Gusset Assembly
- From lining fabric, cut one gusset upper and one lower gusset, each the same size as the outer fabric gusset pieces you cut in Lesson #1.
- Pin or clip each lining piece to the corresponding outer fabric as you’ll sew the lining and outer fabric as if it’s a single piece of fabric.
- For the water bottle or umbrella holder, cut a piece of stretch mesh 9” long and 5” wide.
- Finish top of mesh with fold-over elastic or ½” elastic. Secure with a zig-zag stitch. Either piece of elastic needs to be slightly (maybe ½-¾”) shorter than the width of the pocket.
- Baste or clip mesh to the bottom of the upper gusset.
- Sew the bottom of the upper gusset to the upper seam on the lower gusset.
- On my bag, I overlaid a piece of lightweight leather to the bottom of the bag. This is certainly not necessary and I’m not sure I’d do it the next time however I’m mentioning it because you’ll see it in future photos.
Inside Gusset Pocket (optional)
If you’d like a similar pocket on the inside, you can fashion it from a similar sized piece of stretch mesh, however make it about 6″ high. I placed mine higher than the outer pocket so the inside and outside pocket don’t compete for space when both are being used.
Of note, this gusset will extend from the top and bottom point where the strap is attached to the bag. In the next lesson you’ll create the zipper assemby which will attach to the top and bottom of this assembled gusset.
FabriCate & Mira 