Traverse Sew Along- Assembling the Front Exterior

Welcome to day 4 of the Traverse Bag Sew Along! Today we’re going to be assembling the Front Exterior.

Placing the Front Pocket pieces right side together, pin (or clip), and sew along both sides. Next you need to press the seams open. I like to open up the tube and press open in the middle, just pressing the seam and not the whole piece, then turn it over and press the other seam open. Now we turn it right side out and give the whole piece a good press, and topstitch along the top edge at 1/8″ and again 1/4″ from the first line.

Now we’ll place the pocket piece on top of the Bottom Main piece 1 1/2″ down from the top and pin in place. Topstitch along bottom edge and baste along sides. If you’re making the larger size mark a line down the center of the pocket and stitch it down, backstitching at the beginning and end.

Now we’re going to work with the piping, which can be a bit tricky, so take your time and stay calm!

Clip or pin piping to the Exterior Flap matching rough edges,bending piping out 1″from the top edge. Snip the piping at the corners so the piping will bend.
Baste piping in place. You will be sewing over the piping at the top edges.
Place Flap pieces right sides together and clip. Using a piping or zipper foot sew along sides and bottom. This was tricky for me, you can see in the picture that I have a few stitch lines because it took a few tries to get the feel of where the needle needed to be sewing to get the piping tight. I really sewed each side separately so I could check how it was turning out.
Clip corners, turn right side out, press well, and topstitch.

Now we’re going to install the flap. Center the flap lining side down on the pocket piece and place the Top Main on top (sandwiching the flap) right side down. Sew. Press the top main and flap up and away from the pocket with the seam allowances down toward the bottom main. Topstitch on bottom main below flap through all layers.

Next we’re going to finger press the flap down. Don’t iron it…we want it to be a bit loose so it isn’t bulging when in use. Finally, you want to install the snap using Anna’s tutorial or directions for your snaps.