The Stylish Tote

The Stylish Tote! How about a bag that is beautiful yet functional on the outside and a work horse on the inside! This tote has 7 pockets total, 2 on the outside fit for a large cell phone or sunglasses and 5 on the inside including a zippered center divider pocket that fits a tablet computer like an iPad. Another interior zipper pocket and 4 slip pockets offer organization for work, off to a club or meeting or shopping around town. The handles let you grab the bag quickly and the adjustable strap is convenient for carrying. The Stylish Tote is an ideal size at 12”W x 11”H x 4”D.

And it’s on sale for just $7.00 (US) for the next week! 2/22 - 2/28 2023

This advanced-beginner pattern is designed to be domestic friendly with alternative methods for most sewing machines that cannot go through 4 or more layers of fabrics like vinyl or cork. Instructions are very detailed and have many photos to guide you through construction. And I developed a new, easier way to construct a recessed zipper placket! And strap connectors are kept out of the final topstitching! Don’t we all love that???

Except for handles and straps, ALL pattern pieces (including pieces for the interfacings needed!) are included in the pattern. A separate cutting guide to print is provided for those who prefer to ruler cut. Fabric layouts for 44” and 54” fabrics are also included. The pattern pieces have been tested to print on Letter-size and A4 paper. SVGs are available as a separate purchase.

Requirements:

Exterior fabrics: vinyl, cork, woven cotton or canvas.

               Exterior Vinyl or Cork: 1 roll, 18”H x 54”W or 1/2 Yd. x 54”W

               Wovens: 3/4 yd. of 44”.

For domestic machine users, this bag has 4 -6 layers in several spots. Please test your machine to see if it can handle this before deciding on your fabrics. You may need to make the whole bag in cotton if your machine cannot handle the layers.

Lining Fabrics: Cotton or Canvas: 1 ½ Yds. 44” W

Interfacing: Your choice will depend on the amount of body you want your bag to have. For the exterior Decovil light, foam and fleece are all possibilities. For foam or fleece, non-adhesive is recommended to prevent wrinkling when the bag is turned. If you have an adhesive spray or glue on hand, you can use that to keep it in place. For Lining Woven fabrics like quilting cotton or waterproof canvas: Pellon SF101 or Wovenfuse or Wovenfuse2 or similar if you want stronger fabric. Lining fabric cottons should be pre-interfaced before cutting your pieces as either fabric may shrink from the heat causing the piece dimensions to change.

Hardware: 1 16” zipper or #5 zipper tape and 1 #5 pull, 1 11 1/2” zipper or #5 zipper tape and 1 #5 pull, 1 9” zipper or #5 zipper tape and 1 #5 Pull, 1 Zipper end (Optional), 1 1” Strap Adjuster, 8 or 9mm Rivets (Optional) and 2 one-piece Strap Connectors (either 3/4” or 1”, your choice) or 2 D rings and 2 standard Strap Connectors.