3. Press third piece open and trim raw edges (Diagram V). Continuing in same manner, work from center outward until stabilizer is covered with patchwork (Diagram VI). Edges will be uneven. Baste along outer edge of stabilizer, using scant 1/4" seam. 4. Trim patchwork even with stabilizer edges to complete bag front (Diagram VII). Repeat process using remaining stabilizer rectangle to make bag back. 5. Using decorative thread and stitches, embellish seams on bag front and back. Making the Bag 6. Layer bag front and back, right sides together, aligning raw edges. Stitch 1/4" seam around sides and bottom (Diagram VIII). 7. Pull sides of bag apart, forming triangle at bottom stitched corner, and align seams (Diagram IX). Measure 2" from corner seam line and mark line perpendicular to seam line. Stitch on marked line. Repeat for remaining stitched corner. Turn bag right side out. Press folds along sides and bottom, 2" from seams. 8. Fold 1" hem allowance to wrong side of top of bag; press. Note: There is no need to stitch hem; buttonholes will hold it in place. Mark for buttonholes 2" in from each side on both front and back of bag, 3/4" down from top fold. Make small buttonhole (approximately 3/8") at each mark. Cut cording or ribbon into two 18" segments. Insert ends of 1 segment through buttonholes on bag front, knotting each end on inside of bag. Repeat for bag back.