Laminated Tote Bag Tutorial
Supplies
1 half yard of material
Cut main bag 16 x 26 (18 x 28)
Cut 2 pockets 6 x 16 (7 x 18)
Larger size uses the whole half yard of fabric.
2-9 inch zippers
90/14 universal needle, cotton thread.
Cut all materials.
POCKETS
Step 1. Sew zipper face down on fabric face up along the 6 or 8 inch side, 1/4 seam allowance.
Step 2. Flip zipper face up, pin and top sticth along edge, catching zipper tape.
Step 3. Sew zipper face down on fabric face up along opposite side.
Step 4. Flip pocket right side out.
Step 5. Pin and top stitch zipper and back together.
Step 6. Open zipper and stitch over zipper teeth.
Repeat for second pocket. I like to make both pockets at the same time, sort of like chain piecing.
MAIN BAG
Step 1. Hem each 16 inch side, using the double fold 1/2 inch hem. (Fold 1/2 inch, fold again 1/2 inch and stitch).
Step 2. Lay bag flat.
Step 3. Mark in 4 1/2 inches (5 1/2) from each side with chalk pencil. Chalk will rub off the laminated cotton, it is just temporary. Lay a pocket 1 1/2 inches down from the hem.
Step 4. Pin the web belting along the chalk mark. The pocket sides sholuld be caught under the web belting. Overlap the ends of the belting, tucking under the top layer. Measure the start and stop of the loose part of the handle to ensure they are even.
Finished pinning the web belting. Add Label if you want.
Step 5. Stitch down the belting, starting with the inside of the belting (Closest to the pockets). Stitch down the pockets as you are working your way around the belting.
Step 5. Stitch down the belting, starting with the inside of the belting (Closest to the pockets). Stitch down the pockets as you are working your way around the belting.
Step 6. Fold bag in half right sides together. mark the bottom along the sides. Measure up from that mark 2 inches and mark. Flip bag and do again, until you have six marks, three on each side.
Step 7. Fold the outer two marks together tucking the middle in. Pin. Repeat for the other side.
Step 8. Straight stitch the side seams, 1/2 inch. back stitch at beginning and end of each seam. Now you can serge the seams or zigzag along the straight seam. If I use the zigzag method, I also straight stitch again along the outer edge of the stitching. You can trim the seam allowance if you like.
Step 9. Flip the bag right side out, use your fingers to tuck the pleat evenly.
Finished. Marvel at the ease, plot another one. Oh wait!!! gotta feed the family first.
