Tips & Ideas for Making Your Mondo Bag
Want to make sure that the same fabrics aren't next to each other when you sew your bag together? Check out our download that shows you how to check!
Looking for a different layout for your Mondo bag? Check out this Mondo bag design layout from Nancy Arico!
1. Planning your fabrics: The Mondo Bag is a patchwork-style bag, you have so many options to be creative making your own bag! Pull out your scraps and have fun with a scrappy look. Or, sort your scraps into a coordinated palette, like shades of blue, brights, or batiks. Make it yours!
2. Purchase charm pack: To make it super easy for a coordinated look, purchase 5" precut charm packs. The fabrics in a precut pack will coordinate nicely together. Cut the squares in half both directions to make 2-1/2" squares. Or, buy mini charm packs that are already cut at 2-1/2".
3. Press as you go. After you sew all of the squares in one direction, using your pressing sheet, press the seams before you sew the other direction. This keeps the bag panel flat and the seams line up nicely.
4. Stay organized. Layout your interfacing on a board (or even a piece of muslin or flannel) and play around with your fabrics. Refer to our design sheet to make sure that you don't have two of the same fabrics next to each other. Move your squares around until you are happy with the color flow and balance before committing with pressing! The board (or muslin or flannel) makes it easy to carefully take to your ironing station.
5. Use a Walking foot. If you have a walking foot, it makes it easier to sew through the layers with an even feed, reducing puckering.
6. Add extra stability. If you want your bag to stand up better, consider adding a layer of fusible batting to the back of the patchwork bag pieces, or use foam stabilizer inside the bag. This will make the bag more structured.
7. Customize your handles. The Mondo bag pattern uses fabric handles. Have some fun and personalize your bag with leather straps, rope handles or webbing for a different look!
8. Make it reversible. Choose a pretty fabric for the lining and take extra care with your finishing. Then, your Mondo bag can be flipped inside out for a whole new look!
9. Personalize with extras. Add a magnetic snap, add inside pockets, or even a key leash! Small touches from your favorite bags with make it more practical and useful for you.
10. Have fun and be creative! From your fabric choices, to handles and other personalization - make it yours!
Additional resources: Pattern Update 2018, Pattern Update 2015
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