Mini Train Case Tutorial

 Tutorial

Mini Train Case

Ok.  This is my 1^st tutorial.  I have been thinking about how to make this for a while now.

 I haven’t been able to find one for a case like this, and this is my first attempt.

The good news is you can learn from my mistakes!  J

So, first thing I did is measure my zipper.  Then, I added 4 inches.   So a 22 inch zipper plus 4 inchesis 28 inches.  Then I made my rectangle based on 28 inches.  8 ½ inches plus 8 ½ inches plus 5 ½ inches plus 5 ½ inches equals 28 inches!  So this is the size of my rectangle. 

Cut 4 pieces of fabric, 2 outer fabric, and 2 lining. Remember to add ¼ inch all the way around for the seams.

Your finished rectangle should be 9 x 6. .

 Then cut interfacing for all.

Iron that on, to give your case shape.

Then, I cut 2 strips, one of each fabric, 30 x 5 ½ inches.

And, 2 strips, one of each fabric, 30 x 1 ½ inches.

Then cut and iron your interfacing to all 4 pieces.

Then, I made my piping, 2 strips 30 inches long, wrapped and sewn around some cord.

I was using my walking foot.  Don’t do this.  Get a piping foot.  I’m going down to Art and Jenny’s and getting one tomorrow.

Then I attached the piping to the bottom of the outer fabric.  And to the top of the outer top fabric.

Next sandwich in the zipper.

Center it and sandwich it.

Sew it to both sides top and bottom.

Then you are ready to apply the top of the case.

Pick a spot right in the middle of the bottom piece of lining, and sew all the way around the rectangle with a ¼ inch seam allowance.  The white piece is the rectangle being sewn onto the side of the case. 

Then do the same for the outer fabric.  The piping will be sandwiched in between. 

This is a pic of me sewing the lining into the bottom.

And this is me sewing the lining into the top.

That’s about as far as I got.  That is when I thought it would be smart to iron the seams, cuz it looks a bit wrinkly.  Then things went terribly wrong.  My stuuuuuupid iron MELTED my zipper!  AAaaaaaaaahhhhh!

So learn from my mistakes! 

1. piping foot
2. watch your iron.
3. Don’t get frustrated, just go get another zipper.  
4. finish your bag before you blog a tutorial.  (ha ha, I just couldn't wait!)

I haven’t finished the case,  because I have to go get a zipper.  And I know what I need to do next.  I need to make about a 4 inch x 2 inch hemmed strip for the inside and outside and sew that on to the back where the zipper ends.  This will keep the top attached when the case is opened.  

On my next one I think that a handle on the top would be nice.  

:)

Leslie