How to make a Simple Tote Bag. This make looks complicated but really it is so easy that it doesn't even need a pattern template!
So, what do we need to find this time?
-2 cute and quite light Halloween prints. Fat quarters will do the trick.
-fat quarter 272 Thermolam wadding from Vilene
-fat quarter of something cute for lining
-plain black bias binding for the flat piping
-a 20cm scrap of ribbon for the tab
-a small 'd' ring
-beads in silver, black, orange and white
-some other cute embellishments for the charm - think crochet flowers, felt flowers and buttons; scroll down through the pattern and you will see what I have in mind.
-Black or orange Kam snap set
-spray baster
-your usual sewing needs
Firstly, make the charm so that it will be ready to attach to the bag in a couple of steps time. Fold the ribbon in half and place the 'd' ring in...
Layer up your chosen embellishments and sew them on about two thirds down the ribbon. I have used a crochet flower, a felt flower and a button...
Thread some beads onto a piece of thread and then fasten them to the 'd' ring at the bottom.
NB: I am sure that I don't have to tell you that beads are a choking hazard so sew them on securely or leave them off if you are unsure - We all watch our little ones like hawks but sometimes they can be quick! Be safe.
Your charm is ready to go now and it will be tucked in under the flat piping in a second.
Now choose one of your fabrics and cut two rectangles 26cm x 8cm. Spray baste to a piece of wadding and trim...
Cut two from the lining fabric too but these don't need wadding.
Now cut two further rectangles 26cm x 18cm from your second fabric. Cut two from lining too. Baste to the wadding and trim. Find something round (a plate would do) and round the bottom corners of the rectangle...
Take the flat piping next and sew it to the top of each of the larger rectangles like this...
Decide which panel will become the front of the bag. Tuck the charm under the piping about 6cm in from the left hand side.
Take your top panels next and sew to the top too...
Iron open and then top stitch along the bit just over the piping. This helps to keep the bulk down and it looks nice and finished too.
You can add a label too if you like...
Love that little scrap of orange lace *sigh*.
Prep the lining now by sewing a small rectangle to a large one like this...
Repeat for the back.
The handles are made from the same fabric as the rectangle tops. Cut two pieces 12cm x 50cm and fold in half length ways. Iron...
Now fold the raw edges to the centre and iron them...
Top stitch along both sides a couple of times...
My handles are generously long because children are notorious for getting sick of carrying bags. The shoulder option is easier for them.
Attach one handle 5cm in from each outer edge and sew securely - they have to take the weight of all that candy!
Now take a lining piece and place it right sides together with an outer and sew along the top edge only. Make sure that the handles are tucked down when you do this.
Repeat for the other two pieces.
Open the bag components and then with the right sides together, pin lining to lining and outer to outer. Make very sure that you match up seams correctly! Leaving a gap in the lining, sew all around the outside of both.
Turn out through the gap. Close it. Stuff the lining down into the bag and top stitch around the top edge to keep the lining down and neat...
Pop a Kam snap set into the middle top (between the handles) to keep the bag secure...
Well all that is left now is to get that costume on and enjoy your trick or treating! Here is that bag again... Happy Halloween peeps!
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