Seven Pocket Tote Bag Tutorial

7 Pocket Tote Bag / Multi Pocket Handbag Tutorial / How To Sew A Tote Bag with Many Pockets

Supplies:
1/2 yard Canvas
1/2 yard Exterior Pocket
1/2 yard Lining
1/4 yard Interior Pocket
1/3 yard Straps
(or 1/2 yard of the same fabric for Straps/Interior Pocket-shown)
thread
 **and the usual rotatry cutter, mat and ruler, sewing machine, scissors etc**

Cut the following:
Canvas 13"x16", cut two
Exterior Pocket 19"x16", cut two
Lining 16"x16", cut two
Interior Pocket 8"x8", cut two
Straps 5"xWOF (width of fold), cut two

**Seam allowances are 1/4" unless otherwise noted**

To prepare the Exterior Pocket:

1. With wrong sides together, fold exterior pocket in half to measure 9 1/2"x16" and press; topstitch 1/4" from fold; set aside.

To prepare the Straps:

2. With wrong sides together, fold the length of the strap in half and press:

Unfold the strap and refold along the center seam (the fold):

Repeat for the other side:

Fold along center seam again, and press:

Edgestitch the strap, beginning on the side with the double-fold to prevent the strap from bunching and twisting, then edgestitch the single-fold side; repeat for the second strap.  Trim selvages from straps; set straps aside.

3. With right sides together, pin interior pocket pieces together, leaving a 3"-4" opening at the bottom for turning and stitch, be sure to backstitch at each end of the opening.  (Backstitching will prevent tearing and/or widening the opening while turning.) Clip corners close to the seam, turn the pocket right side out and press; topstitch 1/4" from top edge.  Make sure the opening is at the bottom of the Pocket!

4. Find the center of the pocket by folding in half and making a mark.  Do the same to find the center of one of the lining pieces.  Measure 3" down from top of lining, lay the wrong side of the pocket to the right side of the lining, having center marks matched.

Edgestitch sides and bottom of pocket:

To assemble the bag:

5. With right sides together, pin top of Lining to top of canvas; stitch.
Press seam towards lining, then with wrong sides together, match bottom edge of Lining to canvas and press.  Open the Lining out and away from the canvas then topstitch the lining side of the seam.

6. Leaving the lining open as you did during topstitching, pin Exterior Pocket to bottom of canvas, having edges matched on bottom and sides; baste 1/8" from edges.

For the Handles:

7. Find the center of the bottom of the bag, make a mark. Measure and mark 2" out on either side of the center. 

Match the double folded edge side of the strap to the marks, the ends should have 4" of space between them.  Lay a ruler against the strap to make sure you are pinning it straight; sew along the stitching lines along the length of the strap.  Go about 1/4" past the finished edge of the pocket, then stitch across the strap (parallel to the pocket) and back down to the bottom of the bag; repeat for the other half of the bag.

8. With right sides together, pin bag and lining together, leaving a 4"-6" opening on the lining for turning; stitch.

To make the boxed corners:

9. Starting the measurements at the seam line, draw a 1 1/2" square on all four corners.

Unless you are really confident with your rotary cutter skills, use scissors to cut the squares out:

10. Match the seams, pinning them open, and stitch.

Repeat for remaining three corners; press all seams open as best as you can.

11. Carefully turn the bag right side out, poking out the corners with a chopstick or unsharpened pencil.  Pin the opening of the lining closed; edgestitch. 

12. Push the lining to the inside of the bag and press.  Pin the handle to the top of the bag, then topstitch all the way around.

(I stitched an "X" on my handles, which you may want to do.  It is not necessary, but it does give it a more professional finish.)                    
Give your bag a final press and you are finished!

Six exterior pockets to stuff with all of your sewing and crafting supplies!  One inside pocket to hide your notebook, gum, wallet etc on the inside.  Moms with babies might even like to use this bag as a  quick trip diaper bag!

Happy Sewing!


P.S. To make a Beach Tote, follow the same instructions, but cut your pieces to the following:
Exterior 16"x22" cut two
 Medium-Weight Fusible Interfacing 16"x22"
(iron the interfacing to the exterior pieces)
Lining 18"x22"
Straps 5"x63" cut two
(or cut 6 at 5"x21", sew three pieces together for each strap)
Interior Pocket 10 3/4"x8"