American Patchwork & Quilting - USA (2021-04)

5

Fold quilted unit in half with right
side inside; align bag front and
back seams. Referring to Diagram 9,
sew side edges together to make the
bag body. Press seams open.

6

To shape a flat bag bottom, at
one corner match center of beige
linen bag bottom rectangle with
side seam, creating a flattened edge
(Diagram 10). Sew raw edges together.
Repeat with remaining corner. Turn
bag body right side out.

7

Referring to Diagram 11, hand-
stitch purse handles to bag
body front and back following
manufacturer’s instructions.

Why do you prefer making things

by hand rather than machine?

I’ve always had an affi nity for pretty

little tools and sewing notions. I

simply enjoy using them. And I’ve

learned over the years that having the

right tool for the job enhances the joy

of making and tends to yield better

results.

What needles do you use?

I prefer Foxglove Cottage needles by

Jeana Kimball for all my hand-sewing

needs. For hand-quilting, I always use

her size 10 betweens.

Do you favor a certain

type of scissors?

Although I have amassed an

embarrassingly large collection of

pretty scissors, I always seem to

reach for my trusty Gingher thread

snips. I fi nd it so quick and convenient

to pinch the spring-loaded blades

rather than fi ddling around to insert

my fi nger and thumb into the handles

of a pair of scissors. I know that

may sound a bit silly, but if you’ve

never used thread snips, I highly

recommend them. They really make

your life easier. I recently added the

sweetest little pink Cohana thread

snips to my collection. I didn’t need

them, but they are just so cute!

Do you baste when hand quilting?

Basting is so important when hand

quilting. For small projects like this

tote bag, I like to use a spray adhesive

because it’s quick. But I use it

sparingly because too much glue will

prevent my needle from gliding easily

through the fabric layers.

Do you use a hoop?

I don’t use a hoop, especially if I’ve

basted, unless I’m hand-quilting a

large quilt.

Kristyne Czepuryk on Handwork

Diagram 9

Diagram 10

51 / 2 " 21 / 4 "

Diagram 11

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