Sewing Techniques--Two Ways to Make a Gusset

re: Sewing Techniques--Two Ways to Make a Gusset

Rose@Stitch — Mon, 16 Jul 2012 14:39:09 GMT

Thanks for the detailed info. I have got to try this! I've never done it this way, but it surely sounds easy. Always fun to find out new ways to get things done.

re: Sewing Techniques--Two Ways to Make a Gusset

Nicci Du Preez — Sun, 15 Jul 2012 09:02:10 GMT

My simple gusset installation works like this:

For a shopper with a single piece of fabric that will have two side seams:

Fold fabric in half so the two side seams are ready to be stitched. Before stitching the sides, fold the bottom up by about an inch and a half. This will give you a three inch gusset. Pin at the side seams, so that when you sew the side seams the gusset will be stitched simultaneously. If you use a french seam, there will be an attractive triangular detail when the bag is turned right side out.

If your shopper will have one side seam and a bottom seam, prepare the side seam first. Before you stitch the bottom seam, fold the two sides in by an inch and a half, pin at the bottom seam, then sew the bottom seam.

If you look at plastic grocery bags, this is exactly how their gussets are made, except that the plastic is welded as opposed to stitched.

re: Sewing Techniques--Two Ways to Make a Gusset

Rose@Stitch — Wed, 11 Jul 2012 13:34:53 GMT

When I first learned how to make gussets, it was by cutting out the little square. I do find the "sew & trim" method" easier almost all the time.

Deb--The bag should not flare at all with the gussets--it gives the tote the same "look" as the bottom of a paper grocery bag. Let me know how your project turns out!

re: Sewing Techniques--Two Ways to Make a Gusset

Deb S. — Wed, 11 Jul 2012 13:05:56 GMT

Good information! I do have a question: Will making the gussets cause the bottom of the bag to be slightly more narrow at the bottom, giving the bag a flared shape? If so, how could I keep the bag square?

re: Sewing Techniques--Two Ways to Make a Gusset

artistvo — Wed, 11 Jul 2012 12:12:42 GMT

Thanks so much for this. I had to take a bag apart to figure out how to do the way you first described......The second way sounds much easier and I'll try that the next time!