Snappy Bag Tutorial

                                                                                   This will be my first time posting a tutorial.

We'll see how it goes.

I have been reading on some of the list about Snap Bags and I thought I would post how I made one.

You will need two - 8 1/2 inch square Scrappy blocks or a piece of fabric 8 1/2 by 16 1/2. 
I didn't use interfacing or batting in my bag because the strips were already so thick - but you could if you wanted to!

A piece of Lining 8 1/2 by 16 1/2 inches.

Two pieces of metal measuring tape one inch shorter
than the width of the finished bag.
Round off the sharp corners and cover with tape..

This will keep the metal from poking through the fabric.

First you want to sew the two blocks together. I used a 1/4 inch seam.

Then pin the blocks to the lining - placing the right sides together.

Sew all around the bag leaving an opening for turning on one of the short ends.

Trim the corners and turn the bag right side out..

Press well and turn down 1 1/4" on both short ends.

Stitch across the 1 1/4 inch you turned down. Leave the ends open.
You may want to use thread that matches your fabric.

I used white so it would show up in the picture.

Now you need to insert the metal tape. Make sure the numbers face the right side of the bag.
If you don't put the tape in right you won't get the snap that closes your bag. Put a piece of tape in both ends of the bag.

Make sure the tape is 1/2 inch shorter than the bag on each end. You don't want to sew over it when you sew the sides of the bag together.

With right sides together sew the sides of the bag.

I find it easier to start sewing from the bottom of the bag.

After the sides are sewn together you make the bottom. To do this make a mark about 1 inch up from the bottom on both sides.

Center the bottom of the bag over the side seam and stitch across both ends where you made the mark.

Turn right side out and you are finished!


There are many things you could do with this simple pattern.  You could add batting or interfacing to make the bag have more body.  I have seen them made with beads or tabs to help pull them open.  They could also be made smaller or larger.

All instructions are written with the best intent and are only a personal account of the sewing of my bag.
I hope the instructions are not too confusing. 
If you do have problems be sure to let me know.
I would be glad to answer any questions you might have.
If you use my tutorial to make a bag I would love to see the pictures and please give me credit for the instructions.