Step 1:  The foundation fabric should be cut to 3 or 4 inches larger on each side than the pattern.

Step 2:  Zig-zag stitch around the outside edge of the fabric to help avoid fraying.

The next series of step show you how I trace a pattern onto the foundation fabric.  I start with putting the outline of the design on first, being sure to keep to the straight of the grain. Take your time with this part as it will make the rest much easier.  Once you have the outside border of the design, this will help you shape the fabric to your design and allow you to trace it.  So let's get started...

Step 3:  Start by folding your paper pattern back on one edge so you easily see the length of the first side. 

Step 4:  With a Sharpie or felt tip pen, mark the edge of your pattern as your starting point.  We'll be making several marks on the fabric as guides. Don't worry these don't show once you've finished your bag.

Step 5:  Mark the other side of this line you will draw then draw a line betwwen the two marks following the straight of the grain.

Step 6:  Here am I drawing my first line.  Notice the grain in the fabric and the line.  The sharpie almost fits into the "groove" in the fabric and makes it easy to draw a straight line. 

Step 7:  Just showing you the first line drawn.  There are many more to go and I'll show you in the next few steps how to get your lines to meet up.

Step 8: Next repeat the process by making a mark for the side of purse, then move your pattern away and just follow the grain of the fabric.  

Step 9:  Make a dashed line across the bottom of the first side panel as a guide.  The dashed line helps to get your edges to match up perfectly.  Don't worry about the dashed line because you'll punch over it and no one will ever know.

Step 10:  Now come down from your first point in the upper left unitl you meet your dashed line.  This closes your first side panel.

Step 11.  Follow the same steps for the other side until you complete drawing on the outside of the bag.