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Sewing the Market Tote to the Gusset and Lining

Sewing the Market Tote to the Gusset and Lining

by Nancy Devine

Today, now that your mezzaluna market tote is creatively machine embroidered and appliqued, it’s time to arrange a meeting between the main mezzaluna pieces and the gusset.

Change the sewing machine needle back to the patchwork and quilting version. You may have to re-adjust the top tension as well. Change the thread to Gutermann’s PET thread,and choose a straight stitch at 2.5 to 3.

Create a pocket for your market tote -- how else are you going to find your phone, wallet and keys?

Create a pocket for your market tote — how else are you going to find your phone, wallet and keys?

This bag is huge. I mean it’s for shopping, after all, so you’ll want a pocket on the inside of your tote.

Cut a 8 inch by 10 inch piece of contrasting quilt fabric. Fold in half and press.
Cut a piece of interfacing to fit one half of the pocket piece, and fuse it to half. With right sides together, stitch the folded pocket together, leaving a gap in the bottom to turn. Turn and poke out the corners. Slip stitch the pocket piece closed and press.

Attach the pocket to the mezzaluna market tote lining, positioned centered, about 4 1/2 inches from the top edge of the bag.

In addition to a pocket, you’ll probably want a bag closure as well. I elected to use hook and loop tape, stitched about 1 1/2 inches below the top edge of the lining.

…I must confess, I struggle with getting the edges of this stuff to line up. I discovered that a little spray of 505 Temporary Fabric Adhesive on either side of tape allowed me to line up the hook and loop tape perfectly.

With right sides together, sew one side of the lining to one side of the gusset piece, leaving an eight inch gap on the lower curve of lining for turning.

Mark the center point of the hoop and loop tape so you can attach it to the center point of the bag lining. Spray base both sides of the tape to align the halves to the lining.

Mark the center point of the hoop and loop tape so you can attach it to the center point of the bag lining. Spray base both sides of the tape to align the halves to the lining.

With right sides together, attach a gusset piece to a main bag piece, from one top edge to the other, along the curve. You will likely use a lot of pins.
Stitch gusset to one main bag piece, using a 1/4 inch seam allowance.
Repeat for the other half of the bag.
Trim the gusset ends at the top of the bag and the bag lining. Clip all the curves on the seams of both the lining and the bag.
Turn the main bag right side out and smooth both the seams, pressing with a pressing cloth to protect the embroidery stitches.

You're going to make a mess when clipping the curves on the mezzaluna market tote, but it's important to get a smooth curve.

You’re going to make a mess when clipping the curves on the mezzaluna market tote, but it’s important to get a smooth curve.

Aren’t you loving how the market tote is taking shape? Creative embroidery, and an intriguing shape have come together to shine on a fun day of shopping with the mezzaluna market tote.

Tomorrow, the styling continues as we wrap it up with some fabulous finishes.

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