Watch my step by step instructions on this awesome summer tote!
First things first. You need to get all your supplies at hand. I am working on my dining room table so having everything in place before you start, keeps you from running back and forth from the hall closet to the dining room!
- Scissors
- Cutting Mat
- Rotary Cutters (You don't have to have them, makes life a little easier!)
- Ruler
- Marking Pen
- Thread
- Pins
- Fabric
- Felt
- Fusible Heavyweight Interfacing
- Fusible Webbing
- Iron
- Purse Snap
- Hard interfacing or handle webbing
Lay the fabric on the fold and measure 3 inches in, all the way down the length. This will be for your handles. Once you cut the length then cut the fabric again in 1/2 to make 2 handles 3 x 24 inches.
Keep the fabric on the fold and measure out the tote pattern. It is basically a square pattern measuring 16x15. I like to cut out my patterns on poster board so I can easily reuse them. You are going to cut 2 of each: fabric, lining and interfacing.
After you have all three cut out, keep the lining fabric to cut your pockets. You can make them whatever size you want but since it's a large tote I like to have 4 pockets. The easiest way and most efficient way is to cut as shown below.
After you have the lining and pockets cut, un-fold the pockets and re-fold in the opposite direction. Then cut on the fold to give you two pockets.
I know, there are a lot of steps! It's totally worth it though :)
Now it is time to get your iron ready. If you have a heat press it works great for adhering interfacing to your fabric. If not, no worries, your handy iron will do just fine. I turn the iron all the way up. It is durable fabric and you want that interfacing to stick!
**If you want to add the anchor applique which is my favorite part, apply the wonder under to the felt. After you peel the paper off trace the anchor and cut the applique out.
Get your striped fabric pieces back out and match it wrong sides together with the interfacing. You want the rough sticky side to match with the back of the fabric. Now press together moving slowly around with the iron 15 seconds for each press.
Place the anchor on the outer fabric and press with the iron in the same manner.
Take your pockets and fold each side 1/4" and press all 4 sides. On the top of the pocket fold again to hide the raw edges and press.
Now it's time to press the handles. You will need the strips of fabric that you cut, along with the handle webbing. I use super heavy interfacing and cut long 1" strips for handles. It saves money in the long run if you plan on making a bunch.
Fold in 1/4" and press all the way down the length of the strip, do this on both sides. Then fold in half and press. Your webbing will tuck right in there :)
** I am using the interfacing which can withhold the heat of the iron, you can iron with the strip in there and it makes it a little easier. The handle webbing tends to melt unless you are using cotton webbing.
TIME FOR YOUR MACHINE!!! This is the fun part where you get to see it all come together.
First set your stitch length to 4. Stitch the anchor around the edges. It is not necessary if you are a bit timid doing the decorative stitch. It is already adhered with the wonder under.
Take the two pieces of fused fabric and match wrong sides together. I like to try and match the stripe on the bottom for a clean professional look. Pin all 3 sides not the top.
Stitch all 3 sides with 1/2" seam allowance. Don't stitch around the little squares at the bottom, that is the next step! Trim each side as close to the stitch line as possible.
After you trim the seam allowance it is time to make the base of the bag. Take the square that is cut and fold at the base. Then stitch with 1/2" seam allowance, trim.
Sew your handles together as close to the edge as possible on each side.
Take your pocket pieces and stitch the double fold on the top for the opening of the pockets.
Pin the pockets on the lining and follow the stitch path below. I always have a double line for the pockets since they are used so much and you want them to be sturdy. Be sure to always re-enforce with a back stitch.
Sew the lining the same way as the outer fabric. The only difference, don't stitch the bottom straight across. Leave a gap in the middle and re-enforce each side.
Turn the bag right side out, measure in 2" from the sides and pin the handles down. Take the lining and tuck the outer bag into the lining, wrong sides together and pin all the way around the top. Sew the tops together.
Trim seam allowance and turn right side out through the lining opening. Pin together and double top stitch the top of the bag.
Now it's time to install the snap. Many pattern directions tell you to install the snap before constructing the bag, I like to wait until the end to insure the snaps being perfectly aligned together.
Measure the center of the bag and mark with a pen the lines on the snap. Cut the small lines using a seam ripper and attach the snaps.
***I always use scrap interfacing and put behind the snaps for extra support.
Now finish the bag!!!!!!! Sew the lining shut and voila, your fancy new tote!!
Now get to the beach and show it off!
Post some pics of your totes!!!
Want this one??? Visit my shop :)
Keep it salty...
