SEW EASY TOTE BAG TUTORIAL

Hello again,

This week I have been busy making a tote bag for someone who liked the bag I showed on my blog last week.  I thought I would take the opportunity to share the process of making it with you.   It's a straight forward pattern which could be adapted to your own specification. You can add extras like embellishments,pockets, bows etc.  Making it personal to yourself.  Have a go you might surprise yourself.


Choosing The Fabric.  The first thing is to choose your fabric.  The fabric you choose is a personal decision.  I did not choose the fabric for this particular bag, the customer did.  However, if you are making a bag for yourself it is your decision which fabric you choose.  You can choose all the same fabric for the outside of the bag you do not have to have two fabrics for the main body of the bag like I have.
Deciding on Bag Size.   The finished measurements of the bag I made is: 13" x 16".  Again this is a personal preference depending on what you intend to use the bag for.  The same applies to how long you would like the handles.  The same instructions apply no matter how big or small you make the bag.  Now you are ready to start making the bag.

Cut Out The Following.

• Two fabric pieces in your own size choice for the main external bag.  
• Two fabric pieces for the lining the same size as the main external fabric
• Two pieces of fabric for handles both measuring 3" wide. (lenght your preference)
• One piece of fabric measuring 6"x 1" for button tab. 
• You will also need thread to match your fabric.

Main Body of Bag

Once all your fabric pieces have been cut your next step is to sew the main external body of the bag. Sew the back and front of the bag together with the right sides facing each other. However, if you have decided to put any pockets or trimmings on the bag you will need to do this before sewing the pieces together.  Do the same with the lining, sew the back and front together with the right sides facing each other, leave  about a 6" open gap  at the bottom of the lining to allow the bag to be pulled through the lining.  ( You will learn how to do this at a later stage) Attach any pockets before sewing the right sides together.


See picture below:   I applied the inside pocket to the lining of the bag, and also sewed white ric rack to the main body of the bag before sewing them together.

Bag Handles

Fold the fabric in half and press with a steam iron * fold each side of the fabric into the  middle and press again. * Fold over again and press with a steam iron.  Do the same process for both handles.
*  Sew down the full length on both sides of the handles and press *  The handles are ready.
 See pictures below:

***Use the same process above to make the button tab.  Then fold in half length ways***

Make the Base of The Bag (Optional)
Make a bottom to the bag by putting the side seam and bottom seam together to make a point, measure 1" inwards from the corner point.  Mark a line across to confirm where to sew. Sew across this line twice. Cut the access fabric towards the point off . Repeat the same process for the bag lining.  See pictures below:

Attach the handles and Button Tab
The button Tab: Fold the bag in half to get the centre of the bag.  Attach the button tab to the middle of the back of the bag on the right side of the fabric.  ***Measure  2" from both side seams inwards and attach the handle.  Repeat for the back of the bag.  Making sure back and front handles  match and handles are not twisted.  Secure them to the bag by machine stitching near the edge of the top of the bag.
Attaching The Bag To The Lining.
Put the main bag inside the lining.  making sure the handles are laying flat.   The bag should be the right side out.  The lining should be inside out.  Allign the bag seams to the lining seams and make sure the bag fits inside the lining all seams and bottoms matching snugly. The right side of the bag should be facing the right side of lining. Sew around the top of the bag.  When you have sewn all around the top of the bag.  Pull the bag through the gap you left at the bottom of the lining.
See pictures below:

Once all the main body of the bag has been pulled through  the gap in the lining the next step is to sew the gap closed.  Sew as close to the edge as possible.  That part of the lining will not be seen as it is at the bottom of the bag.  Push the lining into the main body of the bag, press with a steam iron and machine stitch around the top.
See picture below:

Hey Presto
Sew the button on the front of the bag and then press the complete bag with a steam iron and
hey presto you have made a tote bag

.Additional Notes:  You may decide to put interfacing to your bag to give it more structure.  Normally I would use medium weight interfacing on the main body of the bag depending on the fabric.  However, on this occasion the fabric I used is quite sturdy and will be folded when not in use.

I hope you have enjoyed this tutorial. I will be back next week to let you know what I have been up to.  In the meantime have a great week.   If you have any questions or perhaps tips to share with me do not hesitate to contact me..................  Regards Margaret.