Hey everyone. Today we're making a sturdy everyday tote bag that shows off a rich purple batik and actually gets used, not just admired.
Here we go. The star is the Essence Circle in Circle-Purple Eggplant Batik from Lumin Fabrics. It is 100% cotton batik. It runs 44"/45" wide. It comes per yard, in the Essence collection.
The pattern is right in the name, y'all. Circle in Circle. Rings inside rings. The color is Purple Eggplant. Deep, warm purple. It reads almost plum in one spot. It reads darker and moodier in the next. That is the beauty of a batik.
For a tote, that color is a gift. A tote goes everywhere with you. Deep purple hides everyday scuffs well. And those circles keep it interesting up close. Folks will ask about it.
The project: a sturdy everyday tote bag
We are making a tote about 16" wide, 15" tall, with a 4" boxed bottom. That size swallows a notebook easily. It holds a small quilt project too. Want it bigger? Add 2" each way. Completely up to you.
Why this fabric suits it? Batik cotton is tightly woven. It presses crisp and flat. It holds a clean edge on handles and pockets. The 44"/45" width helps here too. One yard gives you both outer panels. It gives you handles and a pocket besides. Just like that, the yard works hard.
The circles help with layout too. You can center a favorite ring on the front. You can let the rings run free and random. Both ways look great. We're not reinventing the wheel here.
Materials list
- 1 yard of Essence Circle in Circle-Purple Eggplant Batik for the outer bag, handles, and pocket
- 1/2 yard of a coordinating lining fabric, 44"/45" wide
- 1 yard of fusible fleece or medium fusible interfacing, for body
- Thread to blend with deep purple
- A 90/14 needle for the thick handle and bottom seams
- Rotary cutter, ruler, mat, pins or clips, and a marking tool
Brief steps
First, press your fabric well. Batik presses really, really nice. Lay it out flat first. Look for the circles you love most. Plan your front panel around them.
Second, cut two outer panels, each 17" wide by 16" tall. That includes 1/2" seam allowances. Cut two lining panels the same size. Cut two handle strips, each 4" wide by 24" long. I have rushed this step before. I cut a handle 2 inches short. Oh my goodness. The fix is simple. Measure twice. Mark with chalk. Then cut.
Third, fuse the fleece to the wrong side of both outer panels. Follow the maker's pressing times. Take your time here. A smooth fuse now means no bubbles later. Press the handles in quarters, lengthwise. Stitch down both long edges, close to the fold.
Fourth, sew the bag body. Stitch the outer panels right sides together. Sew the sides and bottom with a 1/2" seam. Leave the top open. Box each bottom corner 4" across, then trim. Repeat the same steps for the lining. Leave a 4" gap in the lining bottom for turning.
Fifth, pin the handles to the outer top. Center each handle about 4" in from the side seams. Baste them in place. Slide the outer bag into the lining, right sides together. Sew around the top with a 1/2" seam. Slow down where the handles sit. That stack is thick. Rush it and the needle can snap. Turn the bag through the gap. Stitch the gap closed. Topstitch around the top edge.
My honest tips
Add the pocket before you sew the body. Cut it 7" by 8". Fold the top edge down twice. Stitch it to one outer panel. Your phone stops vanishing to the bottom. Really, really handy.
Prewash or not? Batiks are dyed, so test a small swatch first. Rinse it in warm water. If the water runs clear, you are good. If color shows, give the yardage a gentle soak before you cut. Deep purple deserves that little test.
And here is your permission beat. Your topstitching does not have to be perfect. Nobody is inspecting your tote at the grocery store. You are your own worst critic here. Load it up. Carry it out the door. That is how everyone else will see it. Super duper cute, and useful too.
It does not have to be perfect. It just has to be finished and carried. Take your time. It is not a race.
If I can do this, y'all can do it. Pick your favorite circles. Center one right up front. Let that eggplant purple shine.
Thanks for sewing along with me today, folks. We'll see you next time. Bye.
Shop the Essence Circle in Circle-Purple Eggplant Batik 44"/45" Fabric Per Yard at Linda's Electric Quilters.
