https://www.cutoutandkeep.net/projects/peg-bag • Posted by Cath Kidston
Hanging out the washing is so much easier when your pegs are close to hand, as our grandmothers knew well. Here’s another practical exercise in using bias binding: this time you can learn how to neaten inside curves, by stitching around the opening on this pretty and practical peg bag. Top tip If you can’t find a 30cm coat hanger, you could try shortening a standard one. Measure up and mark a cutting line 15cm from the hook on each arm. Cut the ends off carefully with a small hacksaw and smooth off any rough edges with sandpaper.
Hanging out the washing is so much easier when your pegs are close to hand, as our grandmothers knew well. Here’s another practical exercise in using bias binding: this time you can learn how to neaten inside curves, by stitching around the opening on this pretty and practical peg bag. Top tip If you can’t find a 30cm coat hanger, you could try shortening a standard one. Measure up and mark a cutting line 15cm from the hook on each arm. Cut the ends off carefully with a small hacksaw and smooth off any rough edges with sandpaper.
Lay the front face downwards and place the hanger centrally across the top, so that the base of the hook lines up with the edge. Draw along the top edge of the hanger, then cut along this line. Fold in half widthways to check the shape is symmetrical and trim as necessary.
Following the guideline on the cutting out diagram, draw in a narrow slit with rounded ends, 35cm up from the bottom edge. Work a line of reinforcing machine stitch 3mm outside the line. Using sharp embroidery scissors, cut out the centre to make the opening.
Neaten the opening with bias binding, sewn on my hand. So that the binding lies flat at the two ends you will need to pleat the centre and fan out the folded edges into a curve. Stitch the binding to the right side first, then the wrong side.
Pin the front to the back with wrong sides facing. Trim the top edge of the back so that it is the same shape as the front and tack the two pieces together.
Bind the outside edge of the peg bag, starting at one side of the top point and remembering to leave a small gap for the hook. Insert the hanger through the opening and wriggle it about until the hook goes through the gap.