This bag was designed to accommodate quite a few items on the way back from the library.
Materials
- 12 charm squares or 5 inch squares (6 for each side of the bag)
- Scrap fabric for the top of the bag
- Scrap fabric for lace, sides and handle embellishments
- Scrap fabric for handles
- Lining fabric
- Medium weight one sided fusible interfacing
- Batting
Instructions
Body of bag
Place the charm squares on 2 rows per panel.
Sew both panels as per picture below. You will end up with 2 rectangles measuring 9 1/2 x 14 inches each.
Cut a rectangle for the top of the bag measuring 14 x 5 1/2 inches.
The side panels measure about 14 1/2 x 14 inches after stitching.
Cut a piece of fusible interfacing 14 1/2 x 14 inches and fuse to the wrong side of the panel.
Expandable sides
Cut 2 pieces of fabric with the following measurements:
- Top: 6 inches
- Base: 2 inches
- Side: 14 1/2 inches
Pin and stitch each piece to one of the panels as per picture below. Then iron flat.
Tabs
Cut one 5 inch charm square in 4 strips like below.
Fold in half and iron, then fold each side in and iron again.
Top stitch each strip, make a tube with it and pin to the bag.
Centre the tabs as per picture.
Stitch to the bag at the top and bottom of the tab. Do 3 passes with the machine using a tight zigzag stitch.
Batting
Batting will only be added to the side panels.
Cut 2 14 x 14 1/2 inches rectangles and pin to the side panels.
Stitch along the seams of the charm squares to secure the batting.
Trim off excess batting when finished.
Stitch along the expandable sides seam as well.
Now place both sides of the bag right sides together and stitch along the sides.
Then fold the bag as per picture and stitch along the bottom.
When finished, fold the bag as per picture and stitch about one inch in the batting as per picture.
Cut the corner off.
For a better crisper finish, top stitch along the seams where the expandable side and the side panels meet.
This is what the expandable panel looks like after topstitching.
Lace/belt
The finished size of each belt is 2 in x 29 in.
Cut 2 strips of fabric measuring 4 1/2 x 30 inches. Fold in half and stitch around leaving a 1/4 seam allowance. Leave a 2 to 3 inch opening on the side to turn belt inside out. Stitch the endings at an angle as per picture.
Turn belt inside out after stitching and close the opening. Iron flat.
Put the belt through the tabs as per picture.
Tie the sides.
Lining
Use each side of the bag to cut the lining. Place the sides on the lining fabric and cut.
Then sew both sides together leaving an opening at the bottom of the lining to turn bag inside out. For the lining leave 1/2 inch allowance instead so that the lining is slightly smaller than the bag.
To make the corners do as you did with the bag earlier. Stitch along the corner.
Trim off.
Place the lining over the outside bag as in the photo and pin.
Stitch along the top of the bag. The opening at the bottom of the lining is where we will be turning the bag around.
Turn bag inside out.
Top stick along the top of the bag.
Close the lining opening.
We are now ready to add the handles.
Handles
Cut 2 strips of fabric measuring 5 in x 22 1/2 in.
Cut 2 strips of interfacing measuring 4 1/2 in x 22 in.
Iron the interfacing to the wrong side of the fabric.
Fold strip in half as per picture and draw a half circle.
Stitch around the circle and the rest of the strip leaving a 1/4 inch seam allowance. Leave a 2 to 3 inch opening to turn handle inside out.
When turned, iron flat.
Top stitch for a crisper finish.
The handles are ready. They are quite wide because the bag is designed to carry a bit of weight.
Handle embellishment
Cut a rectangle 5 1/2 in x 1 3/4 in. Fold in half, then fold sides in and iron.
Using a needle, stitch at regular intervals making a frill as per picture.
Pull from both sides of the thread to obtain the desired length.
Pin to the end of each handle.
Baste in place.
Topstitch to secure frill to handle.
Then place the handle 2 inches in from the side of the bag.
Align the top of the bag with the end of the round part of the the handle as per picture below.
Sew handles in place.
The handle is sewn on the edge of the handles and then 1/4 inch in as well for strength.
The bag is finished.
Detail of bag
The bag is very roomy. The size can be adjusted by loosening or tightening the belts.
If you make this bag, please upload a photo to my Flickr group.
www.flickr.com
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Tags: charm pack tote bag, free tutorial, purse pattern, sewing tutorial, tote bag tutorial
Precioso!!! muchas gracias
What a super idea. I also love the choice of fabric colours too. Great idea Teresa.
Love it!
Wow this is wondeful.
awesome, love it !!!!
Not only is it expandable, I see so many more ideas in this project. Especially like the handles. found you on Totally Tutorials
Very Cute! Easy to follow tute….. May an old lady who cheats at quilting give a suggestion? I love my zipper foot for top stitching if give me a finished edge that is easy to follow. I will visit your site for more. Again, thank you, from Montana………….
FANTASTIC idea and tutotial! I was just complaining about needing an expandable bag to use few things on walk with dog, but also big for shopping or library or even a few overnight needs when I visit relatives a couple hours drive away. So I am happy as a spring Robin!
And I don’t have a way to use a video tut your tut is like a still video and a written/pic tut. Very easy to understand as well! WELL DONE!!
Great tip Lori. I do have trouble topstitching corners as you can see on the photos! I’ll try a zipper foot next time.
Fantastic idea! Your instructions are incredible……..I’m not an avid sewer….have some sewing skills but I think I could do this………..thanks for the GREAT instructions!