I don't know about you but I can never have enough tote bags. I use them for groceries, my laptop, gym bag and so many other things. Not to mention they make great gifts.
I have looked everywhere for an easy tote pattern that was big but not humongous and did not have a zipper, cause zippers and I are not the best of friends. I ended up making this one by combining different parts of patterns that I really liked and that were simple enough to do if you are say, making 17 in a weekend because it was Christmas time and you have to be a little factory.
So for this pattern I decided to use some recent pug fabric I found. I have a black pug, his name is Padfoot and my mom has two fawn pugs, Lily and Rudy. So it was an obvious choice.
Here is a photo of the pugs, cause they are just so cute. (R-L Rudy, Lily and Padfoot)
This pattern is VERY easy, I just included lots of photos because I follow photos better then just a written pattern.
To make 1 tote bag you will need the following materials
1/2 yard cut of fabric of a print that you love, I like to use a stronger type like canvas or duck but cotton can work
1/2 yard lining, again I like to use a canvas or duck but cotton can work.
1/2 yard fusible fleece- you could opt to not use the fleece but I think it helps make the bags sturdier and keep their shape.
2 yards of coordinating cord or canvas strap, you could use less but I like my bags to have long straps so I plan on a yard a strap
Materials needed. (Not necessary but highly suggested, a great TV show to binge on while working)
You will also need
An iron
An ironing board
A ruler
A cutter
Pins
From your outside print cut 2 pieces, 18 inches long by 16 inches wide.
Make sure to pay attention to the direction of the fabric while you are making your cuts. I have definitely had to buy extra fabric because of not paying close attention to the direction of my fabric before I cut it.
For your lining cut 2 pieces, 18 inches long by 15 1/2 inches wide.
Make sure that your cuts are accurate and neat.
Once your cuts have been made, make sure to press all four pieces. You don't want any creases or folds.
Now take your outside fabric and match them up, right side to right side (patterns turned in towards each other).
The prints should be facing each other.
Now you will cut out from both bottom corners a square 2 inches by 2 inches. You will do it to both bottom corners.
Cut 2 inches by 2 inches out of both bottom corners
When you are done it should look like this
Do the same to the lining, match up the fabrics again, right sides facing each other. Cut out 2 inch by 2 inch squares from both of the bottom corners.
The lining should look like the outside at this point
Next you will want to cut your fusible fleece 15 1/2 inches by 15 1/2 inches.
You will need two of the same size cuts
Line up the fleece, with the sticky part (the fusible side) down on the wrong side of the lining. The bottom of the fleece should line up with the top of the 2 inch cut and sides equal distance from the sides of the lining.
Now press the lining with the flushable fleece. Make sure to press on the side of the fabric, NOT THE FLEECE. Speaking from experience you will ruin your iron, cause a terrible smell and possibly set off a smoke alarm.
So save yourself that fun, and do it the right way. Iron over the whole piece of fabric. You can tell when it is secure if you hold on to the fabric and shake it a bit and the fleece stays put.
Again, save yourself the trouble and press the fleece on from the side of the fabric
Now with the outside patterned fabric, still right side to right side (patterns facing each other), fold the top down about a 1/2 inch out away from each other. Pin both fabrics together at the fold.
Pin the sides of the pieces if you want, it can make it easier if you have a wondering foot or get distracted by that TV Show you are binging on. Not that it happens to me or anything.
Now sew both sides, start from the top over the fold, check that the fabrics line up correctly. The pattern allows for a 1/4 seam allowance.
When both sides have been sewn, trim the ends of your thread.
Now sew the bottom, start with the long seam in the middle.
Now grab a corner and open a corner ( like a paper fortune thing from elementary school).
The corner should look like this
I like to pin the corners because it is easy to open up when you don't want it to, unlike the sides. I also like to pin the fabric open on the seam, so that the fold lays better.
Pin the previous seam open
Next you will sew both corners.
Sew the corners
Repeat with the other corner. When you are done the bag should have a nice box bottom.
Now turn it right side out and set aside.
Line your outer fabric up with the lining so that the top folds will match.
Do the same to the lining as the outside fabric. Sewing the sides, bottom and both corners. But do not turn out when you are done.
Now put the liner into the outer shell.
Now line up the seams of the two pieces. Fold the ends opposite directions and pin in place so that the bag will not have a bump when it is finished.
Now take one of the straps and place the end in between the outside and the lining.
To make sure that the straps are equal distance from the end of the bag, fold the bag in half and line up the straps. Pin straps in place.
Unfold the bag and flip over. Line up the straps on either side of the bag so that they match. Pin straps in place.
Now sew all the way around the top, lining the foot up with the top of the bag. When you go over the straps, reverse and go back over a time or two. It will help make the straps stronger and you will still only have one seem showing on the bag.
When you are done, cut the threads off the bag and trim any spare threads.
And Ta-Da you have a brand new tote bag!
Here are a few other bags I made using the same pattern.
I hope you guys like this pattern as much as I do! Good luck and let me know in the comments how it goes!!!
