Pattern Report: Kwik Sew 3700, Scrap Fabric Purse

Kwik Sew 3700, as adapted

Since we sew, we have scrap fabric. Lots of scrap fabric. Accordingly, we are always looking for projects to take advantage a of scrap fabric. Of course, quilts are great for using scrap fabric...but these girls need variety.

We decided to combine my goal of learning to sew from patterns with our over all goal of using as many reclaimed materials as we can in out crafting and sewing projects. Enter Kwik Sew 3700, a pattern to make four different types of bags and purses using a serger or sewing machine.

My daughter, who is back from camp, helped me create the first bag as a gift for a friend. Yay! I missed her and am happy to have her back so we can play together. :)

Personalized, embroidered bags and purses are great birthday presents and we always enjoy trying new designs. For this project, my daughter selected version B of Kwik Sew 3700 and two different scrap fabrics from our ever growing box of scrap fabric. One fabric was the remnants of some shorts made for camp. The other fabric was remnants from some fabric we found on sale for $1/yard at our local Hancock Fabrics that I have been using to create muslins for new patterns.

The instructions for version B of Kwik Sew 3700 seemed odd to me. It was unclear to me whether or not the instructions called for interfacing in all pieces or just or the front and back panel. I cut fusible interfacing for all the pieces, ironed the interfacing in place and then used our embroidery machine to embroider initials on one side of the bag before beginning construction. The instructions also appeared to have exposed overlock seams. Instead, I sewed the bag using a three thread rolled edge and then turned the bag inside out so no seams were exposed.

We debated whether to add a snap or velcro closure to the top of the bag. We had leftover velcro from another project and so my daughter opted for velcro to secure the top. The closure was needed not just to keep contacts inside the bag but to ensure that the bag fell properly when worn-- especially if the bag was not very full when used.

The finished bag did look a lot like the picture. Overall, a nice pattern as adapted.

Related Tutorials 
Make a Grocery Bag from Scrap Fabric
Make a Grocery Tote Bag from a T-Shirt
Make a Purse from Blue Jeans Shorts
Make a Throw Blanket from Old Sweaters

Pattern
 Kwik Sew 3700