Over the last few weeks, I have been working my way through the Sidekick Mini Suitcase pattern, sharing any extra tips that didn’t make it into the pattern directions, and answering questions. The printable pattern and complete directions for the suitcase are available for purchase here.
Eep! I am falling behind. It looks like we won’t be able to finish up by this Friday, but I think we can make it work for Monday. Today, we sew the Upper and Lower Sides to the Front and Back to create the two halves of the suitcase. This is the day we start getting reeeally excited, because our suitcase starts lookin’ like a suitcase. 🙂
First off, sew the Lower Side’s bottom (staystitched) edge to the Back piece, the right sides (outsides) facing each other. To do this, match up the notches first, clip the seam allowance of the side to fit the curve, pin in place.
Use a piping foot to sew them together as close to the piping cord as you can. Conveniently, your staystiching marks the seam line.
With any luck, it will end up looking like this.
Hey, it’s a suitcase!
To attach the lining, pin the Lining Back to the Back – wrong sides facing each other, notches lined up. Sew them together along the seam just sewn (or just within it).
Keep the Lining Side and Side out of the way, or you will end up with goof ups like this one. Thank goodness for seam rippers.
Trim down the seam allowances and clip the corners to reduce the bulk.
The lower half of your suitcase is made!
Repeat the first part of this process to sew the Upper Side to the Front of the suitcase. (I kept stabbing myself with pins. So, after matching up the notches, I pinned and sewed one half at a time.)
I had a harder time sewing close enough to the piping on this time.
Another pass yielded a much better looking result.
To sew the lining on to the upper half, place the Front Lining (the one with the pocket) right sides facing the Front, matching notches, and sandwhiching the upper side between them. Sew all the layers together along the seam last sewn, but leave an opening at the Zipper Extension for turning.
Trim your seams, and turn right side out.
I still need to slipstitch that opening shut.
We are getting close! See you again Friday.
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