Tote Bag Tutorial

Decades ago I learned how to make a gusseted tote bag in a Relief Society class, and I've made many over the years. It was one of the options we gave our grandchildren to turn their cross-stitched temples into, and a few of them selected it. 

In case one of them wants to make one in the future, here's how it's done.

1 - Cut out the finished cross-stitch to desired size (8x11" is good) along with a same sized piece of lining fabric. 

2 - Cut out the bag fabric into pieces that will equal a finished piece approximately 15x30". Piece it together by adding two side strips, then a top strip, then a bottom strip that will fold around to be the back of the bag. (This is very similar to how the pillow top was formed.) For this 8x11" horizontal example, and using 1/2" seam allowances, you would need two side strips of 3x11", a top strip of 15x4", and a bottom piece of 15x20".

3 - Cut out a lining piece of the same size, so 15x32". If desired, make a pocket. Cut a piece of fabric about 8x12". Fold in half right sides together and sew around the three sides, leaving a small opening for turning. Turn right side out and sew the opening closed. Attach the pocket onto the lining fabric about 5" from the top, sewing down both sides and the bottom. Leave the top open!

4 - Sew the side seams of both the bag and the lining, leaving an opening to turn in one side of the lining. 

5 - Make the gusset in each of the four bottom corners (two in bag, two in lining). Form a point at the seam, then sew a perpendicular line about 1 1/4" from the tip. 

6 - Prepare two handles. Two 14" pieces of webbing is easiest, but you can also sew strips of matching or coordinating fabric. Attach each end right sides together about 3-4" from each side of the bag. 

7 - Place the bag and the lining right sides together and sew the opening together, being careful to keep the handles out of the way. Then turn right side out through the opening in the lining's side seam.

8 - Sew up that side seam opening.

9 - Press the opening and then top stitch it at about 1/4" and 3/4" from the top.

10 - Finished!