Everyday Tote Bag Tutorial

Fast, Easy, Fun Tote Bag Tutorial. How to make a Simple Bag.

 Supplies:

4 Grommets (4 sets)
1/2 yard heavy duty interfacing
1/2 yard outside lower band
1/4 yard outside upper band
1/2 yard lining/inside of bag
1/4 yard pockets and strap
1 1/2 yards of cording for the straps
All seams are 1/4″ unless otherwise noted and Right Sides Together will be referred to as RST.

Outside of bag:
Cut two pieces out of your lower band fabric measuring 7″ x 15″.

Cut two pieces out of your upper band fabric measuring 3 1/2″ x 15″.

Sew top band onto bottom band across the 15″ side, RST.

Press seam towards darker fabric or upper band.This should now measure 10″ x 15″.

Cut out 2 pieces of interfacing the same size as your panel. (10″ x 15″)
Place panel on top of interfacing with right side facing up. Sew a basting stitch 1/8″ seam down the left and right side to hold the interfacing in place. Repeat to make 2 panels.

Cut a 1 1/2″ square out of the bottom left and right corner of each panel.

Place the front and back on top of each other, RST, and sew down both sides and the bottom.

Line up the seams on your corner cut and sew a straight line making a box pleat.

Inside of Bag:
Cut two pieces from the lining measuring 10″ x 15″ and cut a 1 1/2″ square out of the bottom 2 corners of both pieces.

Pockets:
Cut a strip 5″ x 18″ fold in half the short way, RST, and press.

Sew the two long sides closed. Sew the short side closed leaving a 2″ opening.

Turn right side out and press flat.

Find the center of the pocket and line up with the center of one of the inside panels. I placed mine 1 1/2″ above my corner cuts. Pin in place and stitch 1/8″ around the 2 sides and the bottom.

Measure over 2″ to 3″ (your choice) from the side and draw a straight line. Sew a stay stitch on that line forming a pocket. Mine was a 3″ pocket and it fits my phone perfect.

Place the other inside panel on the other inside panel, RST, and sew around all three sides leaving a 2″ – 3″ opening in the bottom. Make box pleats on the sides like on the outside of the bag.

Find the center on the 2 sides and make a mark 1 1/2″ down.

Cut two 1″ squares from your interfacing.

Using your seam ripper cut 2 little cuts to put the magnetic closure in. Do on both sides. Put the interfacing on the back and fold the closure shut.

Turn the lining right side out and place it inside the outside of the bag.

Line up seams and pin in place.

Sew all the way around the top of the bag.

Pull the outside through the hole on the inside. Hand or machine sew the hole closed.

Press the top flat and if needed, pin it in place.

Sew a stay stitch 1/8″ down. This will help keep the bag together.

Lay the bag flat and measure over 3″ from the side seam and set grommet with the top, of the grommet, lined up with the top stitch. Trace a circle on the inside of the grommet.

Place pins around the hand drawn circle. This will help keep the layers together as you cut the circle out that you just traced.

Then snap the grommet into place.

Repeat so that you have 2 on each side of the bag.

Straps:
I made my straps 27″ long. Cut the length you want from the cording times 2. Then cut strips from your fabric 2 1/2″ by 29″. (2″ longer than the cording)  Fold lengthwise and press. Sew a scant 1/4″ (seam allowance) and turn inside out. Press with the seam in the center.

Feed your cording through with the seam centered in the back. You should have an inch of fabric left on each side.

Fold that extra inch in half and press.

Fold the raw edge up to your press line and press again.

Fold one more time and press.

Sew a stay stitch. Repeat on all the ends.

Run the strap through the grommet and fold just above the grommet and sew.

Repeat with all 4 grommets.

And then ta-dah you have a great bag that can be used for anything. A diaper bag, church bag or a purse!

This is a great, functional everyday bag that is cute and trendy too.