Ninja Note #1:
When you go to the store to buy fabric, you’ll see it comes wrapped around a long, flat rectangle piece of cardboard. This is called a bolt of fabric. There are typically about 8 yards of fabric that comes on a bolt. Fabric stores also sell pre-cut pieces of fabric called “fat quarters” and they measure 18” x 22”.
You don’t need to buy the entire bolt for this project! You only need a tiny bit. So, just find some pre-cut fabric or ask the nice person at the cutting table to cut a piece from a bolt for you. See above.
WARNING: Choosing fabric is by far the hardest part of any sewing project. There are sooooo many cute designs and styles out there. Choose wisely.
Ninja Note #2
Cutting your project accurately will make your sewing life run much smoother. So, take time to cut accurately.
I use a rotary cutter, which looks like a pizza cutter with a seriously sharp blade on it, and a self-healing cutting mat. This technique takes practice and caution, so be careful if you choose to try a rotary blade. You can buy both of these things at most big box craft stores like Joann Fabrics, Michaels or Hobby Lobby.
I get the most accurate cuts by using a ruler and rotary blade!
If you don’t have a rotary cutter and mat, simply use a ruler to mark your straight lines to follow and cut with your scissors. I like to mark with Taylor’s chalk. But seriously, no one is going to see the markings, so use what you have on hand – pen, pencil, or marker, but the kid’s crayons probably won’t do the trick (I’ve tried) . Just cut STRAIGHT. You’ll be happy you did in the end.
WARNING: Get in the habit of closing your blade protector on your rotary cutter. If you even brush against an open blade while it is sitting on your table, you’ll have one nasty cut that stings like a paper cut. Yuck.
Ninja Note #3
Most fabrics will have a side that looks right and a side that looks wrong. Some fabrics look the same on both sides.
The right side is the side of the fabric you want to see on the outside of your bag. It is more vibrant and shows the pattern or design more clearly.
The wrong side is the side that will be on the inside of your bag. It is usually more faded and looks like, well, the wrong side.
There is a lot of fabric out there where it is hard to discern one side from the other, like linen or solid fleece. They look the same on both sides.
WARNING: Sewing instructions will tell you when to place certain sides together before you sew, so its good to pay attention to your sides!