This is the third post for the Mom’s Minivan Organizer from On the Go Bags. If you are just joining, check out the intro post, and the first and second sew-along posts.
In this post, we’ll be assembling the lining and the removable divider!
You can find the instructions on page 107-108 of the book.
(This post contains affiliate links. Thanks for helping to support my business!)
If you haven’t already, please join the On the Go Bags Facebook group to share your progress and keep up with the details of the sew-along. We would love to see what you are making!
Make the lining:
The first step is to add the loop side of the hook-and-loop tape to the lining side panels. You can find the measurements on page 107 of the book. Make sure you follow the diagrams so that the spacing is correct for the hook-and-loop tape.
You can attach the hook-and-loop tape as described, or substitute snaps. I tried to use 3 plastic snaps on each side, but it ended up causing problems. Though the snaps went through the layers of interfacing, I could tell they weren’t going to be strong enough when a couple popped off. I removed them (not an easy process…) and added the hook-and-loop tape. I still think snaps would be great, but I would recommend using them only if you have access to an industrial snap press and longer than average snap studs. If you choose to use snaps, place the female sides of the snaps on the lining sides.
After you finish the hook-and-loop tape, you’ll stitch the 4 sides of the lining together and then attach the bottom as you did for the exterior. This should all be pretty straightforward, though the lining does start to get bulky by the time you get to the bottom. Just work slowly and try to wrestle the interfacing out of the way. You can always press it again to smooth it out when you’re done.
Make the divider:
You should have fused the stabilizer and interfacing to one of the divider pieces in the beginning. If you missed that part, go ahead and do it now. You’ll have to wrestle the interfacing a little bit to turn it right side out, but as I said above…just press it when you finish.
Use the measurements given in the book to create the flaps for the hook-and-loop tape. Apply the loop side (that’s the rough side) to the divider flaps. The flaps will fold opposite directions, forming a “z” shape. It helps to steam the creases. The loop tape goes on top and bottom of the “z”, facing the organizer lining. If you choose to use snaps, place the male sides of the snaps facing toward opposite sides.
Now that you have the lining finished, you can slide the lining into the exterior! I placed Wonder clips (which are so much easier for binding than pins!) around the top edge to prep mine for binding.
We’ll finish the binding on Thursday and I’ll post a link-up that will be open until the end of September…
P.S. If you still need a book, you can get one from Amazon or through C&T!