You Will Need...

• Fabric
• Scissors
• Thread
• Pins
• Pattern paper (squared)
• Sewing machine

Free Printable File

tote_pattern.pdf

Instructions

Step 1: Getting started: You will need a piece of material 84 x 71cm. Cut out the 4 main pieces plus a piece for the pocket 18 x 36cm. All seams are 1cm. You can find the pattern template for this tutorial below. It is not to scale and is for guidance only. You will need to make a template on pattern paper, I would recommend using squared paper so that you can achieve true straight edges.

Step 2: Fold the pocket piece with right sides {RS} together and stitch around the edge leaving a small gap.Trim the corners and turn right side out.

Step 3: Place the pocket with the fold at the top, centrally on the right side of one main bag piece. Stitch around 3 sides.

Step 4: Join the main pieces {RS} to {RS} at the tops of the handles. Neaten the raw edges by pinking or zig-zag machine stitch.

Step 5: Neaten all round the inside raw edge between the handles by pinking or zig-zag machine stitch.Then turn under and sew all around the edge making a curve at the corners.You may need to clip the corners slightly.

Sew the bottom of the bag {RS} to {RS} and neaten the raw edges as before.

Pin the side pieces {RS} to {RS} by lining the top edge to the mark on the main bag piece (about 7 inches from the top) and the bottom edge centrally to the bottom seam of the bag.

Sew all around the seam leaving 10mm at the top. In each corner pivot your work keeping the needle down in the material. Neaten raw edges as before.

Pink or zig-zag stitch around the side edge of the bag opening. Turn under and sew all around the edge. Turn bag right side out.

And there you have it, a strong, yet lightweight foldaway tote, handy for a multitude of uses!

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