Directions for the pocket

For the pocket, I used a 5/16"-inch seam allowance (the edge of my presser foot).

Line up all your color strips in the desired order.

Sew together the six strips

Press the seams to one side

Sew the top of the pocket to the top of the strips. I used a vintage sheet here as well as for the lining. Press the seam to one side.

Cut out your letters for the top of the pocket with fabric and fusible webbing. Click here for more detailed instructions on one of my previous tutorials, or just follow the directions on your fusible webbing package.

Center the letters onto the top of the pocket and fuse, following the directions on your fusible webbing package.

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Because I plan to wash these totes (they’re filthy already…smooth amateur mom move making them a light color!) I sewed the letters to the pocket in addition to fusing them.

Fuse the pocket lining with the medium-weight interfacing. With right sides together, pin the lining/interfacing with the front of the pocket and sew together, leaving a hole for turning.

Turn the pocket right side out and press

Position the pocket onto one of your duck cloth panels. I centered it and then raised it an inch or two because you’ll be squaring the bottom of the tote which will lower the center, if that makes sense. Pin with big pins. Be sure all horseys and piggies are cleared away before pinning.

Top-stitch the pocket to the duck cloth panel, first along the edge and then about 1/8 inches away (I followed the tick marks on my presser foot).

Leave the top open for the pocket and back stitch at the ends to secure.

Sew the applique on the other duck cloth panel. You can use anything, but I quickly made my shapes with cookie cutters and a jar of pomade. I used fusible webbing to fuse the pieces together as well as to fuse them to the back duck cloth panel, and with a piece of tear-away stabilizer in the back, I sewed a satin stitch around all the edges.

Directions for the Tote Bag

First, pin the two duck cloth panels right sides together and stitch around the sides and bottom, leaving the top open. Do the same with the two lining panels. For the duck cloth panels, make sure the pocket and applique are facing the right direction!

Then square the bottom of the tote by pulling the two sides apart at the bottom and matching up the side and bottom seams. Mark about 2 inches from the corner and draw a line. Stitch along the line. Do the same with the other corner as well as with the lining.

Make the straps by pressing the two ends towards the middle and folding it closed. Top stitch it closed, and then top stitch the other side.

Now we’ll sew all the pieces together…turn the lining right side out and stuff that inside the duck cloth which is still inside out. Pin them together with right sides together. When you get to about 2 inches from the sides, pin the straps in place. Sew all the way around, leaving an opening for turning up top.

Pull the lining and the duck cloth all the way through the hole and stuff the lining inside. Press the seam, and top stitch all the way around, closing the opening. I referenced this tutorial to make the tote.

Hanging on our “School Station”. The little box on the shelf has their hair brushes, ponytail holders, clothing labels, and sun block.