Free Time Frolics

Tag Along Tote Bag Tutorial + Giveaway

By: Freetimefrolics

***This tote bag has been updated to reflect changes in the original shape, size, and attachment of the handles. The construction of the bag is similar but the new tote has a slightly different look, and size. shape and handle attachment.

So a few months ago I made this bag for a blog conference. I also made these adorable bags for my roommates.
Each one was a little different and personalized.  My roomies loved them and I got several compliments on them. I was asked several times where I got them.  My answer “Umm I made them”. Next question do you sell them and do you have a tutorial?  The answer, is yes I make them no I do not have a tutorial. Well, Blog readers today I have a tutorial.  This bag takes about 1-2 hours and looks great any time of year. I love to take it to the park, the beach or just shopping with a friend. It fits everything you need for a fun day getaway! I love that I can make a new one with beautiful fabric to match anything.  And today you can make one too!  I added an inside pocket for a cell phone too.

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Each one was a little different and personalized.  My roomies loved them and I got several compliments on them. I was asked several times where I got them.  My answer “Umm I made them”. Next question do you sell them and do you have a tutorial?  The answer, is yes I make them no I do not have a tutorial. Well, Blog readers today I have a tutorial.  This bag takes about 1-2 hours and looks great any time of year. I love to take it to the park, the beach or just shopping with a friend. I love that I can make a new one with beautiful fabric to match anything.
Here is what you need:
1/2 yard of your favorite fabric
1/2 yard of your second coordinating favorite fabric
1/2 yard canvas fabric or lining depending on the durability you want.
1/4 yard fabric for your pockets
Coordinating thread
4 “D” Rings 1 inch size or bigger I like 1.5 inch “D” Rings
Free Tote bag pattern

Pattern Instructions

Start by cutting your tote bag pieces.  You will cut 2 for the main body, Inside and canvas, and straps.  Cut 1 strip of inside fabric for the pockets. Cut strips 3 inches by 22 inches. I like my straps a little longer.  You may like them shorter.  Go with what you love.  Pocket will be cut width of the bottom of the bag and about 6 inches tall.

For handles place 2 fabrics right sides together.  Place canvas on the wrong side of the main fabric.
Stitch along one long edge of handles.

Press open and fold over showing both fabrics and canvas in the middle. Fold and press long and short edges as though you are hemming the straps.

Top stitch along all sides of the handles
Sew your ends to a “D” Ring.

Start by hemming your pocket along one long edge.  Take your pocket panel and place it on top of one inside panel. Lining up the bottom edges. Pin down.  I measure mine into 3rd and place a pin. Then stitch a line down.  Securing the fabric and making 3 pockets.  Your last seams will come when you sew the bag together.


For the inside fabric place the right sides together. Stitch along the 3 sides. Leaving a 3-inch open seam at the bottom.
Repeat the last step for the outside of the tote. For the outside of the bag make a sandwich canvas, fabric RS up, fabric WS up then canvas.
Stitch around the bottom and sides from top corner to top corner.

Turn inside fabric right sides out. Place inside fabric and outer fabric on right sides together.  Line up edges and pin them into place. Stitch all the way around.

Turn the bag through the opening in the bottom of the inside of the bag.

Press bag, ensuring the insides and outside match up. Begin top-stitching around the top handle straps of the tote bag. Stitch the inside opening closed.

Fold the handle, fold ends around a “D” Ring and stitch across.  Repeat this step by attaching the opposite end of the D ring and attaching the tote bag straps.😊
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Comments

  8. Leanne says

    These are so pretty! I love them all! If I had to pick one I’d choose the green and aqua one or maybe the stripes. It’s hard to decide.

  11. Lauren says

    I love the pink paisley! I thought you gave the best roommate gifts, looking at the tutorial it seems like it took up a lot of time! Thank you for the giveaway!! xo

  20. Tracy says

    Love them all! Eeny-meeny-miney-moe: The blue-green flower pattern. Or the purple-y one with the big chrysanthemums…

  28. Chelle says

    I LOVE the Elephant Mums in purple! SEW pretty!!! Thank you for the pattern & the opportunity to grab one YOU have made. Adore ALL the fabrics you used!

  30. Paula Parrish says

    Love the bags! I sure your roommates at the conference were thrilled to have been given a homemade bag from you. So Sweet and Thoughtful. ;o)

  35. OneKriegerChick says

    Oh…I am super excited you are sharing your secret to your SNAP bags!! I love them all, but especially the blue medallions and the birds and floral.

    Happy Birthday!
    Ariean

  38. Melissa says

    I love the green and blue flower bag. These are awesome and I want to make some once I get my sewing machine running again!

  42. Emily Thompson says

    I love all of the floral ones!!! Beautiful bags, thanks for the giveaway!!! Question… how do you check your pinterest followers? Last time I did a giveaway I was trying to check my entries and my followers weren’t in alphabetical order and I had no idea how to find a single person??? and you have WAY more followers :o)
    Emily @ Nap-Time Creations

    • Adrienne Woods says

      Thanks for visiting. I am not really sure how to check for followers. Usually if they are in a giveaway I can check my feed to see if there name pops up. I wish FB and Pinterest would alphabetize!

    • Adrienne Woods says

      Hi CRLacy
      Thanks for visiting. The Verona Paisley is maded by Riley Blake Designs. It may be out of print. If you are interested I would be happy to sell you some at my etsy shoppe. Just let me know. For the inside I just a coordinate in the same line.
      Adrienne

  47. Susan LaPaugh says

    Is there canvas in the pocket too? I am making one per your instructions but the pocket material looks like there is something behind it. Thanks so much.

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