Thursday, July 14, 2011

How to make a Tote Bag Tutorial

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Happy Christmas in July

I've been wanting to do a bag for sometime and here we go. Years ago I worked at the public library in Sioux City, Iowa. They had wonderful canvas bags for the home delivery patrons and I based my pattern on what I remember about them.


How to make a Tote Bag Tutorial

The Quilt Ladies Bag

How to make a Tote Bag Tutorial

Cut 18 squares  assortment of colors – 2 ½” x 2 ½”
Lay fabric and sew into 2, 9-patch squares

How to make a Tote Bag Tutorial

Cut 2 lining fabrics for pockets – 6 ½” x 6 ½”


How to make a Tote Bag Tutorial

Put patchwork and lining good side to good side and sew with a 1/4” seam allowance across the top of the patch work.
Fold lining back press, and

How to make a Tote Bag Tutorial

Top stitch along the edge just sewn.

How to make a Tote Bag Tutorial

Cut 1 piece of fabric -  35” x 14”
Cut 1 piece of fabric – 35” x 3”
Sew together to form the bag.


How to make a Tote Bag Tutorial

Cut 1 Batting 35” x 17”
Layer, batting and bag. Lay flat and press if needed. This is the time to quilt your bag, by hand or by machine.
How to make a Tote Bag Tutorial

I machine straight stitched mine.


How to make a Tote Bag Tutorial

Trim bag to = 34” x 16”


How to make a Tote Bag Tutorial

Cut 2 strips for the handles – 3” x 54”
Cut 2 strips of batting for handles – 1” x 54”
Press one edge of the handle in ¼” and the other edge press down 1” .


How to make a Tote Bag Tutorial

Insert batting and fold fabric over, add top stitching.
How to make a Tote Bag Tutorial

How to make a Tote Bag Tutorial

Lay the bag out and place pockets, measure as shown above,
Measure pockets in place, fold the pocket down and pin, sew with ¼” seam allowance.

How to make a Tote Bag Tutorial


How to make a Tote Bag Tutorial

Fold back up and press.


How to make a Tote Bag Tutorial

Add handles, making sure they do not cross, pin and top stitch. Stop stitch about 2 inches from the top. Do both pockets.


How to make a Tote Bag Tutorial




Free Tote Bag Tutorial

Extend handles out of the bag and fold the bag in half. Sew along the bottom and side seam.


How to make a Tote Bag Tutorial

Fold the bottom edge over to form a triangle, Sew side to side, trim. Do both sides.

How to make a Tote Bag Tutorial


How to make a Tote Bag Tutorial

Cut lining, 34” x 16” and fold lining in half and sew along the bottom and side, leaving 2-3 inches open to turn bag right side out.


Free Tote Bag Tutorial

Fold the bottom edge over to form a triangle, Sew side to side, trim. Do both sides.


How to make a Tote Bag Tutorial

Turn bag with the batting on the outside, insert lining good side to good side. Sew to the top edge using ¼” seam allowance.


How to make a Tote Bag Tutorial

Pull bag right side out,
How to make a Tote Bag Tutorial

Press top edge and top stitch.  Hand sew the lining opening closed.



How to make a Tote Bag Tutorial

Add top stitching across the handles to hold them secure.


How to make a Tote Bag Tutorial

The Quilt Ladies Finished Tote bag.


How to make a Tote Bag Tutorial

Christmas in July 


Beth Strub of The Quilt Ladies

Beth is the Author of The Quilt Ladies Book Collection
and Little Quilt Ladies Pattern Series 
Shop The Quilt Ladies Store



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