Tote Your Stuff

This is what we're creating,
sans the flap on the bag. 

 So Mom has provided the base tutorial for her car.Go tote! It has two pockets and is deep enough to cram a ton of stuff into it. The flap however is not included. I will have to get after her for that. ;-) I will also apologize because there are no pictures to go along with this tutorial yet, but I hope that you all will get the gist of what we're trying to explain! I have finished pictures of Devlin's Tote to act as your guide.

car.Go Tote

 What you'll need:

3/4 yard of 60” sturdy fabric (denim, canvas or duck)

1/2 yard of lining

Cut pieces:

Outer Shell

21" x 17" (2)

4" x 16" (2)

12" x 9-1/2"  (pocket)

12" x 5" (flap)

Lining

21" x 15" (2)

7" x 9" (pocket)

**Seams are 1/2 inch.

Outer Shell

Finish one of the long edges each of the 21" x 17" panels, by turning under 1/2" and stitching 1/4" from the edge. 

Take the 12" x 9-1/2"  (pocket) and  turn under 3/4" inch on one of the long sides (right sides together) stitch the sides seams together. Turn right-side out and top stitch 1/2" to 5/8" from the top edge. At this point I find my center and embroider a design of my choice. **You can always paint or applique' something as well.** Iron the remaining three sides under 1/2" and using a long stitch; baste 1/4" from the edges. Find the center and mark (you can fold it in half). 

Take one of the 21" x 16-1/2" and find the center along the 21" edge. Measure up from the bottom of the centerline 2-1/2" and pin the pocket matching center lines. Stitch as basted. Remove the basting stitch.

Sew the sides and bottom together on the two 21" x 17" panels, right sides together. Trim the corners. 

Lining

Take the 7" x 9"  (pocket) and working with one of the 7" sides fold down 1" from the edge wrong sides together. Baste the sides together in a 1/4" seam. Then fold the edge again 1" but this time right-sides together. Baste side edges again. Turn the pocket right side out. You should end up with a finished double hem.  Turn under the remaining edges 1/2" and baste 1/4" from the edge. Top stitch the top edge 5/8" to 1/2" away from the finished edge. At this point, mark the center of your pocket  (fold it in half). 

Take one of the 21" x 15" panels and find the center along the long edge. Measure down from the top of the centerline 3" and place the pocket, matching center lines. Stitch as basted and remove the basting stitch. 

Sew the sides and bottom together on the two 21" x 15" panels, right sides together. Trim the corners.

Assembly

Place the lining inside the outer shell, wrong sides together. 

Turn down the outer shell 1-1/2" to the inside of the bag overlapping the lining. Stitch this down, this will encase the raw edge of the lining.

Take the 4" x 16" strips and fold in thirds lengthwise. I fold this so that the raw edge is centered and zigzag stitch down so the raw edge is encased in the stitches.

Do you see that box where the strap and bag meet?
That's what your sewing should look like after you secure
the strap to the bag! 

Place the strips 4" off the center (4" left of the center and then 4" right of the center)  on the inside (lining side) of the bag and stitch them down 1-1/2" from the top of the bag. The edges of the straps will line up with the edge of your hem on the inside of the bag. Stitch close to the edge of the strap, through all the layers (strap, outer shell, and lining), around all of the edges, making sure to fully secure the strap to the bag. You will want to sew a box, basically. 

Finishing

Turn bag inside out an match up side seams and bottom seams. Place these together and pin, mark a line where the edges are 4" apart and stitch along this line. Do this for each side. This forms the bottom of the bag and a turkish corner, which is also explained here.

I hope you enjoyed this and have a wonderful day!