This Market Bag class is designed for beginners who are learning how to sew. It’s the perfect follow up to our Intro to Machines class! This class assumes you can set up your machine and that you know how to sew a standard straight stitch (which doesn’t have to be super straight). Along the way, you’ll learn the basics of working with a commercial pattern and how to cut fabric accurately. Lots of straight stitch practicing and a few curves later, and you’ll have this roomy market bags for all of your grocery / organizing needs!

In class, we’ll focus on making the bag with the reinforced bottom and strapping handles. For the first class, we’ll be cutting out the pattern, cutting out the fabric, prepping to sew and answering machine setup questions. All sewing happens in the second class.

2 three-hour sessions

Equipment Needed: sewing machine with straight stitch and zig-zag options, iron, ironing board.

Supply List:

Quick Market Bag paper pattern by Sew L.A.

paper scissors

Main Fabric: 3/4 yard*

Contrast Fabric (for bag bottom and lining): 1 yard*

1” Cotton Strapping for handles: 1 yard for tote length OR 1 1/2 yard for shoulder length

Thread to match main fabric

Thread to match contrast fabric (optional)

90/14 sewing machine needles - universal, denim, or microtex

Empty bobbin for your machine

Basic Sewing Kit: sharp fabric shears, 2 x 18” clear ruler, tape measure, glass head pins, tailor’s chalk, seam ripper.

*Fabric notes: Heavier fabric called ‘bottom weight’ is best for this bag! Canvas, denim, twill, linen/cotton canvas - all excellent choices for a durable bag. No need to pre-wash fabric, but please do make sure it is not too wrinkly before class begins.

Skills learned: reading pattern envelope, cutting pattern, fabric anatomy and sewing terms, cutting layouts, pinning & cutting fabric, seam allowances, sewing & pressing seams, zig-zag stitch, edgestitching.