Create your own beautiful and practical tote bag with this detailed sewing pattern! Inspired by a comprehensive tutorial, this design guides you through crafting a cute and functional square tote with a front zipper pocket, two inner pockets, and a contrasting lining. This is a fantastic project for a sewist of any skill level who wants to create a personalized and organized accessory.
Skill Level: Intermediate (familiarity with sewing a zipper recommended)
Finished Size (Approximate):
Dimensions: 9.5 inches (24 cm) wide x 4 inches (10 cm) deep
Size can vary based on fabric and seam allowance.
Materials You'll Need:
Outer Fabric (Floral Print):
A sturdy canvas or cotton blend fabric.
Lining Fabric (Solid Blue):
A contrasting fabric for the bag's interior lining.
Interfacing:
Fusible fleece or medium-weight interfacing to add structure to the bag.
Zipper:
A zipper for the front pocket.
Handles:
A separate piece of fabric for the handles, or pre-made webbing handles.
Thread: A thread color that matches your fabrics.
Sewing Machine
Scissors
Pins or Clips
Iron and Ironing Board
Cutting Your Fabric Pieces:
From Outer Fabric (Floral):
Bag Body (Front & Back): Cut 2 rectangles.
Front Pocket: Cut 2 rectangles.
Handles: Cut 2 long strips.
From Lining Fabric (Solid Blue):
Lining Body (Front & Back): Cut 2 rectangles.
Inner Pockets: Cut 2 rectangles.
From Interfacing:
Interfacing: Cut pieces to match the size of your bag body and front pocket pieces.
Step-by-Step Sewing Instructions:
Part 1: Preparing the Pockets and Handles
Inner Pockets:
Take your two inner pocket pieces. Fold each piece in half, wrong sides together.
Sew around the three raw edges, leaving a small opening to turn it right side out.
Turn the pocket right side out and press it flat.
Pin the pocket to the center of one of the lining body pieces, about 3 inches down from the top edge.
Topstitch the pocket in place, leaving the top open.
Front Zipper Pocket:
Fuse the interfacing to the wrong side of your outer front pocket pieces.
Place one of the pocket pieces on top of the zipper, right side up, and align the raw edge of the fabric with the zipper teeth. Pin in place.
Sew along the edge of the zipper using a zipper foot on your sewing machine.
Repeat this process with the second pocket piece on the other side of the zipper.
Open the zipper and press the seams flat.
Place the completed pocket on one of the outer bag body pieces, centered and about 5 inches down from the top edge.
Pin and sew the pocket in place along the side and bottom edges, making sure not to sew through the zipper itself.
Handles:
Take your two handle pieces. Fold each handle in half lengthwise, right sides together, and sew a seam along the long edge.
Turn the handles right side out and press them flat. Topstitch along both long edges for a professional finish.
Part 2: Assembling the Outer Bag
Take your two outer bag body pieces (with the front pocket attached to one). Fuse the interfacing to the wrong side of both pieces.
Place them right sides together.
Pin and sew along the two side seams and the bottom seam, leaving the top open.
Create the Boxed Corners: At the bottom corners, pinch the side seam and the bottom seam together to form a triangle. Sew a straight line across the corner. Trim the excess fabric. Repeat for the other corner.
Turn the bag right side out and press.
Part 3: Assembling the Lining
Repeat the steps from Part 2 with your two lining body pieces (with the inner pockets attached).
Important: After creating the boxed corners, do not turn the lining right side out. Leave it inside out.
Part 4: Final Assembly
Place the outer bag right side out on a flat surface.
Pin the ends of the handles to the top of the outer bag, about 4 inches in from each side seam.
Take the lining bag (which is still inside out) and slide it over the outer bag. The right sides of the outer bag and the lining should be facing each other. The handles will be sandwiched in between the layers.
Pin the top edges of the outer bag and the lining together, making sure the handles are securely pinned in place.
Sew all the way around the top edge, leaving a 4-5 inch opening for turning.
Turn the entire bag right side out through the opening you left.
Push the lining into the outer bag.
Press the top edge of the bag, making sure the seam is hidden.
Topstitch all the way around the top of the bag to close the opening and give it a professional finish.
Versatile Uses for Your Square Tote Bag:
Everyday Carryall: Spacious enough for your essentials, a small tablet, or a book.
Shopping Bag: A reusable and stylish alternative for groceries or market trips.
Project Bag: Perfect for carrying a small craft project on the go.
Gift: A thoughtful and impressive handmade gift.
Customization & Tips:
Fabric Choice: Experiment with different fabric prints and textures for both the outer bag and the lining.
Pocket Count: You can add more pockets to the lining for better organization.
Handle Length: Adjust the length of the handles to create a shoulder bag, a crossbody bag, or a handbag.
Closure: Add a magnetic snap or a button and loop to the top of the bag for a secure closure.
Enjoy sewing your own beautiful, practical, and unique tote bag! It's a fantastic way to create a personalized accessory that's sure to become a favorite.
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