Creating a Nostalgic Vibe to Your Bags – how to add Chenille It for a Fluffy, Textured Finish

Amanda Whisman

Be Mandy Things

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Are you a beginner bag maker looking for a way to make your bags stand out? Let me introduce you to Chenille It, a magical product that can add texture, dimension, and a touch of whimsy to your handmade bags. I’ve recently tried it with my Easy Charm Tote Pattern and Sunset Zipper Pouch Pattern, and the results are nothing short of fabulous! In this post, I’ll guide you through how to use Chenille It and share some tips for incorporating it into your projects.

Get the Easy Charm Tote & Sunset Zipper Pouch Patterns Here:

What is Chenille It?

Chenille It is a soft, precut fabric strip that fluffs up when washed, creating a textured, chenille-like effect. It’s perfect for adding a cozy, quilted vibe to your bags while keeping things simple and beginner-friendly. Plus, it comes in a variety of colors, and a 3/8″ or 5/8″ width option, so you can customize it to suit any fabric or design.

Why Add Chenille It to Your Bags?

• Unique Texture: Instantly elevate the look of your bags with fluffy, tactile details.
• Beginner-Friendly: No need to invest in special tools or master complex techniques.
• Customizable: Use it to outline shapes, add stripes, or even create your own patterns.
• Durable and Washable: Once sewn and washed, the texture holds up beautifully over time.

How to Use Chenille It with the Easy Charm Tote & Sunset Zipper Pouch Patterns

Materials You’ll Need:

• Chenille It strips (Choose colors that complement your fabric)
• Easy Charm Tote Pattern (available for purchase on my website or Etsy shop)
• Sunset Zipper Pouch Pattern (FREEBIE for Email List, or purchase on website or Etsy Shop)
• Fabric – Charm Squares (optional) and Yardage – I’m using Home Sweet Home by Poppie Cotton
• Sewing machine
• Standard sewing supplies

Steps:

• Sew the exterior panels: You will need to construct the exterior panels of the Easy Charm Tote together following pattern instructions prior to adding Chenille It.

Choose Placement: You will want at least 2 strips of Chenille It for each area you choose to add texture. The more strips you use, the fluffier the project. For the Easy Charm Tote, I recommend applying it to the charm square and top border seams.

Stitch it Down: I used a glue stick to apply glue to the center of the seams, then placed 2 strips of Chenille It on top. Sew the Chenille It strips in place using a straight stitch down the center of the strip. Make sure it’s securely attached but not over-stitched.

Here’s a completed exterior panel with Chenille It applied:

Now the FUN part:

Fluff It: You can achieve the fluffy, signature texture in one of two ways. Chenille It is designed to fluff when you wash and dry your project. You could wash and dry the tote panels to get the fluff. However, I’m not patient enough, and have found that using an old wire eyebrow brush achieves the same look in a fraction of the time.

I simply place the wire teeth of the brush and gently scrape in a back and forth motion until the tape “blooms”. Do this gently, if you are too rough, you will end up scraping it all off. But, if you do, it’s very easy to sew more on and have it look seamless. Here’s a quick video showing you how to do it:

Finish Your Bag: Complete the assembly of your Easy Charm Tote as per the pattern instructions.

Adding Chenille It to the Sunset Zipper Pouch

For the Sunset Zipper Pouch, Chenille It works wonderfully along the striped pattern for added flair. Follow the same steps as above, adapting the placement to your pouch design.

Tips for Success

• Play with Placement: Experiment with different layouts before sewing. Use pins or fabric glue to audition your designs.
• Test Wash First: If you’re new to Chenille It, try it on a scrap piece first to see how it fluffs up after washing, or use my scraping method.
• Mix Colors: Don’t be afraid to mix and match colors for a bold, creative look.

Share Your Creations!

I’d love to see how you use Chenille It to enhance your Easy Charm Tote or Sunset Zipper Pouch! Share your photos on Instagram and tag me @bemandythings. Who knows? Your creation might inspire the next beginner bag maker!

With Chenille It, leveling up your bags is easier and more fun than ever. Whether you’re making a tote for a weekend market or a pouch for your everyday essentials, this simple addition can take your project to the next level. Ready to give it a try? Grab your pattern, pick up some Chenille It, and let your creativity shine!