This is a great super, fun and easy tote bag tutorial that you will want to make over and over again!
(updated 12/17/11)
What you need is:
1/2 yd of 2 different fabrics
2 yds coordinating webbing
2 pieces batting, thin like warm and natural 15"x 10"
From these items you want to cut you're fabric into these measurements:
2 pieces batting (thin like warm and natural) 15" x 10"
2 bag pieces 15" x 20.5"
2 pocket pieces 15" x 16.5"
cut webbing into 1 yd pieces
update: if you are using directional prints make sure your measurements reflect that. and your print is facing the right way.
Now you're ready to start!
First fold pocket piece in half and press, then you're going to layer your pieces
You should have 2 sets of these sandwich like sets..
Next take one set and pin one of the webbing yards, to make the straps. Starting at the bottom leave about 4" between each strap.
do this to the other set, so both look like this..
Now you're going to stitch the strap to all 3 layers, starting from the bottom and up all the way around. You will stitch pass the pocket and up towards the end of your batting edge. (this will allow the fabric to show at the top above the pocket when finished)
Do this to the other side. Once both are complete you are half way DONE! now layer one on top of each other right sides together. keeping the straps loose and out of the way, pin together leaving a 5" opening at the top center. Stitch 1/2 inches around all 4 sides.
Now you're going to shape corners of bag and lining. (bit tricky) You're going to open up the corner and press it down so it looks like this.
then pin it and measure 2" from the point and about 4" across and sew along that 4".
Do this to all 4 corners. Does you're bag look like this? (TIP before you cut the corners I would make sure that the lining fits great, just in case you need to make some adjustments...I'm talking from experience)
NOW slowly turn it inside out, and if you're lining sits great, then go ahead and cut you're corners. You can now stitch closed the lining with a small stitch.. and lastly you're going to top stitch the top of the bag...Remember you're top stitching so make a bigger size stitch, like a 4.0 would be great..
isn't this cute? my friend made this one for her little girl.. even her inside looks so professional..
Now both of these bags used the same pattern, but obviously they turned out a little different..(I think my bag measurements were a little off.. to my defense it was about 7pm and my brain shuts off at 5p...) but they both still look good. so with that said if you bag comes out a little bigger or smaller it will still do it's job and know one will know but you..
Go and make some and send me pictures. I would love to see what you can create!
My elephants bag was made from Daiwabo Japan Fabric, Tip Top Elephant Walk grey, lightweight Cotton canvas and zag stripe chevron in pink.
Friends bag made from Patty Young Sanctuary line, Aromatherapy sherbet and glass tiles sherbet from lining..
all fabric can be found
HERE and batting and webbing can be found at any local fabric shop. I got mine from jo-anns.
Our bags finished size (yours could come out slightly different)
width 13.5"
height 10.5"
including handle 16" high
depth 4"..
