Do you know panel sewing?

When my supplier showed me the bag panels, I didn't hesitate long about the choice of patterns to offer in the shop and the one I was going to sew to present these gems to you!

So let's talk about these panels and especially how to use them. 

Panels: what are they?

Panels are:

- pre-cut fabric pieces in a standard size
- featuring a particular pattern (to place or not)
- allowing the creation of a complete project

The best-known panels are those used to make sweatshirts for which it is necessary to place the "large" pattern on the front. There are also panels to make jersey dresses, pajamas, skirts... in short, there is a lot of choice. 

The one that will illustrate my point is a bag panel. Here, no need to center the pattern because the whole panel is used! 

The bag panel I chose

The bag panel I chose consists of:

- 4 bag faces allowing to make a reversible bag or two (if using another fabric for the lining)
- pieces of handles
- the instruction manual printed in English, German, Dutch
- the assembly diagram
- the template to make the darts on the bag faces. 

I chose the most kitsch model: "I love Jesus". It reminds me of South American virgin statues covered in flowers, the atmosphere of Romeo and Juliet, my pious grandmothers, and the violet scent of drawers... in short, this choice was obvious! 

I chose to make two bags and use two fabrics for the linings. I selected two scraps of sergé from my personal stash. You can also use canvas, gabardine, denim... a fabric with body. 

Marie Hélène also fell for the Vermeer pattern and made a lined version. 

Materials needed to create your panel bags

- A bag panel of your choice

- matching thread

and lining fabric if you want to make two from the same panel (allow about 50cm for each lining). 

How to use the bag panel

1. Cut all the pieces on the drawn line
If you choose two bags: recut the faces 4 times in the lining fabric and cut the handles in half along the line separating the two patterns.
Recut the strap thus obtained in double in the lining fabric (you should have a total of 8 strap pieces).

If you wish, I recommend overlocking or zigzag stitching your pieces. 

2. Make the bottom darts of the bag using the template.

3. Make the handles.
If you choose a reversible version: fold the handle lengthwise right sides together and stitch the open length at 1cm. Turn the handle right side out. 
If you choose a two-bag version: assemble right sides together the patterned handles to their lining. Stitch both lengths at 7mm and turn. 

4. Assemble the bag faces of the same patterns by the bottom and sides (leave the top of the bag open).

5. Place the handles according to the marking defined in the instructions on each of the outer faces of the bag.

6. Place the outer bag and its lining one inside the other, right sides together (be careful to position the straps correctly during sewing so as not to catch them in the seam) and stitch at 1 cm. Leave an opening wide enough to turn the bag. 

7. Topstitch the top of the bag. This will close the hole used to turn the bag inside out. 

For my part, I chose to stitch at 5mm and at 1cm to create a double decorative topstitch. 

8. Ta-da! The bag is finished... Now all that's left is to show it off, do your shopping, store your projects... 

I am super happy with my bags that will follow me everywhere... but first, they will join the shop window where Lucienne and Simone (the two female mannequins) will enjoy them a bit even if Gaetan already took one to go shopping! 

And you, are you tempted by panels? Tell me in the comments if jersey panels would please you and if so, what type. 

So, get your needles ready!