Step 1. First cut out your fabric and interfacing. You don’t need much; a fat quarter is more than enough. You will need:
(2) 3” x 5” rectangles fabric, plus (2) 3” x 5” rectangle interfacing
(2) 3” x 4” rectangles rectangles fabric, plus (2) 3” x 4” rectangle interfacing
(1) 3” x 4” rectangle clear plastic (if you don’t want to go out and buy vinyl, try to layers of a plastic baggie
(1) 2” x 20” rectangle
Appliqué shape smaller than 3” x 5” plus fusible webbing if it’s handmade (if you like)
Step 2. Iron a piece of interfacing to the back of each fabric rectangle, except for the 2” x 20”.
If you are doing the handmade appliqué, iron on the fusible webbing. Then iron the appliqué to the right side of one 3” x 5” rectangle. Sew it on now using the “buttonhole” stitch (a tight, zigzag stitch). Because this is supposed to have un-finished edges, I suggest doing all the sewing with the button hole stitch.
Step 3. Now sandwich the two 3 x 4 rectangles with the right sides of the fabrics facing outwards (interfacing inside) and pin together. Measure the opening for the privacy flap and trace.
The flap will be 2” x 3” with a half inch border on all sides. Trace out the two sides and the top, the flap will be attached at the bottom.
Step 4. Now sew around the lines you just traced using a button hole stitch. Basically you are making a very long button hole. Now cut out between the two button holes lines of sewing.
Step 5. Back to the larger rectangles. Next sandwich the 3” x 5” in rectangles together with the right sides of the fabrics on the outside (interfacing inside); pin together. We are going to sew in a slot for the strap to go through. Measure and mark centered at the top edge a line 3/4 of an inch long and ¾ of an inch down from the top edge. Now sew around the line you just made using the button hole stitch and cut it open.
Step 6. Now we’re going to work on the strap. Fold over a half inch on both sides of the long side of the 2” x 20” rectangle and iron it down. Now fold it in half the long ways and iron it again. You may need to pin it so you can sew it together. Sew ¼ inch from edge all the way around on right side of fabric. I like to put two seams in, mostly for looks and stability, and you may need to iron it flat again.
Then stick the strap into the top of the 3” x 5” rectangle (about ½ an inch deep). Centered with your button hole and just pin it for now. We’re going to work on the plastic cover.
Step 7. Back to the 3” x 4” rectangle. Pin the plastic to the back (the side that will be on the inside of the tag) of the 3” x 4” rectangle and sew across the top.
Step 8. Now we’re going to make a large sandwich. Place the 3 x 5 rectangles on bottom (with the appliqué on the bottom). The smaller rectangle goes on top with the plastic in the middle and line up the bottom edges.
Now sew around the entire rectangle. I like to double stitch over the strap and over where the opening will be.
Step 9. To connect the strap, loop it through the back of the tag so it pulls out the front. I also like to put one twist in it so when it is tied to the luggage it lays flat.
Step 10. Sew the strap to the flat. We’re going to fold over the loose end of the strap, about ¾ an inch and pin it to the flap on the front of the tag, about ½ an inch down.
I like to put two seams in this as well and leave a little tab for pulling the privacy flap open.
Now all that’s left is to tidy up the loose threads and book your flight!
Don’t forget to leave comments. This is my first tutorial and I’d love to hear suggestions. Happy Sewing!