Hey everyone! Today we're making a sturdy everyday tote bag with one batik, and I'll show you how to get strong straps and a nice boxed bottom.
Here we go.
Meet the fabric
This is the Anthology BA-10361 45" wide fabric per yard from Fabric Fanatics.
It's a batik. It's 45" wide. And it's sold by the yard here at Linda's.
The listing keeps it simple. Anthology is the name in the title, BA-10361 is its number. It does not list specific colors, so I won't guess at them. For this project, the type and the width are what matter, and both work really really well for a bag.
Batiks are a great choice for a tote. They press crisp, hold a crease, and that layered look hides the little scuffs that come with a bag you actually use.
One yard at 45" wide goes a long way. You can cut the outside, straps, and maybe a pocket. Completely up to you how you use it.
The project: a weekend tote bag
We're making a tote that finishes about 16" wide by 15" tall, with a 4" boxed bottom.
That's a good size, folks. Wide enough for a laptop and notebook. Tall enough for groceries or a project on the go. The boxed bottom helps it stand up in the car.
Why does this fabric suit it? A tote is on display from every side. A batik gives you interest all over without piecing or appliqué, and you see it in big panels, so you enjoy what you bought.
Materials
- 1 yard of Anthology BA-10361 for the bag exterior and straps
- 3/4 yard of a lining fabric
- 1 yard of fusible fleece or medium interfacing, about 20" wide
- Thread that blends with your fabric
- Rotary cutter, ruler, and mat
- Pins or clips, and a walking foot if you have one
Save the scraps. A small zip pouch from the leftovers is super duper cute with this bag.
Brief steps
One. Press everything first. Cut two exterior panels at 17" by 16". Cut two lining panels the same size. Cut four strap strips at 4" by 28".
Two. Fuse interfacing to the wrong side of the exterior panels and straps. Press from the center out. Take your time. Bubbles now will bother you later.
Three. Make the straps. Fold each strip in half lengthwise, press, open it, fold the raw edges to the center, then fold in half again. Topstitch down both long edges at a 2.8 stitch length. You'll do this twice, for two handles.
Four. Sew the exterior sides and bottom with a 1/2" seam allowance. Use an 80/12 needle to start. If you hit thick strap layers and it struggles, slow down or the needle can snap. That's your warning moment, folks. Go slow over the bumps.
Five. Box the bottom. Match the side seam to the bottom seam, measure 2" in from the point, draw a line, and stitch across it. Trim the triangle to 1/4". Do the same steps for the lining, but leave a 4" opening in the bottom seam for turning.
Six. Pin the handles to the exterior, about 4" in from each side seam, raw edges even with the top. Slip the exterior inside the lining, right sides together, match the side seams, and sew around the top at 1/2". Turn it right side out through the lining opening, stitch that opening closed, press the top edge, and topstitch 1/4" all the way around. Just like that, you have a bag.
Practical tips
Test your topstitching on a scrap sandwich first. Straps get thick fast, and ten minutes of testing saves real frustration. We're not reinventing the wheel here.
Want options? You have them. Add an inside pocket before you sew the lining together. Make the straps longer for over-the-shoulder carry. Or keep them short as hand handles. My preference is the 28" strap for everyday use, but it is completely up to you.
I have sewn a strap on twisted before. Oh my goodness, yes I have. Rip only that section, press it flat, and sew it again. The fix is part of the making.
And here's the permission beat, because I mean it. It does not have to be perfect. A tote with a slightly wavy topstitch still carries your books just fine. You're your own worst critic. Take your time, it's not a race. If I can do this, y'all can do it.
Alrighty. Thanks so much for sewing along with me today. We'll see you next time. Bye.
Shop the Anthology BA-10361 45" wide fabric per yard at Linda's Electric Quilters.
