Vinyl Front, Project Bag Tutorial for Cross Stitch Projects

[@jeannekenna8200]

This was the best vinyl bag tutorial that I’ve seen, and, believe me, I’ve watched them all. I now feel comfortable and confident trying to do this with your tutorial at my side. You are a wonderful teacher! Thank you for sharing your talent with us newbies to sewing!!

[@elizabethanncanstitch]

Oh yay, I'm so glad you found it helpful! Happy Sewing!

[@kimallard225]

Love it. I made one following your guidelines. Thank you so much. My Halloween Bag, looks fabulous. I love your teaching and demonstration style. Regards, Kim retired Maths teacher. X

[@juliehorne4269]

Hi Elizabeth if you put the paper that came with the vinyl under the vinyl when you sew it and it won’t stick to your work top or you can just use tissues paper hope that helps 😀

[@buckleberriequilts5132]

Yep...just place that tissue paper that comes with the vinyl between the vinyl and the machine/table surface.

[@eileengabrovic6084]

Yes, was just going to hint with the paper and vinyl. I also put it next to the binding on the Frank. The paper stops skipping and drag🌻🐾

[@eileengabrovic6084]

Front

[@gingerkessinger843]

Yes, and if the paper accidentally gets stitched in the seam, it will pull right off.

[@tarafell6301]

Good tip. Thanks.

[@EagerGoldenRetriever-fi8mv]

I really like that style of bag. Great work

[@TorunnRL]

Thank you so much, I made one today, watching you very closely, and repeated when needen :-) I am very proud of the result, and will absolutely make more. From Norway with love 🙂

[@elizabethanncanstitch]

Oh I’m so happy to hear that! Yay!

[@Ashton89Little]

Thank you Liz for the tutorial! I just successfully made my first bag! It turned out cute!

[@margofry8056]

I looked at several bag tutorials before I discovered yours and I am so happy that I did! I put your video up on my iPad in my sewing room and you walked me through the entire process, step by step. Never having put in a zipper before forced me to figure out which was the zipper foot for my machine and how to use it so it was a very positive leaning experience as well. Can't thank you enough, Elizabeth, for enabling me to do a project that I was unsure that I was capable of doing and which turned out so well. You are an excellent teacher!

[@beckyhautanen1774]

Your one piece backing binding technique is absolutely wonderful! Oh my goodness does that look much easier than the 2 1/2 inch strip business! Going to try on my next project bag...Thank you! Thank you!

[@nyneedleworker1032]

Best tutorial I've seen to make vinyl project bags😊 Wish I'd seen this one first.

[@elizabethanncanstitch]

Wow, thank you!

[@Shelekele]

I just made one! -- it is about 15 seconds old 😄... and I couldn't wait to THANK YOU for this tutorial! I already have a fabric project bag but always wanted a vinyl one. On my last trip to Walmart I bought a sad looking vinyl remnant for 62c ... found your wonderful tutorial and gave it a whirl, it's adorable! No more zip lock bags for me! I really like that there is no binding to fuss with and since I only stitch small cross stitch I was able to make it a smaller size. (now to make more!)

[@sharronyeates1255]

So nice to watch a tutorial that speaks to us as equals. No yelling, great descriptive tutorial. Feel I can do this. Thank you.😊

[@elizabethanncanstitch]

Oh thats so nice to hear, glad you found it helpful!

[@dinacolligan9366]

You are not just an excellent stitcher and sewer, but an excellent teacher as well! Great tutorial, thank you.

[@elizabethanncanstitch]

Thank you! 😊

[@IdRatherBeeStitching]

I just made my first project bag ever!! Thank you so much for this tutorial!! I'm not very good at sewing and I couldn't have done it without you!

[@suekay5353]

Great tutorial! I have made a few bags and found through trial and error that I like to add some light interfacing to the top zipper piece for added stability.

[@kellycrooks4061]

I have never done anything like this before, but your tutorial is so well done that I think I might actually be able to do it! Thank you 😊

[@lauraraczek6459]

One of the best project bag tutorials I’ve seen thank you!!

[@traceybennett8546]

Just made a bag yesterday using your tutorial. You explain the steps so well! Thank you! I love my new bag! I plan to make more!

[@elizabethanncanstitch]

awesome, thank you so much!

[@mishac6857]

This was fanstastic thanks. I made three today.

[@elizabethanncanstitch]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@deniseschneider2896]

Great tutorial. Love the backing that has the binding!,

[@corlissvargo1341]

You make it look so easy to make the vinyl front project bag. Now if I can borrow a sewing machine I think I would like to try to make one. I haven’t used a sewing machine in over 30 years so I’m a little nervous.

[@angelarhodes9948]

You are an amazing teacher!! Thank you so much for sharing your gift with us. I think I can actually make a project bag now. God Bless you!!

[@Alegria.penarth]

Great tutorial, the self binding is so quick, thank you

[@Molly-pb2yb]

Great tutorial! I made my bag in less than an hour with some of my favorite fabrics....strawberries and rhubarb!

[@elizabethanncanstitch]

Oh yay, I'm so glad! I love that fabric too!

[@sharonstroud8075]

Great tutorial! I use an extra piece of fabric between the vinyl and machine bed. Not sewn into bag, but allows vinyl to slide without needing to grip.

[@mouseboots46]

Can use the paper that came with the vinyl or dollar store tissue paper.

[@valeriethompson3539]

Excellent tutorial you’ve inspired me I’m going to sew a bunch of project bags for my cross stitch and quilt blocks. I live out in the country and it’s very dusty I have more dust in my house than outside 🤣 so the project bags will protect my work perfectly!!! Thank you!!

[@elizabethanncanstitch]

Oh thank you, have fun!

[@valeriethompson3539]

YW

[@karenevans6978]

I have watched many project bag tutorials and have learned something from them all. I have just followed your step-by-step and have made my best bag yet, THANK YOU!

[@elizabethanncanstitch]

Oh yay that is so nice to hear!!

[@elisareagan2731]

Great tutorial! I have found that using my Clover stiletto to hold the mitered corners down saved my fingertips and made those corners not so persnickety 😉

[@elizabethanncanstitch]

That's a great idea!

[@obragg1]

Thank you for the tutorial! Just made my first project bag, and it turned out pretty well! A few lessons learned, including not playing bobbin chicken. Ha, ha! I appreciate the time you put into your channel!

[@alisoncaronflyingfree]

Well Liz, I made my first project bag. My first mistake (which I only realized when finished) was using my inside fabric for the pieces around the zipper. Oops. I don't hate it. Everything else went really smoothly until I had to sew it all together. Ouf! This lady does not sew very well. The seam ripper came out a few times. It is far from perfect but I'm actually sort of happy with it. And I finally used some of my Blackbird fabric. Yay. So let me say, your instructions and video were perfection and I so appreciate you sharing with us. I will definitely use this tutorial again because I have learned so much from it and tried something new that made me happy. xoxo

[@elizabethanncanstitch]

Oh yay! Each one will get easier and quicker for sure!

[@PriviesandPrimsNeedlecrafts]

Great tutorial! I'm going to try making one this week.

[@janetevans1271]

Thank you for this great pattern. I’ve got to the age of 73 and still wary of zips! I’ve made 2 of these and will be making more ❤️ I did take a little triangle off each corner of the backing fabric making it easier to fold

[@cherylbreugger6624]

I am 77 and I learned a new trick from her also, I will now add those extra stitches to my mitered corners as well. I wish she had indicated what size needle she use on this project.

[@kristyross2591]

Great video! Very helpful - thanks for making the binding step look so easy. Tissue paper under the vinyl does help it slide along the sewing table. I’ve been waiting for this tutorial & can’t wait to make some vinyl-front bags!!

[@reniadavis5289]

Watching your project bag video, again. You have the loveliest way to explaining and never faltering during your explanations. Everything is so succinct. You could teach anything. 😻

[@elizabethanncanstitch]

Thank you so much!

[@disorderlystitcher]

I hadn't thought about using the zipper foot the entire time. Thanks so much for sharing!

[@mithrilstitcher]

ive never sewed anything before but i was able to make a project bag tonight!! shes a little rough around the edges due to my lack of sewing skill but shes functional and MINE so im very pleased with myself!! thank you for this tutorial!!!!! 😆🥰

[@katieagis4202]

You are a great teacher!!! Thank you so much for taking the time to walk us through this tutorial. I loved it and can't wait to make bags. I used your other tutorial and made a bag for me then one for my grand daughter and it was a great hit. Thanks again!

[@elizabethanncanstitch]

Oh yay I'm so glad!! Happy Sewing!

[@dragonflycait7184]

Bought my first one last week, and now I want to make my own. I’m addicted to the sight of them rather than my tote bag that I carry around…….

[@ginasexton9200]

I’ve watched several project bag tutorials, and yours is the one I’m trying! Thank you!

[@larrettamullen4023]

Excellent tutorial! I don't even sew. I cross-stitch and have an itch for English Paper Piecing, but zero inclination to use/sit at a sewing machine. And yet, I couldn't stop watching this video. My intent was to have this playing in the background (catching up on my subscriptions) while most of my attention was elsewhere, but I never took my eyes off of the screen. Two thumbs up! Stay safe and sane.

[@elizabethanncanstitch]

Aww I love that!! Thanks Laretta!!

[@myteeone8619]

One of the best demo I have seen for the vinyl bag. Love the binding as part of the back material.

[@elizabethanncanstitch]

thank you so much!

[@avaallen7117]

Thank you so much for this tutorial. You made everything so easy to understand. I told my husband I can finally put in a ZIPPER!!!!! Didn't mean much to him, but meant the world to me.

[@elizabethanncanstitch]

Yesss!!! Zippers aren't so bad right??

[@MichelleNaomiConner]

Im going to have to follow this tutorial to get a different way to make the project bags. For sewing on the vinyl of my other project bags I have made I use the tissue paper under the area when sewing the vinyl to help when sewing the vinyl onto the zipper parts

[@binaryfaerie]

Thank you so much for this tutorial! I've never really sewn anything but your instructions are so clear that even a newbie like me can do it! 😆

[@elizabethanncanstitch]

You are so welcome!

[@catzilla216]

nice job. looking forward to making this.

[@lizziejohns]

I bought the vinyl months ago but hesitated to start making the bag. Your instructions were so good, I’m going to start this afternoon. Thanks much.

[@elizabethanncanstitch]

Have fun!

[@sharonwhelanCALI]

You are a great teacher, Elizabeth! Thank you for your videos - so informative and highly entertaining with your fun laugh and beautiful smile; my husband agrees. 🌷🌷 (Nicola from Bumble Stitches recommended you).

[@lindabrown4992]

Love your video. I am making this project bag.

[@maryt2887]

This is a super easy and clearly described tutorial. I love the self-binding-much easier than strips of bias binding . I might suggest that you use a stiletto to hold the corners together while you sew them, or use a dot of basting glue to hold them in place. Thank you so much for sharing this project!

[@merribretz4932]

Thank you for making this video tutorial! I made 2 bags this afternoon! I’m so excited! I plan on making more!

[@cherryschiestel7203]

Loved this. I’m going to try it.

[@roxyburinda1864]

Job well done. You are a natural teacher. Not everyone is.

[@Dragon-Slay3r]

Sully 48

[@madscientist2782]

I love this tutorial, you are so easy to follow. One change I made was to the width of one of the bands for the zipper. I added 1 inch to make it 3 1/2 inches wide, length still 14 inches. When folded over it leaves a larger space to insert the vinyl and it stays better. What a great job you do with teaching. Love to watch you. I have learned alot.

[@elizabethanncanstitch]

Ah thank you so much! So glad you enjoyed it and made it your own way!

[@brontebenoit6181]

You are a natural educator, Liz. I feel confident that I could undertake this vinyl project bag pattern and master all of the components after a few attempts. A great gift idea!

[@rachaelb9164]

Omg the self binding looks so much better than using bias tape. I imagine stitching through vinyl twice makes it more prone to tears too so this makes more sense.

[@stitchingmaiden3976]

This tutorial is EVERYTHING, very clearly explained and demonstrated. In past years I made and sold bags on etsy and was never able to figure out the mitered corners so I laboriously HAND BOUND every bag, it was a nightmare. One watch of your video and I made 7 bags in one day! Thank you

[@Ariesspinn]

Thank You! this was so clear and concise. Happy Stitching.

[@fasertraume628]

Very well done and totally encouraging 😍 Thanks sew much for sharing this 👍💖

[@helenmerkis6420]

Love this tutorial. I just bought some vinyl and I will use your tutorial for my first bag. Can't wait. Thank you!!

[@wendybrown3123]

I found your tutorial after watching so many others and yours is by far the best! I have now made 19 project bags because of you! I can't seem to sew a straight line to save my life but I don't care, I love all my bags (I sew on a 1957 Sears Kenmore, in a cabinet that was gifted to me by a friend after his mother passed away. No zipper foot, but I made it work!) Thank you so much for posting your tutorial, it really made it possible for me to make my own. And also, when you showed how you use double sided tape to finish your pieces, GAME CHANGER. I've tried the hot glue gun, lost a few fingerprints. Lacing, ended up bleeding on a few project from jabbing myself with the needle. Tried your technique and it worked perfectly. Now I'll actually have some finished pieces to show instead of them hanging in my closet, Thank you so much for sharing your techniques and ideas with us.

[@elizabethanncanstitch]

Thank you so much Wendy!! I'm so glad you found the tutorial helpful and have made so many bags!! I love watching tutorials from other crafters and figured I could share how I do things too!

[@primrosecrossing]

What a wonderful tutorial! I probably missed it, but scotch tape on the bottom of a sewing foot works really well so it doesn't catch on the vinyl. It's good in a pinch for those that don't have a Teflon foot.

[@elizabethanncanstitch]

Ohh yes I have heard that trick! I just use my zipper foot so I’m always sewing just on my fabric pieces and not touching the vinyl!

[@terriwhisler8660]

Hey Liz…you rock. Thanks so much for this tutorial, you did a great job at explaining everything, I love the way you did the binding! This weekend will be my weekend for making project bags. Again, thank you for your sharing your time with us.

[@elizabethanncanstitch]

You are so welcome!

[@sarahpearson2851]

Best vinyl front WIP bag tutorial I've seen. Thanks for a great tutorial!

[@elizabethanncanstitch]

You are so welcome!

[@janicekirby9313]

Thank you. I struggle with making vinyl bags. I am going to follow your tutorial.

[@leciastevenson251]

I love your tutorials. You make the simple, so that I can understand. I want to make one. Thanks for sharing.

[@elizabethanncanstitch]

Thanks so much 😊

[@stitchingincostume]

Another great tutorial!! I have made the vinyl bags before but your clear instructions are so helpful! Thank you for taking the time to make one. Happy stitching!

[@elizabethanncanstitch]

You are so welcome!

[@lewnuh]

I know how to sew bags, but still love watching your tutorials, great job!! Love your fabric choices, as always!! 👍👏

[@elizabethanncanstitch]

Thank you so much, thats so nice of you!

[@kathyhaymaker840]

Thank you!!! I have the materials to make these but I couldn’t find the tutorial I watched to know the measurements!! Yours is perfect!! You do a wonderful job teaching!!

[@elizabethanncanstitch]

Glad I could help!

[@chrissykeller9236]

This was an excellent tutorial! I have limited sewing machine skills and was able to easily make a bag with your instructions. It turned out so cute and was so fun! Thanks for your help.

[@elizabethanncanstitch]

Oh yay! I’m so glad to hear that!!

[@cathydouglass4457]

Thanks sew much! I’m making one of these today! And can I just add that you have a great smile!

[@elizabethanncanstitch]

Oh thank you!

[@lindastevens76]

Thank you! It was excellent start to finish! I have now completed 3 bags, but your tutorial helped me complete my FIRST SUCCESSFUL ONE!

[@elizabethanncanstitch]

Wonderful!

[@allisonburgoyne5418]

I just got a sewing machine for Xmas. I've never used one in my life but I just managed to sew one of these bags! It's rough around the edges but I'm super happy with how it turned out. Thank you!!😁

[@elizabethanncanstitch]

Yay!! Have fun with your new machine!

[@carlalucas4284]

Thanks for showing how to miter the corners, I’m getting excited to make this bag💖

[@elizabethanncanstitch]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@beckyanderson856]

This tutorial is awesome! Making one for my sister for when we travel together!

[@QuerkieGal]

I agree with another commenter on this - this is THE BEST tutorial for this project bag - thank you for making this tutorial! It was so clear and easy to follow - I made 4 bags in two days, in 3 different sizes by just scaling the dimensions up. I used a couple different fusible products that I had on hand: a firm thicker fusible stabilizer (for handbags) and then a softer foam stabilizer called Bosal. Both worked well. Keep up the great tutorials!

[@elizabethanncanstitch]

Thank you so much! So glad you found it helpful! I’ve used the double sided fusible bosal since I’ve filmed this and it’s my favorite thing to use now!

[@QuerkieGal]

@@elizabethanncanstitch I know, I really LOVE the Bosal. It’s firm without being too stiff and gives the project bag just the right amount of structure. Glad you are enjoying the Bosal too!

[@rjp_crafts]

thanks so much liz. i finally made my first project bag using this tutorial. it was so helpful. my bag has lots of mistakes but as a first project on my machine i am so happy.

[@elizabethanncanstitch]

Oh yay I'm so glad!!

[@MamaEuny]

Thank you for this tutorial! I a really appreciate your clear instructions! I have a tip to help with corners. When I have a corner like that mitered corner, I use a bamboo skewer instead of having my fingers right under there. I do this for two reasons; safety first, and secondly, that little bamboo point can get right in there where my clutzy fingers can't. I used to use a sewing stiletto, but if the needle hits a metal stiletto, it will break. The bamboo skewer is much more forgiving. Again, thank you for your clear directions!

[@elizabethanncanstitch]

Thank you so much! I do use a sewing stiletto now since I've been making so many by Annie bags!

[@beckymitchellthestitchingn9859]

I just started my “Jolly July” with Kimberly at FQS! I began with making 4 ea. Christmas Project bags for my Christmas Cross Stitch Projects! Your video was great and very easy to follow. The only thing different I did was use a Peltex product instead of batting, I didn’t have any! Stitching Nana!

[@lindamcneely]

If you slip your tissue paper under the vinal it should sew without dragging.when sewing your binding around the corners if you have a stilleto it makes it sooooo much easier to hold it down. I sewed for years without one and now I wouldn't be without it. Have my pieces all cut out and ready to go! just waiting to get my vinyl. so excited. your binding is sooooooo much easier then the others I have seen. thank you. o.k. just stitched the vinyl and have one more hint for you" just trying to pay you back for your awsome vidios. if you open up the zipper and place the vinyl you can clip it all the way down assuring it will stay inside the casing. hope these help you as much as they did me. made it much less frustrating.

[@victorialopez526]

i just finished a bag today. i wished i would have watched your video first. i love my bag, but the binding 🤦🏻‍♀️! Your way is much simpler! Thank you.

[@elizabethanncanstitch]

Next time!

[@stephanieange8750]

Thanks for making such an informative and easily understood tutorial to make a project bag!!! I’m on it this weekend.

[@carmentaylor3706]

Thanks Liz, I love your tutorials especially your tutorial bags. How about a quilted front bag, for us that don’t quilt.

[@rosejackson8]

Thank you for sharing, This was a super easy to follow video and one of the best i have seen on floss tube!!

[@sallyacevedo99]

Thank you for such a clear and awesome tutorial! I just made two bags (and may make more today 🤭), and they went together perfectly. They are the PERFECT size!

[@elizabethanncanstitch]

Oh yay so glad to hear that! Thanks!

[@jackietrembley9827]

Thanks for the great video! I’m going to the sewing room right now to pick out fabrics!

[@heleneckard4119]

Great tutorial! Someone has already said this but just in case - tuck the paper from the vinyl between it and your surface. It will make stitching a lot easier.

[@thequiltjunkieTX]

This was the best tute that I’ve seen on making project bags and I love that it can be adapted to all sizes! Teach me more!!

[@elizabethanncanstitch]

haha thank you so much!! I'm sure i'll do more tutorials, but unfortunately my day job gets in the way of my youtube fun!

[@thequiltjunkieTX]

@@elizabethanncanstitch I totally get you! My job gets in the way of all my crafty adventures! 🙄🤣

[@kathypatterson9906]

You are a great teacher. Very clear and concise. Thank you!

[@elizabethanncanstitch]

Glad it was helpful!

[@carollee2513]

Excellent tutorial...I have watched a ton of project bag tutorials, and yours was the best! Well organized, to the point and nicely delivered. Good job! Thank you!

[@63deni]

Another great bag tutorial!!! I’ve made five bags off your last one and can’t wait to try this one. I think it also might make a great mother’s day present for my mom Sunday! I’ve recommended your other tutorial several times. You are one of my very favorite flosstubers!!!

[@macbeeshive4528]

Thank you so much for this video!!! It is so easy to follow along with. I purchased a project bag from Etsy before finding your video. It was a little pricey and took a month to get to me. For what I paid for that one I’ve now been able to make 8 and no waiting. 😊

[@elizabethanncanstitch]

Wonderful! So glad you found it helpful!

[@TheRetrogirl369]

Thank you. I can't get enough of bag tutorials.

[@elizabethanncanstitch]

Glad you like them!

[@rebeccaanderson3557]

This is the best project bag tutorial I have seen. It is a simple, step by step presentation that i could really complete! Thanks Liz!

[@elizabethanncanstitch]

Wow, thank you!

[@kathleen.rogers1442]

Thank you for the tutorial, this made sense to me!! I hadn’t seen vinyl put in a project bag like this before and I liked this way of doing it! Thank you again 😊👍🏻

[@elizabethanncanstitch]

Glad it was helpful!

[@lindaskinner5887]

Great project bag. Wonderful tutorial. Thank you for sharing.

[@marylourobinson2736]

Elizabeth I did it ! Not perfect but my bad for my first time - I need to practice straight lines😂thanks for the tutorial !

[@elizabethanncanstitch]

Yay!! Don’t worry each one gets easier and better!!

[@sherimcdonough663]

I will be making one today thank you

[@youngbloodsuz]

Thank you for a great tutorial! I’ve never sewn with vinyl before and the trick I found for sewing it was to lay a piece of fabric under the vinyl a couple of inches away from the needle so the vinyl laid on top the fabric and it slid through beautifully with no dragging. Thank you for a very clear tutorial. Suzette

[@jocropley]

If you leave the paper under your vinyl it slides easy .. Also try using zipper tape to hold you vinyl in place .. I like how you display what you're doing your easy to fallow . I find you easy to listen to and watch . Thank you

[@pamkucab1209]

Thank you so much for this tutorial! I made my first bag and put in my first zipper! You made it easy.

[@suesayer82]

Amazing tutorial, thankyou so much. I’ve just completed my first vinyl bag and I’m thrilled with it. Best tutorial ever 👍🏻

[@elizabethanncanstitch]

Yay! Thank you!