Tutorial：a nautical motif mini tote bag
Today’s handmade is a nautical motif mini tote bag (with flat bottom and lined). The color of the outer and handle is a navy blue. The color of the lining and patch is a off-white. The entire piece is finished in a calm atmosphere.
It’ll be made by drawing lines on the fabric by using a ruler and cutting the fabric, so a pattern is not necessary. It uses only straight stiches on the sewing machine, so it is relatively easy to make. The finished size is about 25cm x 33cm, with a gusset length of about 9cm.
Materials
Outer fabrics are 2 pieces of 32cm x 45cm sized fabric. (Seam allowances are included. Attach fusible interfacing on the back.)
Fusible interfacing gives fabric firmness and keeps the shape of the tote bag.
https://www.jewel-track.com/en/post-627-enLining fabrics are 2 pieces of 31.5cm x 44.5cm sized fabric. (Seam allowances are included)
Bottom patch fabric is 1 piece of 20cm x 45cm sized fabric. (Seam allowances are included)
Handles are 2 pieces of 2.5cm x 48cm. Handles can be made by using any fabrics of your choice. Acrylic webbing tape is recommended from craft shop. (It is easy to make.)
How to make the bag body (outer bag)
1. Place the outer fabrics with right side, and sew the bottom. Then press seam allowances open. (When sewing right side, the front side of each fabric is placed facing each other.)
2. Fold the edges of bottom patch (1cm), and sew the outer fabric together.
When making creases, it is recommended to use a hot hemmer. The folds are neat, and the finishing is nice.
3. Fold the outer fabric in half with right side together, and sew the side seams.
4. Cut off extra corner cloths, and press seam allowances open. Then make gusset, and sew. (Gusset adds depth to the bag.)
5. Sew the outer fabric and handles together.
How to sew the bag body (lining bag)
1. Place the lining fabrics with right side, and sew the side and bottom.
2. Cut off extra corner cloths, and press seam allowances open. Then make gusset, and sew.
How to make the tote bag (finishing the bag)
1. Insert the inner bag into the outer bag with right side together. Then sew around perimeter of bag opening. (Leave 11cm gap for turning.)
2. Press seam allowances open, and turn inside out from the gap.
3. Iron and stitch the edge of bag opening. The fabrics overlap and become thick in the bag opening, so be careful to sew the bag opening.
4. Iron to finish. The nautical motif tote bag is done.
Following is the video for how-to.