Lecien Cotton Spring Panel Tote
Who doesn't love a tote? They are easy to make and perfect for carrying sewing/knitting supplies, library books, groceries, or flowers from the garden.
Lecien has made tote-making even easier with their new Cotton Spring Panels. All you need to add is a half yard of lining fabric!
I put one together in less than an hour! Here is my tutorial and tips if you would like to change it up a bit!
Begin with a panel of Lecien's Cotton Spring Panels. Each panel yields two totes! So you can make one for you and a friend.
Lecien has made it easy! You simply need to cut away the handles from the tote body. Each panel has two sets of handles on both ends of the panel. And the cutting line is marked with register marks. Just line up your ruler and cut with your rotary.
And each panel is printed so the two totes can be cut apart vertically and the bottom simply folded. The front and the back are printed so that when folded, they are running the correct direction.
I actually cut all of my fronts and backs apart so that I have a seam along the bottom rather than a fold.
Let's make a tote!!!
After cutting the measuring tape handles from the panel, press each long edge with wrong sides together about a 1/4 inch. I simply folded the edge without any print.and pressed...no need to measure. Then press the entire length of handle in half, the folded raw edges will be sandwiched inside the length of handle.
Top stitch close to the edge on both long edges of each handle.
Now take the tote front and back, with right sides facing, and, using a 1/4 inch seam allowance, stitch all three sides of the tote front and back. Leave the top of the tote open.
Measure your tote front/back unit. It should measure about 15.5" (long) X 12"(wide).
Cut two lining pieces so they are the same size as the exterior front and back. With right sides together and using 1/4 inch seam allowance, stitch the sides and bottom of the lining pieces. Leave an opening in the lining bottom (about 5 inches). And leave the lining top edge open.
To give the bag some shape I squared off the corners. Simply fold the the exterior so the side seam matches (or touches) the bottom seam. Draw a line from the tip in 1 inch. Repeat for the other side of the bag. Stitch from edge to edge on that line and trim away the excess.
** you can add more depth to your bag by increasing the amount you square off. Or if you want a flat tote....do not square off at all**
Square off the corners of the lining in the same way. Set the lining aside.
To add the handles to the exterior, I measured 2 inches in toward the center from each side of the tote. Place a mark and pin the handles inside the mark 2 inches from the side seam.
Baste the handles in place and repeat these steps for the other exterior side of the tote.
To finish your tote, place the right side of the lining with the right side of the exterior. Your exterior will be inside the lining unit. Line up the side seams and make sure the handles are sandwiched in between the lining and the exterior.
I like to use a larger seam allowance along the top edge. Stitch all along the top edge using a 1/2 inch seam allowance. Turn your bag right side out through the opening in the lining. Push out the corners and stitch the lining closed. Press the bag and top stitch close to the edge around the opening.
There you have it!!! Easy Peasy!!!
If you would like to make your tote a bit heftier, you can add a fusible stabilizer such as decor bond or fusible fleece. Or you might want to add big stitches around the top edge or the handles with perle cotton. So cute!