3rd Tutorial! "The Easy Tote Bag"

Hello Everyone,

Wow, I'm glad that I included the word probably in my last blog when referring to the next tutorial being posted on Monday. Here it is now!

Materials:

Outer Fabric (Use final product of tutorial #2 and two 4" x 36" strips)
Lining Fabric (Use final product of tutorial #1, one additional 8 1/2 x 11" piece to match, and two 4" x 36" strips)
Coordinating Thread
Pins

*Interfacing is optional*







1. Place 8 1/2" x 11" lining piece on top of finished product of tutorial #1, right sides together. Beginning at the top right of the rectangle sew down the side, across the bottom, and up the other side. this will creat a pouch.



2. Follow steps 3 through 6 from the 2nd Tutorial, "Creating a Bottom". End result should resemble the shape of the outer fabric.











3. Place one piece of the 4" x 36" lining on top of the 4" x 36" outer fabric, right sides together. Sew down each 36" measurement, leaving both 4" measurements open. Repeat with the two remaining 4" x 36" pieces. Turn each piece (the straps) inside out so no rough edges are showing (I attach a large safety pin to one end and feed it through, much easier).



4. Turn outer fabric inside out. Raw edges will be visible from the outside. Turn lining fabric inside out. Raw edges will be on the inside of the pouch with the slit pocket (from tutorial #1) on the outside. Place the lining pouch inside the outer fabric pouch. Insert tote straps (the two 4" x 36" pieces) between the two layers, one strap on each side of the body of the tote. Tote straps should stick out a couple inches for strength. Pin in place.

***Figuring out which fabric of the straps should be facing which way can be difficult. If you want the straps to match the tote reference the photo below, if you want the sraps to clash, flip the straps over to the other color. Make sure your straps do not twist between the outer fabric and lining, this will result in twisted straps in the finished product.

See below image.

5. Sew around the raw edge, back-stitching at the beginning, over the straps, and at the end for strength. Do not sew completely around the bag, leave a small opening (approximately four inches). Reach into the small whole left open and turn the bag inside out pushing the lining into the outer fabric.



6. Tuck the raw edge of the 4 inch whole inside and press the fabric so the top edge is straight. Sew completely around the top of the bag. This will seal the 4 inch whole and stregthen the straps.



You're done!

Yours truly,
Katrinka's