Tutorial- Baby Bag Ribbon and Binding

This tutorial is for the 1930’s Baby Layette Pattern.  In this tutorial we will add ribbon to the center front opening and add binding around the top edge.  We will also attach the ribbons for the bow.

babybag

img_0670

We left off last time with the zipper attached to the center front with the seam allowance on the RIGHT SIDE of the fabric.

img_0671

Now you’re going to trim your seam allowance to underneath the zipper.  Leave a good amount so that it won’t unravel.  I trimmed this because I could see the green lining through the pink ribbon.

After trimming, pin your 1″ wide ribbon down the center front, as pictured.
img_0672

Then very carefully and slowly stitch the ribbon into place.  I sew the side with the zipper teeth first.  Be sure you give enough room for the zipper to open! Don’t place it too close to the teeth.  After stitching one side, smooth it all out so there’s no ripples then sew up the other side of the ribbon.

Do the same for the other side of the zipper.img_0673

After the ribbon is on it should look like this.  The ribbon should run all the way down to the bottom of the front of the piece.

img_0676

Now get your binding for the top of the baby bag.  I was not able to find the 2″ ribbon the vintage pattern originally called for, so I bought satin blanket binding and trimmed one edge down.  Since one edge is finished, I needed two inches of useable space, and added 1/4″ to the edge that would ravel to allow for a turn under.  Just save yourself the headache and find 2″ wide ribbon ;)

img_0677

Starting where the zipper teeth END, turn under the raw edge of the binding and pin it to place.

Since I have LOTS of tutorials for binding that I did for the 1940’s apron pattern I did not re-do tutorials specifically for this pattern.  Please use the technique here for bias binding + mitering outside corners, altering it as needed for the width of the blanket binding.

img_0678

When the top of the baby bag is bound, it should look like this.

Now we’ll add the ribbon bow.  Please note that decorative bows don’t meet the current childwear sleepwear standards so use the bow ONLY if you’re using it while your child is awake and is attended by an adult.

img_0679

Pin the ribbon like so, with the raw edges in toward the zipper and covering the join in the ribbon and binding. (sorry my stitching wasn’t more clean here)img_0680

Give it a stitch.  Trim it down to a little less than 1/4″, so you don’t catch the raw edge in the next step.

img_0681

Turn the ribbon back toward the front and top stitch 1/4″ from the previous stitch line, encasing the raw edge.

img_0682

Tie it in a bow!

Now just sew the bottom of the baby bag on, matching your notches, easing in the curves and finish the raw edge in your preferred way.

Ta da! Finished!

Comments are closed.

By continuing to use the site, you agree to the use of cookies. more information

The cookie settings on this website are set to "allow cookies" to give you the best browsing experience possible. If you continue to use this website without changing your cookie settings or you click "Accept" below then you are consenting to this.

Close