Amy Butler's Style Stitches: 12 Easy Ways to 26 Wonderful Bags by Amy Butler

or 12½″ (31.8 cm) (for large bag) edges. Place the center pocket in between the lining panel, matching the left side edges. Note: The center pocket is not as wide or as long as the lining panel, which will form the sides and bottom of the Wristlet.
    b. Place the top edge of the center pocket ⅝″ (1.6 cm) down from the top edge of the lining panel and pin down the left side edge. Stitch a ¼″ (0.6 cm) seam down the pinned edge. Backstitch at each end.
    c. Next, make the gusset. Move the center pocket to one side out of your way. Match the side seam to the bottom center crease, forming a triangle in the corner. Measure 1″ (2.5 cm) in from the point along the seam and make a mark. Draw a straight line across the corner at the 1″ (2.5 cm) mark. Pin them together. (See Figure 1 on page 134 .)
    d. Stitch along the marked line, creating a gusset. Backstitch at each end. Trim the corner to create ½″ (1.3 cm) seam allowance.
    e. Pull the right side edge of the center pocket over and place it ⅝″ (1.6 cm) down from the top edge on the Right side of the lining panel. Pin in place. Stitch a ¼″ (0.6 cm) seam down the pinned edge. Backstitch at each end.
    f. Repeat steps 10c and lOd to make the gusset on the other corner of the lining panel.

11 ATTACH THE EXTERIOR AND LINING PANELS.
    a. Fold the top edges of the exterior panel ½″ (1.3 cm) toward the Wrong side, and press. Then, fold the top edge of the lining panel ⅝″ (1.6 cm) toward the Wrong side, and press.
    b. With the Right side of the exterior facing out and the Wrong side of the lining out, slip the lining inside the exterior, placing the zlppered lining pocket to the back of the bag (the side with the flap). Match the top folded edges and pin them together.
    c. Note: The exterior of the bag is facing out; stitch on the lining side, laying the center pocket flat and out of your way as you stitch up to it on each side of the bag. Be patient and go slowly, and you will get great results. Starting on the front side of the center pocket on one side of the bag, edge stitch Vs” (0.3 cm) from the top edge across the side and around the front, stopping at the front of the other side of the pocket. Backstitch at each end.
    d. Starting again at the back of the pocket, edge stitch ⅛″ (0.3 cm) from the top edge across the side and along the stitching that attaches the flap and stop at the back of the other side of the pocket. Backstitch at each end. Fold in the side edges and press the bag flat. Note: If you have difficulty stitching up to the center pocket, stitch as close as you can and then hand stitch the remaining edges together.
    Your Everything Wristlet is complete! Everyone will wonder, “Is it a bag or a wallet?”



DIFFICULTY / EXPERIENCED
PROJECT: 11
TITLE: Miss Maven Ruffled Handbag
    With sassy handles and pretty ruffle trim, this bag is an absolute knockout. its attributes include a faux bottom for a little extra support in just the right place. The small bag makes a charming notions keeper or a roomy purse for a romantic evening out; use the large bag for the gym, beach, or weekend travel. The Miss Maven will put style back into your routine.

FINISHED SIZES
Small bag
    18″ (45.7 cm) wide at the bottom × 15½″ (39.4 cm) tall × 3½″ (8.9 cm) deep
Large bag
    21½″ (54.6 cm) wide at the bottom × 17¼″ (43.8 cm) tall × 3½″ (8.9 cm) deep
FABRICS
From 44″ (112 cm) wide light- to mid-weight fabric
For small bag:
    • 1 yd (0.91 m) of one print for the exterior main panels
    • 1 yd (0.91 m) of a coordinating solid for the exterior handles and ruffles
    • 1⅝ yd (1.49 m) of a coordinating print for the lining
For large bag:
    • 1⅛ yd (1.03 m) of one print for the exterior main panels
    • 1 yd (0.91 m) of a coordinating solid for the exterior handles and ruffles
    • 1⅝ yd (1.49 m) of a coordinating print for the lining
OTHER SUPPLIES
    • 2⅞ yd (2.63 m) of 20″ (50.8 cm) wide fusible woven interfacing (I use Shape Flex