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"Easy as a Cinch" Bag

June 3, 2009 - By Ashley Johnston 42 Comments

This bag really is……….easy as a cinch. And yes, pun is intended. Ha Ha.

I made this little bag so my little lady could carry her own things around. Especially if we go to the pool or the water park….she can carry her own swimming suit, pull up and/or extra clothes. Perfect, a “water bag”. And I also thought of making one especially for library books. Gosh, those books get mixed up with our own books. It would sure help to have a “library bag”. And what about a “car bag”? Special toys, books, etc. that always stay in the car. And make one for you too. Perfect for carrying your own necessities to the pool, the beach, or a trip to the lake.

It will help transport your stuff……….in a darn cute way.

**These measurements are for this small toddler size bag. Increase the length and width as much or as little as you’d like. Anything goes.

You’ll need:

2 pieces of cotton 11 x 13 inches.
2 pieces of 1/8 inch wide grosgrain ribbon, each 42 inches long.
Thread, sewing machine, scissors, seam ripper.

**You’ll be using a 1/4 inch seam allowance.

Start by sewing your two pieces of cotton together, right sides together. Sew along both 13 inch sides and the bottom 11 inch side.

However, stop sewing 1 1/4 inches from the top on both sides.

At the 1 1/4 inch opening, fold over the extra fabric a 1/4 inch on both sides. Sew into place, making about a 2 inch long seam.

Now fold the top of the front piece down a 1/4 inch and then another 1/2 inch and pin into place. Sew very close to the bottom fold. Do the same to the back piece. You have just created the casing for your ribbon.

Turn your bag right side out.

Now stick a safety pin through one end of your ribbon and thread it through the top piece………starting on the right side, going to the left.

Then continue threading this same ribbon through the back piece, starting on the left. Pull all the way through on the right side and make your ribbon ends even.

Now starting on the left side of the front piece, use your second piece of ribbon starting on the left, going to the right. Then continue threading through the back piece starting on the right. Pull all the way through on the left side and make the ribbon ends even. Got it?

Now, use your seam ripper (or a needle and scissors) to carefully pick out a few stitches about a 1/2 inch from the bottom corners. You will stick the ends of the ribbon through and hole and pin them in place. (Make sure the ribbon isn’t twisted.)