https://www.cutoutandkeep.net/projects/mini-tote-bag • Posted by Wendi G.
This mini tote bag measures 6 inches wide x 7 inches tall x 2 inches deep. It’s the perfect size for packing your lunch, carrying a few books, or toting some toys. I embroidered one of my favorite birds from my Bird Sampler pattern onto a solid fabric before sewing it up, but you could simply use a fabulous print. Choose a fun coordinating color for the lining and you’re ready to sew! Materials you'll need for each bag: • one fat quarter of the main fabric • one fat quarter (or less) for the lining fabric • sewing machine • thread • basic sewing tools
This mini tote bag measures 6 inches wide x 7 inches tall x 2 inches deep. It’s the perfect size for packing your lunch, carrying a few books, or toting some toys. I embroidered one of my favorite birds from my Bird Sampler pattern onto a solid fabric before sewing it up, but you could simply use a fabulous print. Choose a fun coordinating color for the lining and you’re ready to sew! Materials you'll need for each bag: • one fat quarter of the main fabric • one fat quarter (or less) for the lining fabric • sewing machine • thread • basic sewing tools
We'll start with the handles. Cut two strips of the main fabric, each 5 x 12 inches. Fold one of the fabric strips in half the long way, right sides facing out. Press. Open the strip back up and fold each long edge in toward the center fold. Press.
Fold in half again along the center fold so that you have one long strip, four layers of fabric thick. This makes a nice, sturdy strap. Press. Topstitch along both long edges, about 1/8 inch from the edge. Repeat for the second handle.
Now for the bag. Cut two 9 inch squares from the main fabric, and two from the lining fabric. If you're going to embroider your bag (or embellish it in any other way) - do this now before you sew the pieces together. Pin the two main fabric squares right sides together. Using 1/4 inch seam allowance, stitch around both sides and the bottom of the bag. Repeat for the lining pieces.
Open out one bottom corner of the bag so that the sde seam and center bottom seam line up, and the corner of the bag makes a point. Measure up one inch from the tip of the stitching (NOT the tip of the fabric triangle) and stitch a line perpendicular to the side seam. Repeat for the other corner. Repeat for the lining.
Turn the main bag right side out. Leave the lining inside out. Pin the edge of one strap to the top edge of the bag, 1 1/2 inches in from the side seam. Repeat for the other end of the strap. Repeat with the second strap on the other side of the bag.
Put the main bag inside the lining, with the straps sandwiched between the two layers. Line up the side seams and pin the layers together around the top edge of the bag.
Using 1/4 inch seam allowance, stitch almost all the way around the top edge of the bag. Leave the space between the two ends of one handle unstitched, so you can pull the bag through the opening. Be sure to backstitch at the beginning and end of your stitching. This is a pretty small opening and there will be some pressure on the edges as you pull the bag through.
Reach into the opening and pull the main bag through. Pull through the handles, then pull the lining right side out and tuck it into the bag. Press around the top edge, being especially careful to press the open edges evenly.
Topstitch around the bag, about 1/8 inch from the top edge. Be sure that the folded edges of the opening you used for turning are lined up and that you catch both layers in the topstitching to hold them together. No hand stitching! You're finished! Pack your lunch, wrap a gift, or tote some toys. Show off your work and accept praise graciously. You're awesome!