Hey everyone, today we're making a bright everyday tote bag that lets a bold magenta print do all the talking.
Here we go. Let's talk fabric first. That's the fun part.
This is Flock Together Circle Square Magenta Cotton, from In The Beginning Fabrics. The designer is Jason Yenter. It is 100% cotton, and the width of fabric is 44"/45". That is what the product listing tells us, plain and simple.
The color story is magenta, pink, and purple. The print brings in circles and dots, in that circle square design. I love that mix for a bag. It is cheerful. It is easy to spot. And it hides the little scuffs of daily life really really well.
Picture it heading to the library. Or the market. Those pink and purple tones bring the fun fast. Just like that, a plain errand feels a little brighter.
Why this fabric suits a tote bag
A tote is a perfect showcase for a print like this. The panels are big and flat. The circles get room to repeat. Nothing feels crowded or cut off.
The full width helps too. At 44"/45" wide, one yard gives you both outer panels, both handles, and room to spare. Lay your pieces out across the width and keep the design running one direction. That keeps things simple.
My preference is one large panel on each side, with the print running upright. But you could piece the front from squares instead, or add an outside pocket. Completely up to you. We're not reinventing the wheel here.
What you'll need
- 1 yard of Flock Together Circle Square Magenta Cotton, 44"/45" wide, 100% cotton
- 1/2 yard of a coordinating cotton for the lining
- Medium-weight fusible interfacing, about 1 yard, to give the tote some body
- Matching thread for construction, plus a contrasting thread if you want visible topstitching
- Your usual basics: rotary cutter, ruler, pins or clips, and a size 80/12 needle
This plan finishes about 14" wide by 15" tall, with a 3" boxed bottom. That fits a laptop sleeve or a good stack of library books. Want it smaller? Trim an inch off each panel first. The math is easy here.
Brief steps
First, press your fabric well. Then fuse interfacing to the wrong side of your outer fabric. Follow the package directions and let it cool flat. That step gives a quilting cotton tote its shape.
Second, cut your panels. Cut two outer pieces 15" wide by 16" tall. Try to center a nice set of circles on the front panel. Step back and look before you cut. That one check matters.
Third, cut two lining pieces the same size. Then cut two handle strips 4" wide by 24" long from your remaining outer fabric. Fold each handle in half lengthwise, press, fold the raw edges in, and topstitch both sides at about 8 to 10 stitches per inch.
Fourth, sew each outer panel to its lining at the top edge, with the handles tucked in between, 3" in from each side seam. Use a 1/4" seam for the panel work, then turn and press. Go slow over the handle layers. Slow down or the needle can snap on the thick spot.
Fifth, place the two finished panels right sides together, lining to lining and outer to outer. Sew down both sides and across the bottom, leaving a 4" gap in the lining bottom. Box each bottom corner at 3", trim, turn the bag right side out through the gap, and stitch the gap closed. Press it well, topstitch around the top edge, and you're done.
My tips from the sewing room
Tip one: let the print lead. With circles this lively, keep the shape simple. A clean tote silhouette lets the magenta shine. No extra fuss needed.
Tip two: test your stitch on a layered scrap first. Handles and boxed corners stack up fast. Check your tension and your needle. Two minutes now saves real frustration later. I have learned that the hard way, y'all.
Tip three: it does not have to be perfect. If a circle gets cut a little off-center, leave it. You're your own worst critic. Take your time, it's not a race. A finished tote on your shoulder beats a perfect plan in a drawer every time.
If I can do this, y'all can do it. Super duper fun, and really really useful.
Thanks so much for sewing along with me today, folks. We'll see you next time. Bye.
Shop the Flock Together Circle Square Magenta Cotton 44"/45" Fabric Per Yard at Linda's Electric Quilters.
