In order to sew this tote bag you will need the basic backstitch. It’s that easy.

Materials

½ yard heavy cotton material, 45-inches wide

Hand sewing needles

Thread

Quilting needle

Pins

Two 12-inch square pieces fabric

Scissors

One 12” square of batting

Optional: quilted pocket

Procedure

1. Cutting out the pattern:

1. Tote bag: Cut fabric 35-inches long and 18-inches wide
2. Cut two handles 18-inches long x 3 ½-inches wide
3. Cut one pocket 9-inches long x 5 ¾-inches wide

2. With right sides together, fold the handles in half lengthwise.

Using the backstitch method, stitch each handle with a ½-inch seam allowance.

Turn handles right side out. Finger press flat.

3. Putting on the pocket:

Turn sides and bottom of pocket in ¾-inch and finger press flat.

Turn top of pocket in ¼-inch and finger press flat. Then turn in another ¼-inch. Finger

press flat again.

Pin or baste seam allowances around pocket to hold shape.

4. Fold the cloth for the tote bag in half and measure 5 ½-inches from the bottom and 6-

inches in from both sides. Mark the area with a pencil or pins. Pin the pocket on the

right side of fabric in the marked off area and backstitch around the pocket. You may

want to reinforce the stitch to make sure that the pocket is on securely. (Do not stitch

the top of the pocket).

5. Fold the cloth for the tote bag in half with right sides together. (The pocket will be on

the inside). Using a backstitch method, sew both sides of the bag with a ¾-inch seam

allowance.

6. Fold top ½-inch down all around the bag. Finger press flat.

7. Putting on the handles:

Measure 5 ½-inches from both sides of the bag. Mark the spot with a pencil or pin. Pin

handles on the tote bag on the outside of the mark and sew in place.

8. With the handles sewn in place, turn the top of the bag over 1 inch. (The handles will

be facing the bottom of the bag). Using a backstitch, hem the bag all the way around.

9. Bring the handles up and stitch into place. Reinforce the stitch several times.

10.Finished dimensions will be 16-inches X 15 ½-inches. The pocket will be 7 ½-inches X

4-inches.

Enjoy your new bag!