Sometimes I have an absolute need to create something. However, I can’t help but think, does the internet really need another tote bag tutorial? I can give you a quick run down of the basics. I have an indecent stash of precut fabric. If you have not found missouriquiltco.com, visit them. They have daily and weekly deals on fabric and notions. Easy to follow tutorials are also listed. I used to think it was cheating if the fabric was precut. I used to be a complete idiot. After examining my fabric stash, I settled on a jellyroll because I wanted stripes. Seems logical right? If you want to cut strips with the same dimensions, 2.5 inches wide and 42-44 inches long.
To get started , sew two sets of 6 strips together. One set will for the outside and the other the lining. Other material that were used is batting and interfacing. Interfacing f is or the strap and is optional.
After the 6 strips are sewn, press the strips. Cut 2- 15 inch pieces out of both sets of strips. Save the scraps because these will be used to make the straps. There should now be 4 pieces of fabric. Now cut 2 pieces of batting or felt to match the dimensions of the other 4 pieces. Put piece that is going to be the outside of your bag on the batting. The batting can either be attached by sewing around the edge OR you can do some easy quilting by sewing in the seams that join the strips. Do this for both outside pieces. Once the batting has been added to both outside pieces. Place the right sides together and stitch around the perimeter. LEAVE THE TOP OPEN.
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The lining pieces are just sewn together without any batting. Place the lining pieces right side together. Leave the top open. In addition to the top, leave a 2 to 3 inch portion not sewn. This will allow you to turn the bag right side out once the outside and lining have been sewn together. Put these two aside and settle in to make some straps.
The straps are the bane of my existence. You could save your sanity and use webbing. This is the material that looks like every 1982 adjustable belt you have ever seen. It works for some tote bags, but I wanted fabric a fabric strap. Take what was left from cutting the other pieces and cut them in 2.5 strips. Decide how long you want the strap.My straps were made long so my bag could be cross body. Sew each of the new strips that were just cut end to end. Interfacing can be added to make the strips. This is not necessary and it makes turning the strip right side out more difficult. Take this strip and fold it in half lengthwise with the right sides facing. Iron this. It will make your life easier. Using either a 1/8 or 1/4 stitch, the entire length of the strip.
If you know an easier way of turning straps inside, I would love to hear it. I use a safety pin and it makes me cranky. If you have no other secret way of turning straps, find a safety pin, find a good show and settle in. Attach the safety pin near the seam and through both sides of fabric. Then insert safety pin in the tube and down to slowly, SLOWLY, work the safety pin to other end. Few things are more satisfying then seeing that stupid pin at the other side. Once the strap has been turned right side out, press. I added two lines of topstitching. I would suggest at least one topstitch.
You are almost done. Turn both the outside and the lining with the wrong sides facing out. Pin one end of the strap at the top of the side seam of the outside piece. Attach the other end to the other side seam. Make sure the strap is not twisted. Now place the lining inside the bag. The right sides of the outside and lining should be facing with the straps sandwiched in between. Pin and stitch around the top. I add extra stitching where the straps are attached for extra security. Now… using the hole you left in the lining turn the bag right side out. Add a topstitch around the top to secure the lining in place. Now sew up the hole in the lining. Go show off your bag and be a little smug that you made.
