Over the last couple 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.
Finally, all that prep-work is out of the way, and we can SEW!
Today? We sew the lining.
Elastic Edged Pocket
First up, we need to add pockets to the “Lining Front” piece. These pockets are my favorite kind for bags. Roomy, but they still hold everything in place. To make them, we fold our pocket piece in half (the long way) wrong sides facing, and sew a casing along the top for elastic. Then, mark a vertical line up the center of the pocket using a chalk or removable pen.
When I was shopping for supplies for this project, I couldn’t help but grab myself these little bodkin thingies to try out.
It was much easier than a safety-pin for threading the elastic through the casing. I give this device two thumbs up.
Secure the elastic on each end, and distribute the gathers. Then, we line up the marked line with the center of the Lining Front. and the bottom edge of the pocket with the bottom (wide) edge of the Lining Front.
Sew the pocket down along the marked line. I like to make it extra strong and sew a triangle at the top of the pocket seam instead of simple back-stitching.
Next, pin the sides of the pocket to the sides of the Lining Front.
We have to make the bottom of the pocket fit the bottom edge of the Lining Front. I added a couple large pleats on either side of that center seam to do that.
Sew the sides and bottoms of the pocket to the Lining Front, and trim off the corners of the pocket to fit the shape of the Lining Front.
That’s it. Now we set the Lining Front aside and sew the Lining Back piece.
Sewing the Side to the Back
Next, we will sew the Lining Side to the Lining Back. To make life easier later, press under 3/8″ on one long edge. Then, baste the short ends together and stay-stitch the other long edge, as per the directions.
Now, the fun part. We match up each of the notches on stay-stitched edge of the Lining Side with the notches on the Lining Back. The Side’s seam lines up with a notch too.
Then we continue to pin the Lining side all the way around the edge of the Lining Back. Clip into the seam allowance (up to the stay-stitching) to ease it around the curves.
I know it is a sickness, but I love pins and this photo makes me giddy.
Once pinned, sew the Side and the Back together.
Very nice.
Totally worth all those pins, no?
Beautiful job. I never regret pinning…but have many times regretted underpinning. 🙂 Love the turquois polka-dots!
Thank you so much for this post! I was struggling with how to get my pockets to line up, fit, and have elastic at the top…and then I came across this post! Many thanks…I can now keep all my hair. 🙂
Really no matter if someone doesn’t be aware of afterward its up to other
users that they will assist, so here it happens.