Description
The Rafka Box is a structured zippered bag used for storage or carrying. The fully lined bag is reinforced with foam stabilizer. It features a removable wristlet carrying strap and a zipper closure. The bag opens fully into a work tray for easy access. While originally intended for a sock knitting project container, the Rafka Box also makes for a versatile storage container, cosmetic pouch, or hand bag.
The approximate finished bag dimensions are as follows:
- When zipped shut, the Rafka Box measures approximately 8 1/4 inches [21 cm] by 4 1/2 inches [11.4 cm] by 4 1/2 inches [11.4 cm].
- When open, the work tray base measures approximately 9 inches [22.9 cm] by 8 1/4 inches [21 cm].
The Pattern
The Rafka Box pattern is a digital PDF pattern. The .zip file includes 4 .pdf files. The first PDF includes 18 pages of computer drawn illustrations and instructions, It also includes 3 pattern file options with full size pattern pieces – at home printing (for letter or A4 papers), a copy shop file for A0 paper, and a pattern projector file. The file is available for download immediately after payment is processed.
Skill Level
This bag was written for an intermediate sewist. It assumes basic knowledge of applying and choosing interfacing, sewing straight and curved seams, topstitching, and working with heavy fabrics. Directions include installing a zipper on a curved seam.
Fabric Requirements & Notions
Fabrics
More yardage may be required for directional prints or fabrics with nap.
- Outer bag fabric: 1/2 yard [1/2 meter] of 42 inch wide
home decor fabrics, non-stretch bottomweight wovens like denim or corduroy, canvas, pre-quilted fabrics - Lining fabric: 1/2 yard [1/2 meter] of 42 inch wide
quilting cotton, or other medium weight fabric - Stabilizer: 1/2 yard [1/2 meter] of 20 inch wide
e.g. Pellon® Flex-Foam 77, ByAnnie’s Soft and Stable®, Pellon® Flex-Foam™ FF78F**, Pellon® Peltex 70 (for lofty outer fabrics) **If a fusible foam is used, the woven interfacing can be skipped for body of Rafka Box. - Woven fusible interfacing: 1/2 yard [1/2 meter] of 20 inch wide
e.g. Pellon® SF-101
Notions
- 1 zipper: nylon, #3-4 size teeth, 1 inch [25 mm] wide, and 22 inches [55 cm] or longer
- 1 D-ring, 3/4 inches [19 mm] » 1 swivel clasp, 3/4 inches [19 mm]
- coordinating thread
Supplies and Tools
- removable fabric marking pe
- sewing machine needles (topstitching or denim type, size 14 recommended)
- zipper foot
- hand sewing needle » straight pins, scissors, sewing machine, etc.
- OPTIONAL: 1/8 inch double sided sewing tape
- OPTIONAL: zipper jig
For recommended online retailers for purse hardware and zippers, check out the Rafka Box resource page.
What’s With The Name “Rafka”?
Why “Rafka”? The Rafka Box is name after St Rafqa Pietra Choboq Ar-Rayès, a lebanese nun who died in the early 1900s. Rafka is an alternate spelling of her name which is similar to the name “Rebecca”. St Rafka lived in an convent community which raised silkworms and made priestly vestments, and when an illness left her blind and bedridden, she continued to serve her sisters by knitting socks. When I designed this special project, I looked up the patron saint of knitting and came across her story. She isn’t the “official” patroness of knitting , but I feel like her story should be known. The kind of heart that still serves those she loves despite of suffering and illness is a beautiful heart indeed.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.