FREE SERGER PROJECT

Shoe bags are a great way to protect your clothes from "dirty bottomed" shoes when packing for a trip. Each bag will hold one man's shoe or a pair of women's shoes. Finished size is 8" x 16 1/2".

MATERIALS NEEDED FOR TWO SHOE BAGS:

• one 36" x 18" piece of soft fabric ( like flannel, brushed nylon, or soft cotton).
• 1 1/4 yd. cord or ribbon.
• Thread for serger to match or blend with fabric.

CUTTING INSTRUCTIONS:

1) Cut fabric into two 17" x 18" pieces.

2) Cut cord or ribbon into two equal lengths. Tie knots in the ends.

SERGING INSTRUCTIONS:

1) Set up serger using scrap of fabric to adjust tension. A balanced 4 thread stitch works well with flannel using woolly nylon or polyester thread in all positions.

2) Seam allowances are 1/4". Casing is 3/4".

3) Serge from the top corners ( where the casing will be ) for 1 1/2" down each of the 18" sides. Barely trim the fabric.

4) Fold top edge of fabric to the wrong side to form a 3/4" casing.

5) Fold the entire casing to the right side and serge carefully over the edge of the three layers so that you don't cut the fabric.

6) Fold fabric right sides together, casing at top.

FOR SQUARE BAG:

7) Serge across the bottom and off the edge, barely cutting fabric.

8) Serge from the bottom to the beginning of the previously serged 1 1/2" section at sides of casing. Be sure to stitch over the tails of the casing seam, but leave an opening for cord insertion. Tie off the thread.

9) Turn right side out and insert cord into casing. Tie knots in the ends of the cords.

FOR ROUNDED BOTTOM BAG:

7) Cut bottom corners into curves.

8) Start serging from curve on the folded side, barely cutting fabric. Follow curve around the bottom and up the side. Stitch over thread tails of the casing seam, but leave an opening for cord insertion. Tie off the thread.

9) Turn right side out and insert cord into casing. Tie knots in the ends of the cords.