12 Beautiful Tote Purse Patterns

12 Beautiful Tote Purse Patterns
Copyright 2014 by Prime Publishing LLC

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Letter from the Editors
Hi Sewists,
Its no secret that our sewing community loves to create unique and useful bags and purses. The
wonderful thing about a great handmade bag is that youll use it daily. Gone are the days of purchasing
overpriced handbags. Instead, explore the ideas found in this eBook and create one (or several)
yourself! Weve rounded up some of our favorite tote and clutch patterns so whether youre looking to
transport a lot of belongings or just a few, youre covered. We hope youll find making these adorable
bags as fun and rewarding as we do!
Happy Sewing!
You can find additional home dcor ideas and more at www.AllFreeSewing.com.
Our eBooks, like all our sewing projects, are absolutely FREE to members of our sewing community.
Please feel free to share with family and friends and ask them to sign up at our website for our
free e-mail newsletter.
Happy Sewing,
The Editors of AllFreeSewing

www.AllFreeSewing.com
Find thousands of free sewing patterns, tips, tutorials and more at www.AllFreeSewing.com.

5 Step Market Tote ............................................ 5
One Yard Dish Towel Tote Bag ........................ 73
Basic Purse Organizer....................................... 10
Library Tote ...................................................... 79
Basic Purse Tutorial .......................................... 13
DIY Fancy Lace Clutch ...................................... 84
Decorative T-Shirt Tote Bag ............................. 22
Pretty Petite Purse ........................................... 87
Mini Chevron Pouch Tutorial ........................... 28
Notebook Tote Bag Tutorial ............................ 90
Gym Tote Bag Tutorial ..................................... 32

Its a Cinch Bag ................................................. 61
5 Step Market Tote

By: Cynthia from The Sewing Dork
The 5 Step Market Tote is really as easy as it seems. You can make this tote in one night to have it ready
for your next day of shopping adventures. The use of old pillowcases allows you to clean out that
excessive linen closet, making this a thrifty craft.
Materials:
One sensational pillowcase

One simple pocket
Two straps (You can use scraps of other fabrics). Each strap should be approximately 48
inches long
44 inches of double fold bias tape
Directions:
1. Make a sensational pocket out of colorful scrap fabrics.

2. Fold your pillowcase in half, bringing the short ends together. The folded edge will be the bottom of
your tote. Center your pocket on the folded pillowcase and sew to the "front" of your tote, either inside
or outside.
3. Encase each "short" top edge of the pillowcase with bias tape and stitch into place. This will sew
closed the open end of the pillowcase too.

4. Make two straps that will be seen on the exterior of your tote. The straps in each tutorial are 48
inches long and about 3 inches wide when finished. Finish the raw edges of each strap any way that you
like (i.e. folding the raw edges inward, serging them, etc.) Make sure they are sturdy enough to carry
your groceries! Open up your pillowcase and position each strap as shown. The straps meet smack dab
in the middle.

5. Overlap the straps slightly where they meet. Fold under one raw edge as shown below and pin the
straps all over to hold them in place. Fold up your pillowcase to make sure that the two protruding
handles are the same length and adjust the straps till you get it right. Sew straps to outside of
pillowcase.
6. With right sides together, fold pillowcase in half again and sew up two side seams. Finito!
For a fun look, dissect two different pillowcases and "remake" the pillowcase so that your inside and
outside fabrics are different.
Basic Purse Organizer

By: Gloria from Domestic Diva
Create this Basic Purse Organizer to neatly store your things. This purse organizer pattern is easy to
make and will show how to sew lining in a bag. It fits perfectly inside a basic purse and you'll always be
able to find the things you need. Add as many pockets as you need and keep all of your belongings
organized.
Materials:
1 yard of muslin fabric

Thread
27 snap tape
Craft Fuse interfacing
2 sheets plastic mesh and yarn (optional)
Note: This layout includes 5 open pockets. Note that the depth of the pocket
varies. Each is tailored for the item it will hold. If pockets are too deep,
retrieving the item will be difficult. All of the items stick out slightly from their
pocket.
1. Cut muslin fabric according to the Basic Purse directions following step #1
and #2. Iron Craft Fuse to the wrong side of the fabric.
2. Lay the fabric flat, right side up. Plan your pockets. You can include as many
as you choose, in any size. Heres my pocket design:
One centered 5X5 pocket on the bottom side, 6 from the edge.
Four pockets in varying sizes (approx. 5.5 deep) across the top side. Top
edges of all pockets were lined with interfacing to give them more body.
3. When all pockets are attached, follow steps #3 through #8 of the Basic Purse
directions. (Found on pg. 9 of this eBook)
4. Pin the snap tape to the right side of the organizer aligning the edge of the
tape to the edge of the organizer. Place the edge of the tape against the side
seam stitching. Use a zipper foot to sew down both edges of the tape.
5. Pin the opposite strip of snap tape to the wrong side of your finished Basic
Purse by placing the edge of the tape against the side seam stitching, and
aligning the edge of the tape to the edge of the hem. Once in place, the tape
will be not be visible because it is on the underside of the purse hem.
6. Turn the hem at the crease you made in step #2. Machine stitch around the
bag 2 from the top edge.
7. Snap your organizer into your purse.
Tip:
I used tape with metal snaps for this project but I recommend the kind of
tape used in babys clothes. The snaps are plastic and have a stronger hold
than the metal type and are less bulky.
Optional Structure:
If you prefer a purse with more body, you can achieve it with plastic mesh. Heres how to create a three
sided structure that sits between the outer purse and the organizer offering body and flexibility.
11

BOTTOM - Cut one piece of plastic mesh 4 X 9.25.
SIDES - Cut two pieces of mesh 9.25 X 9.75.
Attach the two side pieces to the bottom piece using yarn and overlapping stitches.
Place the 3 sided structure into the purse between the organizer and the outer purse fabric. Push the
mesh firmly and all the way to the bottom until it is seated properly.
12
Basic Purse Tutorial

It's always best practice to start with the basics. The Basic Purse Tutorial is the perfect place to start your
bag making adventures. Once you've learned how to sew your own purse, check out the corresponding
purse organizer. The basic purse and the basic organizer keep all of your everyday belongings neatly
stored away for your hectic life on the go.
Materials:
1 yard of heavy canvas fabric

Thread
Strap Options:
Basic Straps:
If you choose to attach matching fabric straps directly to the top hem of
the bag, cut two pieces of fabric 3.75 by 24.25. Sew the long edges
13

with a 5/8 seam, right sides together. Turn straps right side out. Turn under short edges 5/8. Pin the
straps, centering them equally from the side seams with approximately 5.50 between them. Sew each
end of the strap to the inside at the hem stitching line. Sew each strap once more securing it at the top
edge of the hem. You may also choose to slip the raw edges of the straps into the hem before it is top
stitched then finishing by securing them at the top edge of the hem.
You can also find ready-made straps in various materials that only require finishing on the ends.
Binding Straps:
This style binds the entire bag, going down one side and coming up the
other. Its essentially one long continuous strap, looped on both ends
and connected with one seam. The strap should be 88 long by 3.75.
Sew the straps long edge with the right sides together. Turn it right side
out. Sew the two ends together. Lay the loop onto the right side of the
bag fabric with the seam in the center. Position and pin each strap an
equal distance from the side seams. The shoulder strap part of the loops
should extend 9 beyond the
creases in the fabric. Top stitch
close to the edges of each strap
stopping one inch from the creases in the fabric. After
youve finished the bag and sewn the top hem in place, go
back and top stitch the unattached portions of the loop.
Tabs with Rope:

Make tabs to hold any type of purchased straps. You will need 4 pieces of
fabric measuring 4.25 by 6.25. Sew each piece with the right sides together.
Turn them right side out then turn under the raw edges 5/8. Fold in half, line
up the edges, and sew onto the bag. Secure with another line of stitching
closer to the top edge of the bag, with enough opening to allow the rope to
pass through. Hide raw edges of rope by creating two more tabs and wrapping
them snugly around the joined ends.
Knotted Leather and Grommet (eyelet):

Nothing could be easier than attaching four grommets to the top edge of
your bag, slipping a leather strap through them and knotting the ends.
Grommets are available in sizes from small to large and come in different
finishes. Everything you need is in the package except a hammer and a
hard surface. We use the garage floor. Youll need two lengths of leather,
14

each measuring about 22.
Directions:
1. Cut the fabric to measure 29 X 14.75.
2. On both short ends, fold under the raw edges, wrong sides
together and press to create a .50 hem. Sew down the hem.
Turn under again 3 and press but do not sew. If you are
making the binding straps they should be attached now. See
strap options above.
3. Open the 3 hem and align the raw edges with right sides together. Be sure the creases match up.
4. Sew the left and right side edges of the bag with 5/8 seams, from the raw edges to the folded edge.
Finish off the seams with a serger or a zigzag stitch to prevent fraying.
5. Bring together the bottom point of the right and left seams in a pyramid shape. Smooth layers. Press
with your hands to create temporary creases on angled edges.
6. Place a ruler across the layers, aligning the 2 mark with the seam stitching. There should be 2 of
fabric to the left and right of center.
15
7. Make a line against the ruler with a pen or tape. Flip the layers over and mark the other side. Machine
stitch across the ruled lines.
8. Turn the bag right side out and push into the corners of the line you just sewed. This will create the 4
flat bottom for your bag. If you like a solid bottom, cut heavy card board 4 by 9.25. Sew a simple fabric
cover for it and place it in the bottom of the bag. Hand stitch the cover to that bags side seams to keep
the cardboard in position.
9. Turn the hem at the crease you made in step #2. Machine stitch around the bag 2 from the top edge.
This will leave you with one free inch to which you can attach a snap tape for the Basic Pure Organizer if
you choose. Your bag is finished and youre ready to attach straps using the Strap Options above.
16
How to Dress up the Basic Purse:
Fabric:
Here the fabric resembles canvas in its weave but is soft and very lightweight. So light in fact, that it's
lined with Craft Fuse iron-on interfacing to keep it from going limp. The soft color of the fabric gives the
purse a very feminine look.
Accents:
Split the purse fabric horizontally about 5 from the top edge of the purse and attach a colorful .75
strip of cotton fabric, the same fabric used in the braided strap. The strip hides a zippered pocket and
adds an interesting element to the look of the project. A piece of fancy chain attached to the zipper pull
and with red and gold beads pick up the colors in the cotton strip.
Hardware:
Large metal grommets hold the strap and give the purse some attitude. You can also add a magnetic
clasp to the center of the top hem before stitching it down, so the purse doesnt stand open.
17
Focal Point:
The real focus of this purse is undoubtedly the braided strap. You can make a casing for the piping by
sewing a 25 strip of fabric with right sides together, then turning it right side out and inserted
piping. There are two solid color strips and one of the print. The braided part of the strap is attached to
a separate loop of solid fabric after it is threaded through the two grommets. A flat strip of fabric
without piping is then wrapped around the connection to hide the raw edges. See how it was done in
the photos below.
18

1. Once your casings are made, an easy way to insert the piping is to sew ribbon or seam binding to one
end of the piping. Attach a safety pin to the opposite end of the ribbon. Lead the pin through the casing
and pull the piping through.
2. After braiding the three strips, pull back the casings and cut off .50 of the piping from two of the
braided strips on each end. This will provide an overall equal thickness when you join it with the
connecting loop.
3. Overlap the braid ends and both ends of a 5 long loop that has been inserted through the grommets.
Stitch across all thicknesses two or three times.
19
4. Hide the connection and raw edges by sewing a 3/4 wide by 6 long flat piece of fabric to the loop
slightly below the point where it connects to the braid. Wrap around, angling upward until the raw
edges are covered. Pin in place.
5. Attach a safety pin to the tail end of the wrap. Lead the pin through the top of the wrap.
20
6. Pull through the first band of the wrap. Cut off enough of the tail so it will be hidden under the band.
7. Hand stitch under the band to hold the tail securely in place.
21
Decorative T-Shirt Tote Bag

By: Tamara from Etcetorize
With just a few materials you can create a lovely, casual bag that's great for everyday use. This T-shirt
tote bag is easy to make and the tutorial will show you how to sew a purse so you can make several as
gifts!
22
Materials:
T-Shirt
Fabric for embellishing
Fabric interfacing
Bias Tape
Thread
Directions:
1. Lay out your T-Shirt and make marks similar to those below:
23

2. Cut along your lines. You should end up with something that looks like this:
3. Turn your top inside out, pin along the bottom, and stitch closed.
24

4. Turn back to right sides out. Now, you could just leave it at that and have a cute little tote bag, but if
you don't like raw edges you can finish them off. By adding some bias tape to your edges you'll also
reinforce everything and the straps won't stretch out to Timbuktu.
Lay your bias tape down, right sides together, along the edge and pin. You can start with the "armhole"
edges first. (This took up almost an entire package of bias tape. If you're making a bigger bag, make sure
to get enough tape to do all of your edges.)
5. Stitch right in the little ditch of the bias tape, making sure to
overlap your ends.
6. Repeat this step on all of your raw edges.
25
7. This is what your edge will look like with the bias tape on it.
8. Now just fold it to the inside. It should just naturally roll nicely. Give it a good pressing. Pin it down if
you have to, and then stitch about a 3/8" hem to secure the tape down.
26
8. If you'd like you can use your silhouette machine and make a cute little iron on transfer.
27
Mini Chevron Pouch Tutorial

By: Ashley for Cherished Bliss
Here's a cute way to carry all kinds of small items. From toys to coins, little girls and women alike will
find the mini chevron pouch useful for carrying things. Free purse patterns like this one will undoubtedly
come in handy more than once.
Materials:
Two pieces of fabric roughly 12.5 x 5.5

Button or Velcro
Your basic sewing materials (thread, sewing machine, scissors)
28
Directions:
1. Take your two rectangles and sew them right sides together with 1/4 seam allowance. Leave
a small space in the bottom for turning.
2. Clip corners and turn fabric right side out. Press down your seam in the space you left open. We will
top stitch this later.
29
3. Tri fold your rectangle and press.
4. Then you are going to leave the flap up and top stitch around the two sides and top. You can choose
not to top stich across the bottom. This creates the pouch.
30
4. Now make a button hole on the flap and sew on your button and youre done!
31
Gym Tote Bag Tutorial

By: Melissa from Sew Like My Mom
Carry all your workout gear in style with this Gym Tote Bag Tutorial. This spacious DIY tote bag has
handy zippered pockets and sturdy straps. Also included in this tote bag tutorial are instructions on how
to sew a drawstring bag as well.
Materials:
2 yards outer fabric

2 yards inner fabric
1 yard inner fabric (contrast and bag)
1.5 yards 70 weight Pelion interfacing
.5 yards lightweight fusible interfacing
Ribbon
1 9-inch zipper
32
1 magnetic closure
Elmers craft bond spray adhesive
Directions:
1. Start with the outside first; cut 2 pieces of interfacing 19 x 25" , 2 pieces of fabric to 19 x 25, 1
piece of fabric 13 x 25 (floral), and another piece of fabric 14 x 25 (blue).
2. Using your spray adhesive, attach fabric to the interfacing. It's best if you do this outside. Not only
does it smell, but it gets everywhere.
33
3. Once fabric is attached, flip the pieces over and trace 4 in from the sides and the bottom to give your
bag its depth.
4. To make the pocket, place right sides together, line the edges up, and sew at 1/2 seam allowance.
Then iron the seam, flip the blue part over the seam, so it shows 1/2 on the floral side, and iron it flat.
The bottoms should line up evenly now.
34
5. Lay the pocket to top of one of the outside pieces and mark where you want your pockets. Here the
mark is in the center so there will be 2 big pockets, and 4 in from the side so there will be 2 skinny side
pockets.
35
6. Sew down the lines you marked. Sew a line all the way across, 4 from the bottom so your pockets
don't wrap around under the bag.
7. Cut the 4 squares you traced on the back sides, and sew the outside of the bag together.
36
8. For the lining, cut 2 pieces 20 x 25 (yes, 1 inch taller than the outside pieces), 1 piece 16 x 25, and
1 piece 13 x 25. Then cut 2 pieces 2 x 25 and make them into bias tape for the accents on the top of
the pockets. Cut 1 piece 12 x 24 for the lined, zippered pocket.
9. Since the fabric used for the lining here isnt just lightweight quilting cotton like the rest of the fabric,
there was only 1 of each cut for the inner pockets. If you think your fabric will be too flimsy with only 1
layer, cut 2 for each pocket.
To accent the pockets, sandwich the fabric between the pseudo-bias tape and stitch it down.
37
10. Line the pockets up on one side of the lining and mark where you want your pockets. For the taller
ones, if you want three pockets, divide the fabric in thirds and draw your lines.
38
11. For the shorter pocket, if you only want 2, draw a line down the middle.
12. Now, to sew them down, you have to sew the shorter pocket to the taller pocket, then the taller
pocket to the lining. If you sew the smaller pocket through all the layers, youll have a seam down the
middle of the middle upper pocket. You want to carefully fold the lining piece back, and sew down your
middle seam, attaching the short pocket to the tall one.
39
13. Fold the short pocket in out of the way, and sew the tall pocket to the lining fabric.
14. Measure 4 up from the bottom and drew a line. Then measure 4 from the sides and draw your
lines to make the box bottom.
40
15. Sew from the corner of one square to the other, to seal off the bottom of your pockets just like you
did on the outside.
16. Cut out the square corners.
41
17. Take your 12 by 24 lined pocket piece and iron it to a piece of lightweight fusible interfacing of the
same size. Place it right sides together on your other lining piece, about 4 inches from the top. Draw a
long, skinny rectangle, 9 inches long and .5 tall. Then draw a line down the middle and make 2 triangle
shape marks at the end.
18. Sew around the outer box shape and cut on your inner lines.
42
19. Put your pocket piece through the hole and pull it to the other side.
43
20. Iron the opening flat.
44
21. Grab your zipper and place it in the opening. Holding the zipper in the center, sew around the edge
of the opening, staying close to the edge of the fabric.
45
22. Take the bottom of the pocket and fold it up, matching the top and bottom, making a 12 square.
23. Sew around the 3 open sides, and youve got a cute, lined zippered pocket.
46
24. After cutting the corners on that side, place lining pieces right sides together, and sew down both
sides, and across the bottom, leaving a hole several inches long to turn the bag through.
25. The corners will still be open. Take them, place the seams from the side and the bottom together,
and sew straight across.
47
Tip:
When you place the seams together, lay one to one side and the other to the other side. This will even
out the thickness of the fabric youre putting through the machine, and itll give you perfect corners.
48
26. To do the magnetic closure, take 2 scrap pieces of interfacing, and mark the slits in the washer
pieces that come with the closure.
27. Place them on the wrong side of each side of the lining, 3 inches from the top and centered.
49
28. Stitch around each slit marking, making a sort of buttonhole for added security.
29. Cut on the lines and insert the magnetic closure.
50
30. For the straps, cut 2 pieces 4 inches wide by 32 inches long of both the fabric and the fusible
interfacing. Apply the interfacing to the wrong side of the straps.
31. Fold down 1/2 on each side and sew.
51
32. Fold right sides together and sew down the length of the strap. Then using a safety pin, turn the
straps right side out, and sew down both sides for stability.
33. Place each strap 2 down from the top of the bag and eyeball how far in from the sides you want.
52
34. Take the lining and with right sides together, put the outside into the lining, making sure your straps
are tucked down inside the 2 layers.
53
35. Pin the pieces together, and sew around the perimeter with a 1/2 seam allowance.
54
36. Pull the bag through the hole in the lining and iron the top the same way you did the accent on the
outer pocket. Then stitch the lining to the bag right along the fold, and sew the hole closed in the
bottom.
And your bag is done!
55
Accessory Bags Directions:

1. The floral one is 1 piece 15 x 33 and the striped one is 12 x 24. Fold right sides together.
2. Iron the top down 1.
3. Lift the flap and fold the fabric down to the line you just ironed and press again.
56
4. Fold down on the original crease and press (so your fabric is turned and ironed twice), creating a
casing. Sew from the bottom of the bag to the edge of casing.
57
5. Unfold the casing and fold over, aligning the fold with the seam. Press.
58

6. Repeat on the other side.
7. Fold the casing back down and iron, keeping your little flaps in so the edges are finished.
8. Sew along the bottom of the casing on each side of the bag.
59
9. Thread it through with a safety pin and sew in the middle of each side to secure the ribbon.
10. Heat seal the ends, turn right side out and youre done!
60
Its a Cinch Bag

By: Katy from Sweet Verbena
Beach bag, diaper bag, school bag, overnight bag, no matter what you use it for this bag is a cinch! This
"It's a Cinch" Bag is a purse sewing pattern that you don't want to miss. It's a perfect sized bag for all
your needs.
Materials:
2/3 yard of the main, outer fabric (gray linen in my case)

1 2/3 yard of the contrasting fabric (black upholstery fabric)
Smaller Zipper(s) for interior pockets (optional)
One 24" Zipper
Note:
This tutorial shows you how to construct the outer bag portion. The materials called for assume that you
will also add a zipper to the lined bag. Assume 1/4" seam allowances. Use an upholstery weight fabric for
at least the strap of this bag. The black fabric here is upholstery cotton. The gray, outer portion of this
bag is linen.
Cut Fabric:
Casings: Two 21 x 5.5

Straps: Four 2.5 x 3
Drawstring: Two 55 x 3
Outer Bag: Two 22 x 22
Lining: Two 22 x 22
Directions:
Casing/Outer Bag Construction:
1. Cut fabric as shown below:
62

2. The smallest rectangle of your contrasting fabric will be used as the casing. Press about 1/2" down
along all sides of both casings.
3. Sew in place the short ends of the casing.
4. Position the casing onto one of your outer bag pieces as shown below (Right side of outer bag to
wrong side of casing) and pin in place.
63
5. Sew only the bottom, long side of the casing to the outer bag.
6. You don't want to sew either of the short ends or the top of the casing just yet. Leave it pinned in
place as shown:
64
7. Repeat with other casing and other outer bag piece. Now take both outer bag pieces and pin with
right sides together. Sew as shown below:
65

Notice how the casing is not caught up in the seam. That's how you want it at all four ends so that, later,
the drawstring can be pulled through.
8. Hem the opening of the bag.
Straps:
1. You should have cut four 31" x 2.5" rectangles to use as your straps. Pair the straps and lay them right
sides together. Pin in place.
66
2. Sew with a 1/4" seam allowance as shown. The gap is left so that the strap can later be turned right
side out.
67

3. Snip out the extra fabric at all four corners.
4. Use a (not too sharp) instrument to turn the strap right side out. You can use the eraser of a pencil.
68

It's going to look a little wonky at first but give it a good press with the iron and it'll come together.
5. Topstitch all the way around the straps. This will make them look more professional and close that
gap up as well.
6. This is why we didn't sew the top of the casing earlier. We want the straps to go underneath our
casing. The straps should dip down about a 1/2" below the top of the casing.
69
7. Position and pin straps as shown below:
70

Sew as shown:
Drawstring:
1. The long skinny rectangles are going to be the drawstrings for the bag. Take them and fold them in
half hot dog style. Pin in place.
71

2. Sew as shown below leaving a 4" gap somewhere along one of the long sides so that it can be turned
right side out. The angled seam at the short ends gives you a nice little point, if you're into that.
3. Turn right side out, press, and top-stitch both drawstrings, just as you did with the straps.
4. Now pull the strings through the casing. You can use a large safety pin to help feed it through if
needed.
5. And just cinch it up!

Follow this tutorial to add a zippered lining to your bag. You dont have to but its going to add so much
more stability and practicality to it. Well worth the effort.
72
One Yard Dish Towel Tote Bag

By: Joey from One Yard Projects
Here's a slight variation on the typical placemat tote. Grab a few colorful dish towels and create the One
Yard Dish Towel Tote Bag. From this tutorial you'll learn how to make a tote bag that's comfortable to
wear and large enough to store all of your everyday belongings. If you've been looking for crafts to make
with towels, this is the project for you. Kitchen towel crafts are Eco-friendly, easy and inexpensive.
Simply sew the two sides of the towels together, add straps and you're set to go!
Materials:
2 equal sized dish towels

Sturdy material/fabric for straps
73
Directions:
1. Sew a double-roll hem along the cut sides along the "top" parts of the bag.
2. Match the good sides of the bag and sew the bag together on three sides. Note how the bottom
seam has a greater seam allowance. This is because the "bottom" of the bag was the original "top" and
it has the store-bought finished seams. If you're working with something thick try sewing just outside of
the already finished hem rather than try to fold them.
74
3. Turn the bag right-side out and attach the straps. Use some 1-inch webbing. If you want the straps a
little long cut two 32" pieces of webbing.
4. Attach straps about three inches in from the sides of the bag. Position one strap about three inches in
and arrange it so that the strap flows towards the bottom of the bag.
75
5. Sew a square to attach the strap, the square is about 3/4" along each side.
6. Fold the strap back up towards the top of the bag. This covers the initial sewn square. Sew the strap
down again. This folding over and sewing twice will securely attach the webbing and finish the webbing
edge as well.
76
7. When you sew the folded over strap, again sew a square with an "X" in the middle.
8. Follow the same scheme to attach the remaining ends of the straps. Be sure you don't have any
twists in your strap before you secure the ends to the bag.
77

Here's the finished product with the long straps:
78
Library Tote
By: Terra from Mama Says Sew
Carry all your books home in this useful Library Tote. This simple tote bag tutorial is easy and fast to
make, a great beginner sewing project. The sturdy design will let you bring home all the books you want!
Materials:
yard of fabric for the tote

yard of fabric for the handles
Directions:
1. Start with 1/2 yard of fabric for the tote itself and 1/4 yard of fabric for the handles. Cut the handle
piece in half lengthwise and the tote fabric into 2-14x19 inch rectangles.
2. Iron one 19 inch end over then over again on both rectangles. Topstitch it down.
3. Fold your handle pieces in half lengthwise and press. Stitch down the long end.
4. Turn both handles right side out and press.
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5. Pin the handles to the tote. The raw edges of the handles should line up with the raw edges of the
tote, so you'll have an upside-down "U" shape. Measure so that both your handles are 5 inches from the
outside edge of your tote. Do the same with the other handle and tote piece.
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6. Topstitch all around the handles to secure them to the tote. To make them secure you may want to
sew two rows.
7. Match up your two tote pieces right sides together. Sew down both sides and along the bottom of the
tote. Cut out a 2-inch square piece from the bottom corners of your tote.
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8. Pinch the edges together and pin in place. Sew it shut.
Now go to the library and fill your tote with books. Even better, you now have your hands free to grab
your baby before he or she sends every book in the library toppling to the floor.
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DIY Fancy Lace Clutch

The DIY Fancy Lace Clutch is perfect for a fun night out. Follow these simple steps and learn how to
make a clutch bag. With special edgings and beads attached, this dainty clutch is a lovely way to
complete your outfit. Choose fabric and embellishments that will compliment your special outfit. Once
you know how to sew with lace you can add the special fabric to tons of different projects. It's a great
way to dress up the ordinary piece.
Materials:
All fabric pieces measure 15 x 8.5

1 piece outer fabric
1 piece lace
1 piece lining
1 piece heavy fusible interfacing
Sewing notions
Crystal button
Elastic Thread
Fancy Clutch Pattern*
Clutch Purse Pattern**
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*The Fancy Edge Clutch Pattern is for lace with special edgings (see
photo) like scallops or if beads are attached. You dont want to sew this
type of edge into the seam. It should remain free. The Fancy Edge Pattern
includes those directions.
**Download the basic Clutch Purse pattern if you are making a lace clutch, or one with any other fabric
that has no special edge treatment. Use this pattern and just cut out the lace with the outer fabric and
treat it as one piece. Follow all the instructions for sewing the outer fabric.
Directions:
1. Download and print out the pattern of choice. The two pattern pieces are too large for most home
printers so each must be printed in two sections and then taped together. All directions are included
with the pattern.
2. Cut out the outer fabric, the lace, and the interfacing together. Cut out the lining.
3. Remove all the pins.
4. Fuse the interfacing to the outer fabric.
5. Follow the pattern directions for sewing your purse.
6. Match up the black boxes to join the printed pattern pieces then tape together.
Tips and Shortcuts:
When it comes to clasps, think outside the box. The clasp on this lace purse in the photo is
optional and made up simply from a crystal button and an elastic loop that fastens around it.
You can use interesting buttons, decorative pins, and even large earrings on purses. The pattern
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includes markings for positioning a loop on the flap.
Make loops from the same fabric as the purse or buy small pieces of braid, metal chains, or
jewelry findings. Search the trim counter of your fabric store for interesting options. Look for
colors and materials that suit your purse fabric and style.
An easy loop can be made from elastic thread or cord. Braid together three lengths and knot the
ends. Attach the braid ends when youre sewing the flap seam. The loop shown on the right is
intentionally white so it will be visible against the black fabric in the photo. Match your loop
about an elastic braid is it will stretch to fit over the button with ease.
Make your clutch purse for even less by finding your fabric in the remnant bin at the fabric
store.
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Pretty Petite Purse

By: Kitty and Jennifer from Running with Sisters
When you need just a few things for a night out, it's easier to carry along a smaller, more compact bag.
Let this tutorial teach you how to sew your own purse that's just the right size. It's a pretty bag you'll
find useful.
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Materials:
Fabrics & Embellishments

Cotton fabric: floral, yd.
Cotton fabric: polka dot, yd.
Pelion Fusible Interfacing, yd.
Patterned red ribbon, 7/8, 60
Gold rings, 1, two
Ornate button, gold with shank, 1
Sew-on snap, size
Iron & ironing board
Pressing cloth
Sewing needle
Sewing machine & matching threads
Directions:
1. Place the rough side of the fusible interfacing to the wrong side of the floral fabric, cover with a damp
pressing cloth, and steam the pieces together for 15 seconds.
2. Cut two 7 x 7 rectangles from the floral fabric and two from the polka dot fabric. Cut the 7
sides of each rectangle so they angle inward and the top of the rectangle measures 6 and the bottom
measures 7.
3. Cut a curve into the top edge (6 side) of each piece of fabric so the center of the arc is 1 below the
top. (Cut one to use as a pattern so all the curves match.)
4. Place a floral and a polka dot piece together, good sides facing in. Machine sew just the curved edge
using a straight stitch with a seam allowance. Repeat for the other pieces of fabric.
5. Open the two pieces of fabric and place together, good sides facing in, making sure the floral fabric
faces the floral fabric and the polka dot faces the polka dot. Pin all the way around the edges. Machine
stitch the pieces together using a straight stitch with a seam allowance.
Leave a 2 opening in the side of the polka dot fabric.
Making a boxed corner is as easy as sewing a straight line across each corner
of the purse.
6. Create boxed corners by pulling the fabric at one corner apart and
creating a triangle with the seam line down the center. Measure 1 from the
point of the triangle along the seam line and mark a straight line
perpendicular to the seam. Machine stitch along this straight line. Repeat for
all 4 corners.
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7. Turn the piece right side out. Hand sew the opening closed. Stuff the polka dot end inside the floral
end to form the purse lining.
8. Cut the red ribbon into two 23 lengths and machine sew together with the good sides facing out.
Then cut and sew two 11 lengths of ribbon together in the same way. Center the longer ribbon on the
bottom of the purse and pin it to the bottom and sides. Hand sew the ribbon into place being careful not
to sew into the lining.
9. Fold the end of the ribbon over 1/8 and feed it through one of the gold rings toward the inside of the
purse. Pin the folded end of the ribbon to itself below the ring. Machine stitch to secure. Repeat for the
other side. Attach the 11 ribbon handle to the gold rings in the same way.
10. Sew the snap to the inside of the purse from the top edge, being careful not to sew through to
the outside fabric. Sew the glitzy button to the outside front of the purse over the snap.
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Notebook Tote Bag Tutorial

By: Katie from Punk Projects
Carry your books in style with this Notebook Paper Tote Bag. The body of this DIY tote bag is stitched
with blue and red thread to look like an over-sized piece of notebook paper. Make this cute sewing
project for yourself or as a teacher gift.
Materials:
White Fabric
Blue and Red Thread
Ribbon
Sewing Machine or Needle and Thread
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Directions:
1. Cut your fabric. This one is cute 18" x 24" and folded it in half.
2. Sketch out your notebook lines and if you want a "to-do list".
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3. Taking your fabric, start sewing blue lines across it. Keep sewing blue lines until you get the notebook
look you are going for.
4. Switch to red thread and Sew 1 red line down your fabric.
5. Now you can sew on your 'To-Do'. If you don't want to embroider it use the free motion foot on your
sewing machine. You can also hand embroider it.
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6. Hem the top edge.
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7. With your bag inside out, sew up the side(s) and bottom of your bag. Be sure to leave the top open!
8. For the straps, cut your ribbon to the length you want, OR you can use fabric strips. Pin your straps to
the top of your bag.
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9. Sew on your straps. You can do this by sewing around the top of your bag again.
Voila! Now you have a cute new tote bag!
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A special thanks to our contributors:

Ashley from Cherished Bliss
Cynthia from The Sewing Dork
Gloria from Domestic Diva
Heather from Dollar Store Crafts
Jennifer & Kitty, Running with Sisters
Joey from One Yard Projects
Katie from Punk Projects
Katy from Sweet Verbena
Melissa from Sew Like My Mom
Tamara from Etcetorize
Terra from Mama Says Sew
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tips, home dcor ideas and more right in your inbox every week.
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