This cute mortarboard bag is ideal for presenting a check or a gift card to the graduate to celebrate his or her accomplishment. It zips closed and has a ring for keys or to attach to a larger purse or bag. It is quick and easy to sew. Designed by Linda Griepentrog Supplies 1/4 yd (22.86cm) solid black fabric 1/4 yd (22.86cm) cotton print lining fabric 1/4 yd (22.86cm) medium-weight fusible interfacing 7″ (17.78cm) Coats polyester zipper 1/4 yd (22.86cm) Fusible web 2″ (5.08cm) gold tassel 1/2″ (1.27cm) gold button 1″ (2.54cm) D-ring Coordinating color Coats All-purpose thread Surelock Serging thread (optional) Additional Requirements Sewing Machine Zipper foot Basic Sewing Supplies Iron, ironing board Cutting From the black fabric, cut: 1 square, 6 1/2″ x 6 1/2″ (16.51cm x 16.51cm) 2 rectangles, 3 3/4″ x 6 1/2″ (9.53cm x 16.51cm) 1 square, 2″ x 2″ (5.08cm x 5.08cm) From the lining fabric, cut: 1 square, 6 1/2″ x 6 1/2″ (16.51cm x 16.51cm) 2 rectangles, 3 3/4″ x 6 1/2″ (9.53cm x 16.51cm) From the interfacing, cut: 1 square, 6 1/2″ x 6 1/2″ (16.51cm x 16.51cm) 2 rectangles, 3 3/4″ x 6 1/2″ (9.53cm x 16.51cm) 1 square, 2″ x 2″ (5.08cm x 5.08cm) From the fusible web, cut: 1 square, 6 1/2″ x 6 1/2″ (16.51cm x 16.51cm) 2 rectangles, 3 3/4″ x 6 1/2″ (9.53cm x 16.51cm) Preparation Fuse interfacing to the wrong side or each corresponding black fabric piece. With fusible web sandwiched between, place the corresponding lining piece and interfaced black fabric piece together. Fuse according to the manufacturer’s instructions. All seam allowances are 1/4″ (.64cm). Assembling the Key Fob Fold opposite edges of the 2″ (5.08cm) interfaced fabric square to the middle and press firmly. Topstitch both folded edges in place. Thread the strip through the D-ring straight edge and baste the raw edges together. Assembling the Mortarboard Find the center of the 6 1/2″ (16.51cm) square and sew the tassel loop in place. Cover the loop end with the button and stitch in place. Matching raw edges, baste the key fob in place 3/8″ from one corner of the square. Serge or zigzag one edge of each 3 3/4″ x 6 1/2″ (9.53cm x 16.51cm) rectangle, then press under 1/2″ (1.27cm). Pin the folded edges along the zipper teeth, placing the pull end of the zipper 3/8″ (.95cm) from the cut square edge. Using a zipper foot, stitch close to the folded edge. Repeat for the opposite side of the zipper, aligning the cut edges. Stitch across the lower end of the zipper several times and trim excess length. Trim the zippered section to 6 1/2″ (16.51cm) square, keeping the zipper centered. With right sides together and the zipper partially opened, place the mortarboard front and zippered back together. Note that the zipper can go either horizontally or vertically. Stitch or serge around the perimeter, being careful not to catch the tassel ends in the stitching. For a non-serged seam, zigzag the raw edges together. Turn the square right side out, poke out the corners firmly and press the edges, being careful not to press directly on the zipper coils. Topstitch around the edges, if desired. Downloadable Pattern here
