Choosing fabric and interlining for the Noodlehead Oxbow Tote
If you’re thinking about making the perfect overnight bag, but you’re not sure where to start, then this is the blog for you!
Here at Tuesday’s Child Fabrics, we have road tested the Noodlehead Oxbow Tote with various fabric and interfacing/interlining options to help you find the combination that works for you.
With a bag pattern like the Oxbow Tote, initially you have a choice about what size to make. The pattern comes in regular and overnight size.
The finished measurements for the regular size are approximately: 15 inches wide x 5 inches deep x 12 inches tall (that’s 38cm x 13cm x 30cm). In comparison, the overnight size comes out around 18 inches wide by 7 inches deep x 14 inches tall (46cm x 18cm x 36cm).
In the image above the lemon print fabric was made into the regular size, the other three into the overnight size.
Having used the overnight size for three trips this spring, I can say that it really is the perfect size for a night or two away. The regular size is, in my opinion, ideal as a large handbag for a day out, but would likely be a squeeze (well it would for me!) for an overnight trip.
The main handles of the bag are a good size for carrying by hand, or looping over your forearm. They are a touch short if you think you might want to carry this bag over your shoulder. It’s a balance though, because if they were any longer it would mean the bag might drag on the floor when held lower.
The pattern includes a handy adjustable cross body clip on strap, which has worked well for me when navigating public transport too. A note on the cross body strap connectors. These are reasonably securely sewn into the side seam of the bag, and with reinforced stitching they have held up well for me so far.
However, Anna at Noodlehead has put together a YouTube video about an alternative method if you think you’re likely to be packing this bag really full and want to make sure it can handle the weight.
So, what about the features of this bag? We LOVE the style of the slanted straps across the body of the bag. On the front of the bag, this edges the pocket.
The pocket itself is the perfect opportunity for a contract fabric, or perhaps you’ll keep it matching the body of the bag. The pocket can be left as a simple slip pocket, or you could use a snap, magnetic snap or even a turn lock to keep the contents secure.
The curved top edge of this fully lined pocket is a nice design feature – something that Noodlehead patterns are known for!
Inside the bag, there is a large simple slip pocket too. Left as one single opening, this could fit a small laptop. Or split the pocket into two or three openings, for organising items in your bag. In one of our sample bags, we have switched out the slip pocket for a zipped pocket. The joy of bag making really is that you can very easily personalise your project to suit you!
Let’s have a look at the different options for interfacing/interlining. In the four bags pictured in this post, we have made two using fusible fleece, one with Style-Vil foam and the other is quilted using two layers of batting. Depending on your outer fabric and the combination of the interlining choice, you may end up with a bag which stands tall and proud on its own, or you may have one with a more slouchy and relaxed looking finish.
The black canvas overnight size bag stands up by itself, and holds it’s shape wonderfully. This has been made using the Style-Vil foam and also G700 interfacing on the lining pieces. The canvas used for this project is a medium weight (230gsm) with quite a soft handle. The Bedford Cord in contrast is heavier weight (350gsm), and for this version we used fusible fleece on the outer, and G700 on the lining pieces. For the black floral version, we used quilting cotton for the outer and quilted this with two layers of batting (a tip from Noodlehead!) and then constructed the lining as normal. This bag is soft, yet has lovely structure still. The bonus of this fabric choice is the wonderful range of fabulous quilting cottons to choose from! All three of these bags have been made in the overnight size.
The final bag of our set has been sewn using a mid-weight cotton canvas (260gsm) and fusible fleece for the outer and again G700 for the lining pieces. For all of the 4 bags, we used quilting cotton for the lining.
I think my favourite is the Bedford Cord/Fusible fleece combo. It has a more slouchy structure, but feels robust and hard wearing. For a bag that’s going to see the floor of many a train station, that feels important!
You have the option with this bag to use a contrast fabric for the base, or to use something more hardwearing for the base. For the quilted version, we opted for faux leather on the base, which is then quilted to a layer of Deco-Vil for a nice solid bag base. With the others, we opted for self fabric, and used a couple of different quilting designs, because, well why not!
All of the fabrics used are currently available in the shop, along with lots of other options. We also stock hardware packs for the Oxbow Tote. These packs are available in various colour finishes, and include matching hardware items needed for the bag but leave you the option to choose the zip that works for your project. If you opt for one of our double pull zippers, I recommend trimming one end so that you don’t have a metal stop. This will make topstitching your bag much easier!
If this sounds like the perfect bag for you, why not check out our Oxbow bag making kits? They come with the pattern, or if you already have the pattern you can choose to get the kit without.
We can’t wait to see what you make, and we love it when you tag us on social media too! If you’re on Instagram, don’t forget to tag us with #TCFMaker so we can join in the fun too.
The latest release from the ever-popular Noodlehead bag patterns, the Oxbow Tote is the perfect bag to take you on overnight trips.
The pattern comes with two sizes; regular and overnight. It lends itself to being amde from cotton canvas and quilted fabrics. Or perhaps you’d like to try waxed canvas?
This versatile bag features a zippered top, a reinforced base and internal slip pockets. It’s an intermediate sewing pattern.
This Cloud9 Fabrics quilting cottong is from the Easy Weekend range.
This fabric is ideal for bag linings, or to use with wadding for a quilted bag.
The dark background withfloral designs is a great accompaniment to other fabrics in the range.
Part of our core range, this mid weight cotton canvas is perfect for all types of bag making.
Plain colours leave you to add the creative flourish to make your bag truly unique.
G700 is one of the most popular woven fusible interfacings for bag making, dressmaking and general sewing. Made from 100% cotton, it adds stability and structure while allowing your fabric to retain its natural drape.
Unlike non-woven interfacings, G700 behaves like fabric, making it ideal when you want support without adding unnecessary stiffness. It's a favourite for bag makers and is often chosen as an alternative to Pellon SF101.
Key Features:
100% cotton woven fusible interfacing
White
Medium weight
Iron-on adhesive backing
Soft, stable finish with excellent drape
Suitable for lightweight to medium-weight woven fabrics
Machine washable once applied
Approx. 90cm wide
Perfect For:
Bag making
Purses and pouches
Tote bags
Shirt collars and cuffs
Waistbands
Facings
Home décor projects
Quilting and craft sewing
How to Apply:
Place the adhesive side against the wrong side of your fabric. Cover with a damp pressing cloth and press each area for around 10-12 seconds without moving the iron. Allow the fabric to cool completely before handling to achieve the strongest bond.
As with all interfacings, we recommend testing on a fabric scrap before starting your project.
Ordering Information:
This interfacing is sold by the quarter metre.
Quantity 1 = 25cm
Quantity 2 = 50cm
Quantity 3 = 75cm
Quantity 4 = 1 metre
Multiple quantities will be supplied as one continuous length wherever possible.
Legacy Extra Loft Fusible Fleece (TP971F) is a lofty, needle-punched fusible fleece that adds soft structure, padding and stability to your sewing projects. With a fusible adhesive on one side, it bonds easily to your fabric while retaining its loft, making it a favourite for bag making, quilting and home décor projects.
Ideal when you want a project to feel soft and padded without the firmness of foam stabiliser, TP971F gives bags and accessories a professional finish while remaining easy to sew through. It can also be fused to fabric, cardboard or wood for a wide range of creative projects.
Key Features:
Legacy Extra Loft Fusible Fleece (TP971F)
White
100% Polyester
One-sided fusible adhesive
Approx. 114cm (45") wide
Soft, lofty finish that retains its thickness after fusing
Sewing machine safe
Suitable for machine washing on a gentle cycle after construction
Perfect For:
Tote bags
Project bags
Cosmetic bags
Purses and pouches
Laptop sleeves
Quilted bags
Home décor projects
Craft projects requiring soft structure
How to Apply:
Place the fusible side against the wrong side of your fabric and press following the manufacturer's instructions. Allow the fabric to cool completely before handling so the adhesive can fully bond.
As with all interfacings and stabilisers, we recommend testing on a fabric scrap before starting your project.
Ordering Information:
This fleece is sold by the quarter metre.
Quantity 1 = 25cm
Quantity 2 = 50cm
Quantity 3 = 75cm
Quantity 4 = 1 metre
Multiple quantities will be supplied as one continuous length wherever possible.
For creative needlework with three-dimensional effects, such as handbags, mobile phone pouches, eyeglass cases and for stabilising pieces of clothing, such as caps, hats and shoulder pads. Voluminous, sew-in foamed material laminated with wefts on both sides, made from synthetic materials and featuring high abrasion resistance.
Style-vil is approximately 75cm wide.
