Yesterday I mentioned instructions for making pintucks for the Convertible Clutch would be available today, so here we go...
If you are going to make pintucks, make them before cutting out the pieces.
Do NOT use fusible interfacing or the tucks will be ridges instead. They don't lay down very well with the extra layer of interfacing. When I make things with pintucks, I add a layer of sew-in interfacing behind the pieces to give them more body. You could probably add fusible interfacing after sewing the tucks, but I haven't ever tried this, so I'm not 100% sure how it would go. If someone tries this come back and let us know in the comments if it worked out ok.
Here is how I made them:
- Cut 2 rectangles of fabric about 17" wide x 14" high (43 x 36 cm).
- Mark the center on the RIGHT side of the fabric.
- Mark three parallel lines at 1", 2", and 3" (25, 51 & 76 mm) from each side of the center.
- Press each of the six tuck lines to make a straight crease from the top to bottom of the fabric.
- Topstitch along each of the six lines at 1/8". Make sure to fold the fabric neatly at the crease and avoid stitching through the other layers.
- Press the pintucks away from the center line so they are super flat and straight. I find that pulling the fabric gently along each side while pressing helps align them.
- Match the center of the bag body piece and the center of the pintucked fabric piece and cut out.
That's it! Well, one last thing--when sewing pay extra attention to making sure the tucks don't fold back on themselves and end up facing the wrong direction.
