**Amy Butler Chelsea Tote**

Chelsea Bag Tips:

• I have read some about not marking on the outside of the fabric, as Amy suggests, and I am inclined to agree with Amy with stipulations. I used a water      soluable marker and mark on the outside and then spritz it with a water bottle afterwards and it all turns out great. Some are of the mind that you would need to wash the bag afterward to get the marker off. That is silly and I am not about to wait for the bag to dry after making it (which is their argument) just spray it lightly and it disappears and you and you bag are good to go.
• FRAY CHECK- buy some and use it! I used it along my cut lines before top stitch the handles and then again in the corners after stitching. However, I have a suggestion on the handle too, if you will read below, but if you follow the directions to the “T” then use the fray check as suggested above.
• Fabric glue. On my next Chelsea, I would use fabric glue to keep the handles in check (or basting, if you prefer) and then construct the bag as instructed      without topstitching the handles. So once you get to the part where you are attaching the reversible side to the outer side their will be no stitching on your handles. Then you top stitch around the top of the bag to finish it off, then you hand stitch the handles together. I feel that this will insure that your handle have a nice clean look. I cannot get both of mu topstitching to match up and couple the fact that I am matching up handle holes at the same time. This will cut down on stress and guarantee a nice finish.

These are my tips and overall I thought this was an excellent pattern and turned out a great finish product that I am constantly getting compliments on. It makes a great knitting bag! I made it out of Moda Uptown by Erin Michaels.

 

Please Check out this excellent Tutorial for cut out handles!

 

 

Comments

[Stacy]

That bag looks fantastic!!!

On the marking pen issue. I found a new one - it's made by Marvvy. It's got a purple fabric marker on one side and the other is white and makes the mark disappear! You can also iron over the purple marks and it won't heat set in the color. It's wonderful!

[Kris]

YIPPEEE!!!! You made the chelsea! I'm psyched for you Tara - looks perfect :)

[erica]

I absolutely love your Chelsea bag. I just discovered Amy Butler and her patterns on Saturday. I found your website through a search for finished Chelsea bags. You're so inspiring and helpful as I start my bag. I'll definitely get some fray check for the handles.