Craft Tote by Eyre Crafts Https://www.facebook.com/eyrefabricsandcrafts/

Hello this is my first Instructable so I hope you like it :-) pop along to my facebook page for other makes and Ideas. All page likes are very much appreciated.

As I am often at Crafty Club doing a few projects I needed a crafty tote that I could drop a few items in and take with me, a pick up and go bag for essentials and tools.

This bag has pockets on every side of varying sizes.

The finished bag is 7" by 7" by 6" tall, so it sits nicely on the table whilst I am crafting and does not get in the way of my projects.

Step 1: Pattern Pieces for the Bag

You will need the following fabric

Bag Base = 1 x 7 1/2" square

Bag Sides = 4 x panels 7 1/2" long x 6 1/2" high

Pockets = 2 panels 7 1/2" x 5 1/2" and 2 pockets 6" * 5 1/2"

Lining Base = 1 x 7 1/2" square

Lining Sides = 4 x panels 7 1/2" long x 6 1/2" high

Handle = 13 1/2" x 5"

Trim = approx 26" used for this bag, however you can add more trim if you like.

Note I used plain grey fabric for the base.

For the lining, pockets and handle I used a contrasting check fabric.

Step 2: Pockets

Overlock or zig zag one edge of the pockets, then turn a 1/2" hem on the top edge of each pocket.

Step 3: Add Pocket Trim

You can then add a trim to the top of the pocket edge.

Note for this project I have just added trim to the top of the small pockets.

Step 4: Prepare Sides of Tote

2 x Pockets (7 1/2 x 6 1/2)

place the 7 1/2" long pocket on the bag side, line up along the base of the bag side panel. stitch the edge and base to create a pocket. If you wish you can stitch lines into the pocket to make dividers for tools.

2 x Pockets (6 x 5 1/2)

turn a seam on the sides and bottom of the smaller pocket and stitch directly on to the bad side panel leaving the trimmed edge open to create pockets.

Step 5: Join Bag Sides

With right sides facing, join the sides along the shorter edge, once all the panels are joined you end up with a square bag with no base.

Step 6: Add Base

take the 7 1/2 x 7 1/2 square piece of fabric and pin to the base of the bag, right sides together, before you stitch its a good idea to check the pockets are the right way. The bottom of the pocket should be nearest to the base. Then stitch all the way around the base to form the bag.

Turn the bag right side out and then turn in a hem and pin.

You can now put the bag to one side and start on the lining.

Step 7: Lining

Now the bag lining, join together the sides of the bag and pin in the base, then stitch to secure the base of the lining bag.

Turn out a hem at the top of the lining bag and pin.

Step 8: Construct Bag

Put the lining inside the bag wrong sides together. The top edge pinned hems should sit next to each other, work your way round the top of the bag and pin the lining to the bag.

Step 9: Handle

Take you handle piece of fabric and press a small seam down the length of the strip. Then fold the strip in half down the length so that the pressed in sides meet. Pin and stitch both sides of the folded strip to create a handle.

You can add more trim along the length of the handle if desired.

Step 10: Finishing

Pin your handle into the bag, then stitch all the way around the top of the bag to join the inner lining to the outer bag fabric, the closer you can get to the edge of the bag for the stitching the better the finished bag will look.

Once finished, trim any threads and I run my iron around the top edge to press.

And thats it you did it, one craft tote for your projects.