DIY Bags & Totes — Two-Tone Tote

Grouping

Each designer will complete an individual project, but will work in pairs to help each other. Pair more skilled young designers with those that might need help.

Preparation

1. Prepare the patterns (make multiple out of regular paper or newspaper).

1. Pattern (includes ½“ seam allowance):
   • Upper fabric pattern – 17” x 5.5” rectangle
   • Lower fabric pattern – 17” x 13.5” rectangle
   • Handle pattern – 26” x 4” rectangle

Vocabulary

Seam/seam line: a line of stitching that joins two or more layers of fabric.

Seam allowance: the distance between the edge of your fabric and the stitching line.

Tips

1. Finished bag is 16” wide x 16” tall.
2. Use upholstery fabrics, denim, or canvas (i.e. heavyweight fabrics).
3. Heavyweight fabrics may be difficult for young people to cut. Provide extra sharp shears or pre-cut the fabric.
   • Upper Fabric – Cut 2 using upper fabric pattern
   • Lower Fabric – Cut 2 using lower fabric pattern
   • Handles – Cut 2 using handle pattern, or cut 2 lengths 26” long from 1” webbing
4. A size 16 needle or one labeled “for denim” works well on heavyweight fabrics
5. If you do not have a zigzag stitch on your sewing machine, cut each bag piece with pinking shears or straight stitch the seam allowance so the fabric does not fray.
6. Making the handles can be difficult, so consider substituting webbing or a study ribbon.

Let's get started!

In this activity, we’re going to learn how to make a two-tone bag to understand how flat pieces of fabric can be sewn together to make a fashion accessory.

Prepare bag pieces:

1. If not done already, make pattern pieces and cut the fabric.
   • Cut fabric:
     1. Upper Fabric – Cut 2 using upper fabric pattern (17” X 5.5” rectangle)
     2. Lower Fabric – Cut 2 using lower fabric pattern (17” X 13.5” rectangle)
     3. Handles – Cut 2 using handle pattern (26” X 4” rectangle)

Assemble Bag

1. Make the outside:
   1. Join one upper fabric piece to one lower fabric piece by pinning right sides together along the 18” side. Stitch using a 1/2″seam allowance; backstitch both ends of the seam.
   2. Zigzag stitch or run a single line of straight stitching through both layers of the seam allowance, close to the edge to finish the seam allowance.
   3. Repeat steps 1a and 1b. You now have two panels – the front and back of your bag.
2. Make the handles: (ignore if using webbing)
   1. Fold one handle piece in half along the long edge, right sides together. Pin and stitch using a ½” seam allowance. Backstitch both ends of the seam. Leave both ends of the handle open.
   2. Repeat for the other handle.
   3. Turn each handle right side out by attaching a safety pin to one end and pulling it through the tube.
   4. Press handles flat.
3. Attach the Handles: (or webbing)
   1. Place one handle on the outside (right side of fabric) of a bag panel.  Align the handle ends with the top raw edge, 4” from each side.  Be certain that the handle is not twisted and that it faces downward. Pin both ends of the handle in place.
   2. Sew a zigzag or straight stitch across the entire top edge, using a ½” seam allowance and backstitching.  This secures the handle ends to the bag panel. 
   3. Turn the panel so the wrong side of the fabric is facing up. Fold over the top edge 1.5”, being careful that the handle is upright and straight. Pin and sew with a straight stitch 1/4” from the top edge. Finally, zigzag or straight stitch the bottom edge of the fold.
   4. Repeat steps 3.1-3.3 using the other handle and the other bag panel. Iron seams.
4. Join front and back panels:
   1. Place the two panels right sides together, matching the upper edges. Sew along both sides and the bottom, using a ½” seam allowance and backstitching. Zigzag or straight stitch the seam allowance. Iron side seams.
5. Finish with Square Corners:
   1. Grab one of the bottom corners, pull the front fabric away from the back fabric, and fold it flat. Make the tip nice and pointy while centering the seamlines.
   2. Move a ruler up the point until it measures 3” (readjust if the seamline is not on the 1.5” mark). Mark with a pencil or pen. Sew a straight line with backtacks on the line.
   3. Cut the extra fabric away, leaving a ½” seam allowance. Zigzag stitch or straight stitch the seam allowance.
   4. Repeat steps 5.1-5.3 with the other corner.
6. Turn and Press:
   1. Turn the bag right side out and iron.
7. You are done!

Wrap it up

1. What was the most challenging part of making this clutch?
2. Can you imagine making this bag without using a pattern? How would you do that?

Take it further

1. Make a patch pocket for the inside or outside.
2. Sew rick-rack or cute ribbon along the seamline on the outside.
3. Make a lining for the bag.

Links

This bag was inspired by the project entitled Two-Tone Fabric Totes from the Make it & Love it blog.

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