7.1: Tote Bag
1. Tote Bag Patterns
You can either purchase the specific pattern (Simplicity S9298) for the tote bag or make a pattern from poster board. Tote Bag Pattern from Poster Board.
Tote Bag Pattern from Poster Board.
2. Layout Tote Bag Patterns on Fabric.
You will need 3 fabrics for your tote bag, 1 for the body of the bag, 1 for the contrast trim and one for the lining. For the body of the bag, the fabric should be a cotton fabric that is heavier than apparel fabric. It can be upholstery fabric, but make sure it is not too heavy or it will be hard to sew. For contrast of the bag, the fabric should be the same weight as the body of the bag. It can be a contrasting color or pattern. For the lining, you will need a cotton shirting weight fabric. You will layout the tote bag patterns as shown.
3. Tote Bag Instructions
Layout the Tote Bag pattern on chosen fabrics.Cut out Tote Bag pattern pieces and fusible fleece.Mark all pieces of Tote Bag Pattern. Tote Bag Video #1 |
Sew body of bag side 1 to contrast band side 1. Press seams open.Sew body of bag side 2 to contrast band side 2. Press seams open.Fuse Fusible Fleece on both side 1 and side 2 of body of bag. Tote Bag Video #1 |
Sew body of side 1 and side 2 at the side seams to the corner, press seams open and trim.Sew the bottom of side 1 and side 2 of the bag to the corner, press seam open and trim.Sew the corner seam, trim. Tote Bag Video #2 |
Sew each strap wrong sides together, trim. Turn right side out and press.Top stitch straps at ¼” and 1/2” from each edge.Place the straps on each side of the bag at markings and staystitch in place.Tote Bag Video #2 |
Sew darts in both pocket pieces making sure the darts line up with each other when placed right sides together. Sew pocket together all the way around leaving a 3 inch opening at the bottom (dart side). Turn to right side through the opening. Press.Sew pocket on one lining piece (right side). Stitch the sides and bottom. This will close the opening where you pulled it through.Sew sides of lining together, trim and press seams open.Sew bottom of lining together leaving a 5” opening, trim stitched areas and press open.Sew corners of lining, trim. Tote Bag Video #3 |
With bag right side out and lining wrong side out, place bag inside of lining.Tuck straps in between bag and lining and match side seams, pin.Sew around top of bag, trim. Tote Bag Video #4 |
Turn bag right side out using the opening in the lining. Tuck the lining inside the bag. Tote Bag Video #4Press top of bag. |
Sew a top stitch around the top of bag with straps pulled up.Edge stitch the lining opening closed. Tote Bag Video #4 |