Featured Fabric: FreeSpirit Fabrics Glyphs by e Bond

Pattern design by: Pam Hastings  

Sewn by: Pam Hastings  

We have designed the perfect size tote for a quick trip to the market or to carry your essentials for a day at the beach.  The front pocket allows for easy access to your phone and keys.  This project is great for beginners, it is all straight stitching but mixing fabrics and trims lets you be the designer.

I fell in love with the FreeSpirit Glyphs collection the first time I saw it.  While I generally sew with preppy bright fabrics (think Lilly Pulitzer) this fabric by e Bond reminded me of the beach in the off season (my favorite time) with its sandy, driftwood colors.  I did of course have to add my pop of color with orange ball fringe! 

I hope you enjoy making and using this tote as much as I did! Happy Sewing!

Technique:  Edge stitching, applying trim, straight stitching, cutting, pressing

Skill Level: Advanced Beginner

Finished Size: Approximately 16 x 14 x 3

Supplies & Fabric Requirements:

Fabric A (tote exterior and pocket) 1 yard

Fabric B (lining) ½ yard

Fabric C (trim, pocket lining and straps) ½ yard

1 yard ball fringe

½ yard fusible fleece

½ yd medium weight, washable fusible interfacing

Thread to match

Cutting:

Fabric A:  Georgia - Obsidian

Tote Front Sides:                    Cut 2   5” x 15” fabric pieces

Tote Front Center:                  Cut 1   9” x 15” fabric piece

 Pocket :                                   Cut 1   9” x 10”

Tote Back:                              Cut 1   17” x 15” piece

Fabric B: Helen - Sky

Lining:                                    Cut 2   17” x 15”

Fabric C:  Lucille - Straw

Pocket lining:                          Cut 1   9” x 12” pocket lining (note it is larger than pocket)

Front Tote Trim:                     Cut 2   2” x 15” strips

Straps:                                     Cut 2   6” x 24” strips

Fusible Fleece:         

For Tote Front Sides:              Cut 2   5” x 15” fabric pieces

For Tote Front Center:           Cut 1   9” x 15” fabric piece

For Tote Back:                        Cut 1   17” x 15” piece

Fusible Interfacing: 

For Bag Lining                       Cut 2   17” x 15”

Sewing Directions:

Note: all seams are ½” unless otherwise noted

Fusible Fleece and Fusible Interfacing

• Fuse fleece to the wrong side of the bag front and back pieces following manufacturer’s instructions.
• Repeat with interfacing and bag lining pieces.

Tote Front:

• Pocket and center front: With right sides together, pin pocket and pocket lining along one short edge. Stitch and press seam towards the lining.
• Fold pocket and pocket lining wrong sides together matching the side and bottom edges.  The pocket lining will extend above the top of the pocket fabric creating a trim line. Press along the fold.
• Topstitch close to the seam line at the top of the pocket.

• Place pocket, lining side against the right side of the center tote front. Pin pocket along both sides of the center tote front, matching the raw edges. Machine baste along the side edges, to hold your pocket in place.

• Cut 2, 15” lengths of ball fringe. Pin along the side edges of the center tote front. The pom poms should be facing the center of the bag. Stitch ball fringe in place along the side edges of the center tote front.

Completing the Front:

• With right sides together, pin tote side front pieces to the center front.  Stitch and press seams open. Trim away pom poms at the very top and bottom.

• The trim pieces, Fabric C, will be placed along the sides of the ball fringe.  Fold under and press ½” along each long edge of the trim pieces. Tip: for quick and easy trim, use a 1” bias tape maker.  As the trim passes through the bias tape maker, the trim edges fold in allowing for easy pressing. 
• Align one edge of the trim with the pom poms. Pin trim in place over the seam lines. Stitch close to each side edge of the trim pieces. Tip: to apply the trim, use ½” fusible tape, like Steam A Seam2, then stitch in place.  This will keep the trim from shifting when stitching and give a nice, crisp finish.

Straps and Tote Assembly:

• Fold strap pieces in half lengthwise with wrong sides together and press. Open and turn each long edge in to meet the center crease and press.

• Refold along the original crease and stitch close to each edge of the strap.
• Measure and mark a point along the top edge of each bag piece 5” (12.7cm) in from each edge for handle placement
• Pin handles in place on the right side of the tote pieces, aligning the raw edges of the handles with the top raw edge of the tote. Machine baste in place.

• Pin the tote front and back pieces with right sides together. Stitch along the side and bottom edges. Turn right side out.

• To box your tote bag and give it structure, re-fold the bottom corners of the tote matching the side and bottom seams. The corners will form a point.

• Mark a 3” line across each folded corner. Stitch along the marked line.

• Turn tote right side out.
• Give your bag and seams a good press.

Tote Lining and Finishing:

1. With right sides together, pin lining pieces along the side and bottom edges.  Stitch with a 1/2” seam allowance, leaving an opening at the bottom edge for turning. Tip: to mark opening, make 2 dots on the wrong side of the lower edge of one lining piece.

Finishing:

• Place the tote exterior inside the lining with right sides together and upper edges even. Make certain your tote handles are down in between your tote exterior and lining fabrics.  Pin around the top, then stitch in place with a 1/2” (1.27cm) seam allowance.

• Turn right side out through the opening in the lining. Press. Whip stitch lining opening closed. Topstitch close to the top edge of the tote.

Congratulations – you completed a tote! Time to go to the market and show it off.  A few things to remember when sewing – a seam ripper is your friend – I use mine daily!  Press your seams, press your finished project – it makes a world of difference.  Be creative – play with prints and trims and give your projects your own unique flare.

Fabric Details:

FreeSpirit Fabrics Glyphs by e Bond 

View the full collection & find a SIY Retailer near you.

Helene - Sky
SKU: PWEB014.SKY

Lucille - Straw 
SKU: PWEB012.STRAW

Georgia – Obsidian
SKU: PWEB006.OBSIDIAN

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Learn More About Pam here.