How to Add Depth to a Bag: Boxed Corners

[@joshuajames9224]

Yes, my first time making a bag, using a purchased pattern, was a learning event that took several weeks to grasp how to do it. I watch now to remind myself. I am a 68 year old man, in UK, have been sewing just over two years - still a lot to learn. Best thing that happened - KZbin videos. Many, many thanks.

[@beckynichols3832]

You really have a gift for simplifying instructions in conjunction with giving us detail. Thank you 😊

[@TockCustom]

Finally got to watch this video, excellent explanation! Thank you for taking the time to explain some pro level tips to help make boxed corners look more polished :)

[@fiercekittenz]

Very welcome!

[@jewelsfiber3804]

Thanks for your tips and techniques. I have been making bags for many years and I love the tape tip. I will definitely use that.

[@nottelling4205]

Being that you made this three years ago you may not see this but you did an excellent job of explaining and even told me why some of my corner have been off. I'll start using tape on them from now on

[@fiercekittenz]

Thank you! I keep an eye on comments for all videos :)

[@Piecemaker1623]

Great video. Loved the tip about keeping a stitch away from the edges.

[@macoroniandcheese8442]

Thank you so much for the tip! You’re a gem of a teacher 😍

[@noelleprairie]

Very clear explanation of box corners .. I learned a little trick YAY !!! Thanks for the video!

[@kelath5555]

You just saved my life with planning the lining for a plastic canvas bag I made.

[@anne-mariesteinmetz370]

Thank you for the MATH!! ❤

[@davecolburn1378]

Thanks for the calculations and explaining _why_ it’s best to _not_ stitch the corners at the end - I will take pride in non “pinched corner” boxed bags going forward (and will hide all evidence of prior bags 😁). As alway, great content, thank you.

[@jimmylayne2961]

pro trick: watch series at flixzone. Me and my gf have been using them for watching loads of movies lately.

[@marleyparker379]

@Jimmy Layne Definitely, I have been using Flixzone} for since december myself =)

[@darielthaddeus9739]

@Jimmy Layne Yup, been watching on flixzone} for years myself :D

[@RainorShine1]

​@@jimmylayne2961 what is flixzone an is it free? Never herd it before

[@countrymusicandwesties]

This video is so helpful. Now I know how to calculate the patterns for my purse organizers. Thank you.

[@linda.brotherton1689]

You are a very great teacher explaining everything you do ty💐

[@bethserran]

Thank you for sharing. I will watch your live tutorial.

[@ztd2845]

You are lovely. Thank you so much. My quest to find box corners has come to an end.

[@ocoutdoors2355]

I’ve been trying to figure this out in my head all day now.

[@RainorShine1]

Wow this make so perfect sense. Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge and explaining it do well

[@jlp6208]

Your instructions make sense. Thank-you for the drawing

[@nobracobra]

this is my fave way to create a boxed corner... tyfs

[@nz-nz]

Nice clear instructions thanks!

[@stellalunacloud]

super helpful! Thanks! I want to make a boxed corner and then put a thick strap along the boxed corners instead of on the face and back of the bag if that makes sense!

[@daisyhugs2024]

Thank You for this great video on how to box corners !!!

[@merxsa]

I like the tip of applying tape. Thanks for the great tips!

[@fiercekittenz]

I actually learned that one when I did more garment sewing! It’s how I kept my sleeves aligned with the side seams.

[@chubbylittlebunny]

This is an awesome tip! I have used Wonder Tape for attaching zippers, but never thought about using it like this...total game-changer! You are a wonderful teacher! Thank you!

[@maggiemae987]

The way I’ve seen boxed corners is after sewing bag match up corners (lining side) sew in however far you’d like and then cut the excess fabric off to a 1/4” away from sewn line. Which way is best or do they both work well? Also, I have never heard anyone explain about starting a stitch in so there’s no pinch. It really did make a difference in the final look of the bag. THX!!

[@corinapvalles949]

loved your explanation.

[@Wrightn221]

Thanks so much! I was able to get a perfect bottom because of you!

[@lorimurphy889]

ahh thank you now I am getting it

[@aewalker2010]

Thank you. The tape is a great idea.

[@joycelondon1639]

Thanks for sharing Atlanta Ga USA helpful 👀 next time

[@ShaynaKrause]

Thank you for this!

[@RainorShine1]

Also u can use glue stick and press with iron and it will stay too. I just learn this and i know it will help me puttin zipper into as zippers shift too

[@barbra429]

Can you please please give a lot more detail on the formula or the mathematics behind the Box bottom specifically how the Box bottom changes/affects the original height in width of the fabric.

[@Sueblueify]

I did some more research and found a good explanation for you at the Lazy Girl Designs blog on her website. Basically, you lose your desired depth in width and half your desired depth in height. W=bottom seam - depth. H= side seam - 1/2 of depth. You are taking the entire width off in one blow, whereas only 1/2 width on each side. Remember you are forming the bag bottom. So if flat is 19w x 16h Boxed is 15w x 14h x 4d (if using 4” for depth) :::: If you cut your squares out prior to boxing, cut them 1/2 desired finish. So if you want 4” in depth, cut out squares 2” If you don’t cut first, lay your ruler on corner @ 4” and sew seam

[@barbra429]

@@Sueblueify oh I'm sorry I just saw this comment. Thank you so so much for your explanation I really appreciate it.

[@Sueblueify]

@@barbra429 no worries I just wrote it but in the wrong place. I hope I helped you. I just got a custom order and was looking into this as well.

[@barbra429]

@@Sueblueify yes I'm going to sit down a little later and see if I can absorb it all thanks again

[@fiercekittenz]

Yup yup, pretty much what she said!!!

[@maryjohnson9680]

Thanks for this video. Can you explain how to keep from having a V design to bag after you create the boxed corners?

[@fiercekittenz]

You'll need to go from a rectangle shape to more of a trapezoid with the wider end being the top of the bag.

[@maryjohnson9680]

@@fiercekittenz Do you mean wider at the bottom?

[@maryjohnson9680]

Any chance you would do a visual for this ? Pretty please!

[@MosquitoMade]

so if you were to be doing a lined bag, would you do it the way you would normally (sew up the bag, the lining, then join and birth), or would the lining get sewn in with the exterior pieces? That is to say just sew the exterior and lining all in one operation

[@fiercekittenz]

You'd sew the lining separate of the exterior and leave a hole open in the bottom of the lining for turning.

[@paulinehawkswell7522]

Fierce Kittenz how is the lining tapered with a boxed corner

[@26gabraanna]

Nice tips

[@yoliemclaughlin9492]

Again, a great tutorial. I'm sorry that I have so many questions. When I've done my boxed corners, I notice that when I bring the ends together, they just don't meet right. It looks like I didn't cut it right. What gives? Thank you.😃💖

[@fiercekittenz]

Usually that happens if you didn't stick to the right seam allowance.

[@Steph_Manzuris]

Great.... now I'm wanting a grilled cheese sammich. Thanks FK... 🤣🤣🤣

[@lindaphillips1481]

Perfect explanation!! Can I run something by you to double check ... I need a cover with a 13" boxed top for a podium cover. (It will side down over the top.). So I need to cut the fabric 13" (body)+ 6.5"+.5" + 6.5" + .5" = 27" x height of podium. Sewing with a 1/2" seam, box should come out at 13"? Thanks for looking this for me.

[@sharonmaue6812]

I love your videos! Do you have a formula for the trapezoid that would create a more boxy rather than triangular shape after boxing the corners? Thanks for all your help.

[@nobracobra]

not sure if this is right/wrong, but since i am sew new to sewing, i use fabri-tac on my seams etc. a cpl dots will do ya.

[@fiercekittenz]

Nothing wrong with that! I’d be wary of using Fabritac with vinyls though. Sometimes it eats right through it :(

[@mskss9411]

Hello👋🏾. Have you ever tried it with putting the fabric on a fold so you do not have a seam at the bottom and do not have to worry about lining up seams? I’m in the middle of a project that I’m trying that out. I will find out if it’s a good idea or not 😊

[@fiercekittenz]

Yes, but depending on the bag size, it can be a bit cumbersome to cut out.

[@sehryn]

I want to know is there a formula for the boxed corner that will make a perfectly square base? Ive seen heaps of boxed bags but can’t find one that describes how to get a perfectly square bottom - for toy bags etc I know I could sew a square into the bottom. But I don’t want to. Boxing the corners is so much easier. If only I could work out how to work out how to get a square base

[@fiercekittenz]

Do you mean to make the entire body square versus just the bottom? To do that, whatever you cut away from the side to indent the square for the bottom seam, you'll want to add back to the top. So if the top of the square cut into the side is 2" then you'd want to add 2" to the topmost seam and draw a diagonal line from it to the outer corner of the square.

[@laurensplompen]

I notice when you do reverse stitching, most of the time you press the reverse lever while the needle is up. On my domestic machine, this causes issues because the shifting feed dogs move the fabric. So I've learned to bury my needle, press reverse, stitch, bury needle, let go of reverse. Might be different on a walking foot machine.

[@fiercekittenz]

Oh yeah, on this industrial I don't have to do anything like that. My M7 (domestic) automates all of the needle work for me. I'm trying to do tutorials on both machines, because I worry that if I do too much on the industrial, it'll alienate people into thinking they HAVE to get one.

[@glad1948]

how much height was reduced by boxing the bottom? should that be added before cutting the fabric?

[@fiercekittenz]

Very good question! Yes, you'll reduce your height by the amount of the box's size, so you'll want to account for that in the final pattern. This was one of my older videos. I've learned to cover more bases since. I should do a follow-up video to this one that explains it better.

[@barbra429]

Do you have a video on how making a box bottom affects the height and width of a tote?

[@barbra429]

Help, anyone.

[@Sueblueify]

Spencer Ogg discusses this in her box corner video

[@barbra429]

@@Sueblueify Which video specifically are you referencing? I want to know if I am making a tote and I want the final dimensions to be 15w x 16h x 4 deep, what size will I cut the front and back panel and how much would the height and width be decreased...what if I wanted the same size but with the box depth being 2 deep. I know there is a formula/math for this. I have searched KZbin for a long time. There are many videos on how to create different types of boxed bottoms, but no explanations behind what happens mathematically or geometrically. Cutting out that box at the bottom changes the original dimensions. Hope this makes sense. I would be ever so grateful if anyone can help me to understand this.

[@Sueblueify]

@@barbra429 I answered at your post above

[@barbra429]

@@Sueblueify okay I'm going to watch the video again

[@stufool]

fiercekittenz: I have a question. How do I build a bottom boxed corner without it tapering in at the bottom. I need to have the width of the box the same from top to bottom. Thanks! TJB

[@fiercekittenz]

You need to taper outward from the bottom right and left edges to the top right and left edges to make it look more straight after putting in the boxed corners. It should have a slight V-shape.

[@BeautifulOaks]

Do you have any thoughts or designs on a folding or pleated bottom? I was sewing a lined grocery tote when I realized the exterior, vertical pocket for the phone was sewn almost an inch too low for a boxed French seam😂. I’m thinking and looking for some options... Thanks.

[@fiercekittenz]

Oh, you mean sewing straight lines down and then just folding in the corners? You can totally do that! I mean, it might be a bit hard to sew them once the bag is "done" only because of how deep some of these totes can get, but it can be done. A lot of people will just hand sew the folded up corner, but then you have the extra fabric just flapping around at the bottom. That's ripe for picking up dirt and trash though.

[@BeautifulOaks]

@@fiercekittenz oh, wow! Thank you for the heads up on that option ‘ripe for picking up trash...’ I went ahead with the French seam and missed the pocket by that inch. The grocery bag looks cute and useful.

[@2Peachcobler]

Great demo. Where do you get you leather tape from? I'm looking for a new tablet would you mind telling me what one you were using in the demo and what you like about it/ don't like?

[@fiercekittenz]

The leather tape I just get off of Amazon! Here's the link to the 1/4" www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01AX8DDB6/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 For the tablet, It's the iPad Pro 12.9". I love it. I use it primarily for sketching and planning, plus a touch of note taking here or there. It's pretty big, but I need the extra space so my wrist isn't falling off the side.

[@AnonymousAmyMakes]

I have a question about boxed corners. I always see zippered pouches/bags with boxes corners. But the bag tends to look triangular shaped when finished. Is there a way to keep the sides straight instead of flaring out? I hope you understand what I mean. Thanks!

[@yingli3280]

Can you tell me what kind of thread you use when sewing bags with your continental M7? Thank you.

[@vksdub7185]

So I've seen this a few times in tutorials and I'm confused by it. Why do a half inch sa when you're just going to trim it down by a quarter inch? Why not just sew your sa a quarter inch to begin with? Not asking to be rude just srsly confused by it and cannot find the reasoning why.

[@fiercekittenz]

No it's a GOOD question. So bags have a looot of layers at times and it can be fussy to try to line it all up, especially once you start using fleece or foam. The larger seam allowance is to give you that wiggle room so you don't have to worry about missing any of the layers with the construction stitch.

[@chaurielle]

Great videos! New sub 🥰

[@Twistin3]

Is there a way to make these without a seam on the bottom of the bag?

[@fiercekittenz]

Yes, but it will be a HUGE fabric cut.

[@Twistin3]

@@fiercekittenz that’s ok! How would I find a pattern like that? Is there a specific name to search?

[@fiercekittenz]

@@Twistin3ouf, I'm not sure! The one I used in this video I just made on my own. You'd just need to take that piece, duplicate it, then put it bottom-to-bottom and tape it together then cut out one big piece.

[@TrishMeyer99]

@@Twistin3 I just made a little phone bag pattern that did not have a seam on the bottom. If your pattern is not like that, I would print the pattern piece twice, trim off the seam allowance, flip the second piece and tape it to the first. (Or with thin fabric you could cut on the fold.) Be sure to notch the midpoint well so you know where the bottom is. But I find it actually helps to have a seam on the bottom for lining up the seams and getting a good boxed corner, so next time I would make my pattern with the seam! And remember that if your fabric is directional, not using the seam means the direction is right on one side and wrong on the opposite side.

[@cornwasher]

I watched someone do the same thing, but they simply sewed the corner on the inside of the bag at a bias leaving the corner projecting inward after the bag was turned right side out. Yeah, it's cheating, but faster.

[@fiercekittenz]

Interesting!

[@aksotha]

If your gonna cut a 1/4” from the seam why sew a 1/2 “, couldn’t you just sew a1/4” to begin with

[@fiercekittenz]

Actually a super good question! Basically if you do a 1/4" you don't really have a lot of wiggle room when working with a lot of layers. You may not catch everything in the seam, so a lot of patterns have you do 1/2" and then trim it down. Gives you a lot of room to work with.

[@gloriamorales6549]

Love your videos!