Pretty and simple everyday tote!

You'll learn to made an outside pocket and how to gusset the bottom corners, along with a really easy way to deal with handles and linings. And you can make it in a ton of sizes - the second picture has a 15x15 bag body. :)

My mom said she'd like a tote bag made out of something sturdy like denim, with a front pocket - something big enough to take to work and carry everything she needs. She works a half hour from home so she carries more stuff and needs a bigger bag!

This project uses demin from my grandmother's fabric stash, but the lining is from mine. I think that makes it a little more special. :D

Step 1 What you'll need:

• 1 yard outer fabric/handle fabric - demin, canvas, cotton, any will do.
• 1 yard lining fabric - flannel, cotton, silk, etc. Get fancy!
• iron and ironing board
• scissors/rotary cutter/ruler/cutting mat
• pins
• air soluble marking pen/something for marking
• sewing machine
• needles for sewing denim

Comments

[niloosa]

that's beautiful . i like to make a bag like this . thanks for ur sharing .

[Kallima]

Hi, I am almost finished making this bag :)) I ran into a problem though. I am confused as to how to sew the straps in... I'm doing something wrong and the straps end up inside the bag rather than out when I turn it right side out at the end. Could you please clarify how you pin the straps in a little? You leave a hole on just one side of the bag to turn it out right?

Thanks!!

[jessyratfink]

Make sure that the straps are between the the lining and the outside when you sew around the top of the bag - otherwise they'll end where they're not supposed to be!

You just need to pin the straps below where you'll be sewing through all layers of the bag. Just to make sure there's no shifting. :)

[bazookaromz]

i love this instructable-- it's incredibly easy to follow! i'm a college student without much money but have lots of time in between classes to work on one of these! where did you buy your fabric?

[jessyratfink]

Thank you! :D

I normally get my fabric at Hancock Fabrics because they have a TON of sales and a really big remnant section. :)

[Goodhart]

Yes, I rather like the looks of it myself (not for ME to carry, but for my wife :-)

[jessyratfink]

Gonna sew one up, then? :D

[Goodhart]

I will have to see when I can do it, if I can :-) My wife's sewing machine is not the best thing I have ever used for sewign :-)

[Weissensteinburg]

Marcello, you look dashing!

[jessyratfink]

Marcello says thank you, and that you are a lovely shade of orange.

[Weissensteinburg]

He's so suave.

[mg0930mg]

This is pretty. I love this cat...

[jessyratfink]

Thank you! Everyone loves Marcello. He is typically the focus of parties here. :P