Hello, sewing friends! There’s nothing like a good sew-along to make sewing feel like a community event. In my latest live video on The Bag Makers Sew-Ciety YouTube channel, we tackled the fabulous Pelican Tote by Bagstock—a free and beginner-friendly pattern that’s full of creative possibilities. Together, we worked through the pattern step by step, sharing tips, techniques, and a good laugh along the way. Whether you’re new to bag making or a seasoned sewist looking for a fun project, this sew-along is packed with ideas to inspire you. Let me share some of the highlights!
The Pelican Tote sew-along was such a joy! This free pattern from Bagstock is perfect for beginners, but it also has enough detail to keep more experienced sewists interested. Here’s a little glimpse of what we got up to during the session:
Handle Construction
We kicked things off by tackling the tote’s handles. Handles might seem straightforward, but getting a professional finish is all about the details. I showed how to fold the fabric edges inward using double-sided tape—leaving a small gap in the centre for easier folding—and topstitch at ⅛" with Tex 45 thread. It’s a simple method, but the result looks super polished!
Working with Zippers
Zippers can be tricky, but I shared plenty of tips to make them easier. We started by assembling a zipper pocket for the lining, aligning everything with double-sided tape (seriously, it’s a lifesaver!) before carefully stitching around the zipper. For the zipper accents, I demonstrated how to mark centres and avoid backstitching to keep everything looking neat and tidy.
Front Panel Assembly
Attaching the front panel to the zipper might seem intimidating, but with a little patience and some strategic glue reinforcement, it came together beautifully. I explained how to prevent wavy zippers by keeping everything lined up and taking your time with seam allowances.
Sewing Tips and Tools
Throughout the sew-along, I shared practical sewing advice, like when to use a zipper foot, how to handle ¼" and ½" seam allowances, and the magic of Beacon glue for reinforcing stress points. We even got into the nitty-gritty of sewing struggles, like keeping fabric layers from shifting and achieving perfect topstitching.
Interactive Community
What made this sew-along truly special was the interactive element. Viewers chimed in with questions about sewing tools and techniques, and we had a lovely chat about everything from sewing frustrations to favourite TV shows. It was like sewing with friends in your own living room—so relaxed and fun!
A Project for All Levels
The Pelican Tote is such an accessible pattern. Its clear instructions and straightforward techniques make it perfect for beginners, but the opportunity to customise it with accent fabrics and unique touches means it’s a satisfying make for anyone.
The Pelican Tote is the perfect project for anyone who loves bag making, whether you’re just starting out or looking to try something new. It’s free, beginner-friendly, and so much fun to sew! If you missed the live sew-along, don’t worry—you can catch the full replay on The Bag Makers Sew-Ciety YouTube channel. Grab your fabric, thread, and a cuppa, and join in the fun. Let’s sew together!
Until next time, happy sewing and may your bobbin always be full
Deb x
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