New to sewing or using a sewing machine? This beginner-friendly lesson will introduce you to the joy of creating handmade pieces while learning the basics of sewing. In this project, you’ll make a tote bag with both outer and inner pockets, and pick up these key skills:
Point 1: How to attach an outer pocket
Point 2: How to add a practical inner pocket
Point 3: How to use interfacing to create a tote bag that stands on its own
Instructions Sample
Design & Work: Yui Tamaki
Materials:
Centimeters:
- Fabric (outer, pocket, inner pocket): 110cm x 70cm
- Fabric (lining): 40cm x 70cm
- Fusible interfacing (medium weight): 40cm x 70cm
- Handle tape: 3cm wide x 60cm
Inches:
- Fabric (outer, pocket, inner pocket): 43" x 0.8 yards
- Fabric (lining): 16" x 0.8 yards
- Fusible interfacing (medium weight): 16" x 0.8 yards
- Handle tape: 1.2" wide x 0.7 yards
Finished Size:
Centimeters:
W30cm (at opening) x L24cm x Bottom 20cm, Gusset 10cm
Inches:
W12" (at opening) x L9.5" x Bottom 8", Gusset 4"
Fabric shown for this sample:
Instructions
1. Prepare the materials.
Outer body x 2
Outer pocket x 2
Inner pocket x 1
Lining x 1
Fusible interfacing x 1
Tape x 2
2. Adhere fusible interfacing on the back of the lining fabric.
3. Fold the opening side of the pocket in three. Apply stitches from the front.
4. Layer the outer pocket over body outer fabric and sew the center. Make two pieces.
5. With the front sides facing each other, sew together the pieces from step 4 at the sides first, then bottom and lastly gusset.
6. Make the inner pocket. Fold the bottom side by 1cm to the lining side. With the front sides facing each other, fold in half and sew both sides.
7. Attach the inner pocket to the front side of the lining fabric.
8. Baste the handle to the outer bag.
9. With the front sides facing each other, sew together the outer bag and lining bag all the way around at the top opening with 2cm seam allowance.
10. Turn the bag inside out. Close the opening for turning. Place the lining bag into the outer bag and align the shape.
Recommended Fabric
Recommended Fabric for Lining
The PDF download is below!
