Directions
1.Fold pocket piece in half longways, right sides together. Sew 1/2 inch seam down long edge and press open. Turn right side out, forming a tube. Press (with seam to one edge).
5.On both outer and lining pieces, clip at base to the seam line.
8.Make handles. Iron interfacing to the wrong sides of handle pieces. Fold one on the long sides toward center, press. Fold this piece in half. Press. Sew down both long edges of handle.Repeat for other handle.
9.Make optional ruffle. Piece two lengths of fabric if necessary to form a 3”x60” length. Fold in half and press. Sew two long basting stitches down the open edge. Pull gently on basting stitches to form a 28” long ruffle. Match open edge to the raw edge of the outer fabric, right sides together.Sew the short ruffle edge together before pinning completely. (Refer to photo to see between lining and outer fabric.)
10.Pin handles to the inner lining 4.5” from the seam edges, forming a half loop. Be sure the handle is between the right sides of the inner lining andouter body.
16.Ta da! Enjoy your new tote!
1.Fold pocket piece in half longways, right sides together. Sew 1/2 inch seam down long edge and press open. Turn right side out, forming a tube. Press (with seam to one edge).
2.Lay lining piece flat, right side up. Place across the top of pocket so the bottom of pocket is 6.5” down from top edge. Pin in place. Sew down short edges and across bottom edge of pocket. Sew divisions in pocket if desired.
3.Add optional embellishments.
a. Band and Pom Poms. Fold band pieces in half long ways, press. Place on short edges of outer fabric. Pin pom poms in place between band and fabric. Sew along this edge.
b.Ribbon. Place ribbon 2.5” down from short edges. Pin, then sew in place. Form bow and sew in place if desired.
4.Fold outer body in half, short sides together, right sides together. Press, pin, then sew down short sides with 1/2 inch seam. Repeat for the lining fabric. Press seams open as best possible.
5.On both outer and lining pieces, clip at base to the seam line.
6.Press the base open into a triangle. Measure 2” from triangle point, pin and sew across triangle. Trim off triangle.
7.Turn lining right side out. Place into outer piece, right sides together.
8.Make handles. Iron interfacing to the wrong sides of handle pieces. Fold one on the long sides toward center, press. Fold this piece in half. Press. Sew down both long edges of handle.Repeat for other handle.9.Make optional ruffle. Piece two lengths of fabric if necessary to form a 3”x60” length. Fold in half and press. Sew two long basting stitches down the open edge. Pull gently on basting stitches to form a 28” long ruffle. Match open edge to the raw edge of the outer fabric, right sides together.Sew the short ruffle edge together before pinning completely. (Refer to photo to see between lining and outer fabric.)
10.Pin handles to the inner lining 4.5” from the seam edges, forming a half loop. Be sure the handle is between the right sides of the inner lining andouter body.
11. Pin inner and outer together, sandwiching the handles and optional ribbon inside. Sew around the top edge, leaving about 5” open.
12.Turn right sides out through opening. Press as best possible.
13.Insert the optional plastic and maneuver into place in the box base.
14.Sew the 5” closed close to the edge.
15.Sew on any buttons or other embellishments by hand.
16.Ta da! Enjoy your new tote!
Created by Jessie Pitcher480-807-5222 jessiepitcher@mac.com
Please advise with any sewing suggestions you might find while sewing your tote!
Also, send photos of your finished project so we can share your inspirations with others!
