The biggest problem with duplicating this technique with an ITH project is size.  When you sew a bag from scratch, you can easily size it to the candy wrapper.

ITH zips come in predetermined sizes and are not resizable by normal means because it will throw off the dimensions for the zipper and will distort any rounded corners. If you digitized the bag yourself, you can work around these issues by moving areas in or out but it’s still a hassle. And besides, what if you don’t digitize?

I came up with a better solution and to copy it, you’ll need some graphics software to create your “candy wrapper” to print on printable fabric. I’m using Photoshop, so I’ll briefly explain how I adapted the images for my Tootsie Roll bag.

You don’t need Photoshop. There are free alternatives out there. I’ve just been using Photoshop since it was introduced with the Barneyscan and it’s what I know how to use.

START WITH AN ITH BAG DESIGN

I used one of the 5×7″ designs from Sew Simple In-the-Hoop Zippered Bags.

These bags are all completed in just one hooping and all have some quilting on the lower front panel. I edited this quilting out in software by selecting that color block and deleting it. You could also just skip that color change at the machine.

My preference is to prepare the design on my computer so I don’t have to remember to do funky weird steps at the machine (because I usually forget…).

Note: The 10 variously sized bags in Zip ITH Vertical Bags are all unembellished, which makes it easier for you to customize as you desire without having to removing anything else before starting. I wanted a horizontally oriented bag for this project.

NOTES ABOUT ITH BAG CONSTRUCTION

There are several ways to construct an ITH single zipper bag and each one has its pros and cons.

I do prefer the method I used on Zip ITH Vertical Bags but that one does require a bit more fabric and more steps, which tends to confuse those who don’t closely follow the instructions. That bag is completely finished once you finish turning it right side out.

This bag has a more streamlined construction but the downside is exposed stabilizer and embroidery (if you embroider the front panels) on the inside plus you have an opening that must be closed after turning right side out. Neither of those are deal breakers for me on this project.

I’ve also made some design choices that require a bit more work than just slapping pieces of fabric into the hoop to create the bag:

• I’ve custom designed and printed my fabric.
• I’ve made a small loop for a swivel hook (you could use ribbon or strapping).
• I’ve pieced on the lining for the two front panels instead of using folded over fabrics.
• I’ve made a back pocket with contrasting lining exposed along the top edge.

None of these steps are difficult and you can certainly construct the original bag with no extra out-of-hoop sewing.

In other words, just because a project is labeled “in-the-hoop” doesn’t mean the entire project is completed with no outside the hoop preparation or finishing.  And even if it can be done that way, there may be instances where you prefer a little of your own customizing, as I’m doing here.

ADJUST THE IMAGE SIZES

OK, this is this tricky part if you aren’t graphics savvy.

To size my images, I opened the PDF template for the front of the bag in Photoshop (be sure it opens at actual size).

Next I placed my large Tootsie Roll logo image and sized it proportionately to fit the lower front panel. I want to make sure the outer red-orange stripes are within the stitching lines indicated on the pattern layer.

You’ll notice there’s a lot of free space around the image so I used the marquis tool to select some background and extend it. On the sides, I only extended the red-orange stripes out to the cutting line.

On the top and bottom, I extended the image beyond the cutting lines by another quarter inch for a little extra fudge factor.

I didn’t do that on my first sample and since I added fleece between the fabric layers on the front, my seam allowances on the bottom were on the skimpy side.

I’ll use the other image I chose for the back panel or maybe a pocket on the back. Open this image and do any necessary resizing or cropping. (I resized by adjusting the resolution.)

MAKE THE BAG!

I like to cut all my pieces neatly and have them ordered for placement before stitching.

For my first sample, I use fleece in place of batting. It gave me more loft than I really wanted so on my second sample, I simply interfaced all the outer fabric pieces with a fusible interfacing. I prefer the added structure the interfacing provides for my finished project.

Full instructions are included with the Sew Simple In-the-Hoop Zippered Bags set so I’ll skip all that part here.

Here, you can see my zipper is in and I’m ready to add the back pocket and linings for the last bit of stitching. These stitch up really fast! Do take your time on the first one so that you have a successful result.