Today’s project is a tote bag that I’ve been meaning to make all summer. I really wanted a bag that could hold wet bathing suits and all of our pool gear. This one is made with Echino polyurethane coated cotton and plain canvas. This bag is lined and includes a magnetic closure and detachable pouch option, which is nice for storing a small camera or wallet that you can take with you without bringing the whole bag. The finished size is approximately 15″x11″ and 5″ deep.
If you are a beginning sewer, you might find working with this coated cotton to be somewhat difficult, so you could try a patterned canvas or twill fabric. If you do try the coated cotton, I recommend setting your tension very low (loose) and using a long stitch length. Since it is kind of rubbery, you have to pull it through your machine a bit.
You can download the tutorial here. If you make a bag, I’d love to see it. Be sure to add your photo to the Make it Monday Flickr pool here.
I have just found your web site lately and I am really enjoying it. I do have one request. Could you add a picture of the finished product when you create the pdf of instructions. When I go back to the instructions a week or month later I may not remember what the finished product looks like.
Thanks for all of the great information that you have given out!
Love this tote bag! And thank you for the tutorial.
That’s a great idea. I’ve found a teflon foot works well for any type of coated fabrics or if you don’t have a teflon foot lining the stitching area (top and bottom) with strips of packing tissue that feeds easier in the machine but then tears away once you’re done stitching.
That looks like a great bag! Thanks for the tutorial. When I make the bag, I will definitely share a picture.
So very pretty!!! (You’re making me WANT that fabric!!!)
I posted a link to your tutorial on Craft Gossip Sewing:
http://sewing.craftgossip.com/tutorial-summertime-tote-bag/2009/08/03/
–Anne
What a great bag. I was just thinking of making a similar bag (a little bit shorter) to hold my lunches. So, this tutorial comes in handy at the right time! Thanks!
Wow, thanks SO much! Gorgeous and functional. This is wonderful, I’ll be linking.
LOVELY! I’ll be linking!
Hello!
I really like your how to. I was wondering if I could translate it in French and add it to my list of how to as explained in my french post (http://www.petitcitron.com/index.php/form_howto.html)
Of course, your website would be quoted and there would be a link!
Thank you,
Perrine
Hi!
thanks a lot for the tutorial.
A humble improvement suggestion will be to add a nice picture opf the finish product, so we begginers know what we are aiming for
thanks again
That bag is some kind of wonderful!!!
I enjoy reading blogs — thanks for sharing.
love ! thanks
https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/418747_10100345987814817_1353620122_n.jpg
Hi,
Thank you so much for this awesome tutorial. As soon as I can I shall make this awesome bag.
I love this canvas tote bag, I hope that I get a chance to make this this summer,for anytime of the year I will carry it. Beautiful thanks to you