Now offering TIERED PRICING - the more you spend, the more you save - check the shop announcement for discount codes!

Make this pretty tote bag in the stripwork option with ruffle trim, or save a bit of time and use just one fabric and piping for a simpler effect.

✄ ABOUT THIS PROJECT:

These very easy instructions are great for those with intermediate sewing skills. There are instructions for two different types of interior pockets - a simple patch pocket or a hidden zipper pocket for more advanced sew-ers. A button with elastic loop closure or magnetic snap closure keep everything secure. Choose between three different strap lengths - short for a handbag style, medium (as shown) for a standard tote bag, and long for a cross-body bag.

Finished dimensions are 11" tall (at the bottom of the scoop) x 15" wide x 4" deep. There are pattern pieces for the top and interior of the bag; cutting instructions are given for all rectangle pieces.

✄ REQUIRED MATERIALS:
• *IF MAKING THE STRIPWORK STYLE TOTE: 1/3 yard of at least 2 and up to 12 different
fabrics, depending on the look you prefer. (If making from scraps, the strips should
measure 11” tall x 6” wide.)
OR
• *IF MAKING THE TOTE WITH ONE FOCUS FABRIC: 2/3 yard exterior focus fabric
For both styles of tote, you will also need:
• ½ yard coordinating fabric for exterior top, bottom, and outside straps (bottom-weight
fabrics such as denim, canvas duck, corduroy, etc, will work best. Quilting cottons will
work fine, but will need an extra ½ yard fusible fleece interfacing.)
• ¾ yard coordinating fabric* for lining & inside straps
• 1/3 yard fabric* for interior pockets (optional)
• ¼ yard fabric* for ruffles (optional) OR 1 yard of piping or pre-ruffled trim (also optional)
• 2/3 yard fusible fleece interfacing (I like Pellon brand 987F) at least 40” wide
• 1/3 yard lightweight fusible interfacing
• 6” of ¼” wide elastic**
• 1 button measuring between 1 ½” to 2”** (a button with a shank will work best for this
project)
• erasable marker or pencil
• 1 safety pin (to pull the elastic through the casing)
• 12” zipper (optional – if making the zipper pocket)

* Suitable fabrics include quilting cottons, calico or other lightweight wovens. This fabric
will be gathered, so heavyweight fabrics will be more difficult to work with.

** If you prefer to use a magnetic snap closure instead of a button & loop closure, omit
the elastic and button and purchase a magnetic snap instead.

✄ IS THIS SEWING PATTERN REALLY "EASY TO FOLLOW?"

Aivilo Charlotte Sewing Patterns are written in everyday English, as if a friend were telling you how to sew, with full color photos illustrating the process step-by-step. Each pattern is tested by a panel of sewists of many skill levels - to ensure the instructions are clear so you can enjoy a frustration-free sewing experience. Plus, if you have any questions while sewing, I'm always available at aivilocharlotte [!at] gmail.com to help you. Check my feedback for actual customer comments on the ease of use of my patterns!

✄ RESALE & COPYRIGHT POLICIES:

You *may* make Aivilo bags and clothing items for sale, in limited production. If selling online, I simply ask that you put "design by AiviloCharlotte Designs" in your listings. The patterns are protected by copyright, and not to be duplicated or shared in any way.

The pictures here are to show what the completed project looks like - you are purchasing sewing instructions, NOT the actual items. This pattern was designed by me for my business, AiviloCharlotte, and is protected by copyright.