through the fabric. (Be careful; that metal is SHARP!)

SEW:
1. Sandwich the batting between the inner/outer fabrics, centering outer fabric and batting with the lining. Quilt (or not) as desired.
2. Turn under ¼” on each end of the lining fabric.  Fold the lining over the top of the outer fabric to form casings.  Pin tabs in the center of each casing.  Top stitch across, catching the raw edges of the tabs.
3. Place measuring tape pieces in the casing with the curved side of the tape facing out toward the front of the bag. (Numbers should be facing toward the inside; otherwise your closing will not Snap.)
4. Fold in half with right sides together and sew up sides, being careful not to catch the tape measure. If you want a loop, cord, or straps, sew into the seam.
5.  Zigzag or serge raw edges for a nice finish.
6. Turn and done!

TIPS:
1. Buy a metal measuring tape at the dollar store.  Make sure to get a “locking tape” and lock it after you make that first cut, so that you don’t lose the end.
2.  Embellish with buttons, beads, fringe, or whatever you want.
3.  Add pockets by adding another layer of fabric, with edges folded under, on top of the lining before stitching the sides.
The photos show the progression of assembly through the steps above.