Tote Tutorial

I made up a tote bag this weekend and here's how I did it!


What you need:
thread, extra wide double fold bias tape and two yards of fabric (you use less, but that's what I had), Fusible Interfacing (IF).

Cut your fabric as follows:
Dark fabric

• 1 - 39" X 9" (bottom outer)
  
• 1 - 38 1/2" X 8 1/2" (bottom lining)
  
• 2 - 12 1/2" X 13 1/2" (side lining)
  

Light fabric

• 2 - 23" X 3 1/2" (straps)
• 2 - 13" X 14" (side outer)
• 1 or 2 - 6" X 14" (pocket)

Fusible Interfacing

• 1 - 38" X 9" (bottom outer)
• 2 - 22 1/2" X 3" (strap)
• 2 - 12 1/2" X 13 1/2"(outer sides)
• 1 - 2 - 5 1/2 (pocket)

There are a lot of pieces, I labeled them with masking tape. Iron fusible interface to outer pieces and straps.

Sew straps with sassy side in. Turn out & iron flat.

Fold your pockets, sassy side in. Sew all the way around leaving a small hole to turn inside out. Iron flat. Sew turn hole if needed otherwise sew pocket to sassy side of lining ensuring your turn hole gets closed.

Sew your liner sides to bottom with sassy side in. Do one side at a time and turn carefully at the corners. Set aside.

Sew outside sides to outside bottom with sassy side in. Do one side at a time and turn carefully at the corners. Turn so sassy side is out.

Tuck lining into outer bag and line up. Get out your extra wide double fold bias tape and pin it around the lining and outer bag. Make sure everything is tucked in so you don't have to go back and hand stitch. Sew bias tape around top of bag to bind the lining and outer bags together.

Turn over the edges of you straps and sew these to the inside of the bag. Voila! Tote Bag!