Everyday Tote Bag

A perfect project for beginners or the most seasoned sewer.

This easy to make tote is a great everyday accessory or gift.

Shopping List:
1 yard fabric for outside of tote & handles All-purpose sewing thread
1 yard fabric for lining Washable basting tape
1 yard firm fusible interfacing One 3" x 14" piece firm cardboard for base
yard of 1" to 1" wide ribbon Hand sewing needle
(Note: For the pictured tote, ribbon was applied to one side
Fabric marking tool and ruler
only, If ribbon is desired for both sides of bag, then 1 yards
is needed.)
Fabric Preparation:

Cut one 20" x 32" piece fabric for outside of tote

Cut two 3" x 26" pieces fabric for handles .
Cut one 20" x 32" piece lining fabric
Cut one 4" x 30" piece lining fabric to cover cardboard base
Cut one 20" x 32" piece firm fusible interfacing
Cut one 20" piece ribbon (Note: Pictured bag features ribbon on only one side. Cut two 20
pieces if ribbon is desired on both sides.)

At the Machine: " seam allowance

1. Place fusible interfacing on the wrong side of the tote bag piece and fuse, following
manufacturers directions.

2. Apply basting tape to the top and bottom edge on the wrong side of the ribbon.
Remove protective paper and place ribbon 2" from top front edge of tote.

2"

3. Set machine for straight stitch and medium stitch length.

4. Thread needle and bobbin with all-purpose thread.

5. Stitch close to the bound edge on each side of the ribbon.

6. Fold each handle strip in half lengthwise. Stitch long edge of each strip. Press seam
open and with seam centered on back side of handle.

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7. Turn each handle right side out.

8. Edge stitch " from each folded edge of each strip.

9. Right sides together and raw edges matching, machine baste ends of handle to top
edge of tote front and back, as shown:
6" 6"

10. Fold bag in half, right sides together, so it measures 20" x 16". Sew each side
seams from top edge to fold. Press seams open.

11. To box corners, fold so side seam matches the crease at the bottom of bag. Mark
2" from point. Draw a line across fabric from fold to fold.

2"

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 12. Stitch on line. Repeat for other side.

13. Turn bag right side out.

14. Fold lining in half, right sides together, so it measures 20" x 16". Sew one side seam
from top edge to fold. Sew other side seam leaving a 6" opening in the seam (for
turning to the right side after lining is sewn to the bag). Press seams open.

Fold

15. Box corners (steps 11 thru 13) of lining. Trim excess from corner points of lining.

16. Box the corners of the lining (see steps 11 through 13). Trim excess from corner
points of lining.

17. Slide bag into lining, right sides together, matching side seams and top raw edges.
Pin.

18. Sew around the top edge of bag/lining, using a seam allowance.

19. Turn the bag right side out through the opening in the side seam of the lining.

20. Sew the opening in the lining closed.

21. Push lining down into bag. Press along top edge. Edge stitch " from the top edge
of the bag, keeping handles free from the stitching area.

22. Fold 4" x 30" lining piece in half so it measures 4" x 15". Sew the long edges of
each side. Turn right side out. Press.

23. Slide cardboard into the open end of cover. Tuck in raw ends and hand sew
opening closed.

24. Place covered cardboard base inside bag for added stability. Remove cardboard
base when cleaning or laundering the tote bag.

Get more project ideas at www.singerco.com

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