Fold-away Tote
This roomy strong shopping tote folds into its own pocket. The pocket is a decent size so you can use it while you are shopping, but you can make it as deep as you like. Because the bag has been made using French seams it is very strong so you can make it out of your favourite lightweight fabric to make it even more compact.You will need:
Fabric
Interfacing (lightweight)2 Buttons
Just in case my pics are not clear enough the measurements are as folls:
(To work in inches divide measurements by 2.54)
Pockets: 18 x 17cms cut 2, add interfacing to one side as shown.
Flaps: 16.5 x 9.5cms cut 2, add interfacing to one side as shown.
Facing: 83.5 x 7 cms, cut 1
Handles: 12 x 45cm cut 2, add interfacings 5 x 45cm as shown.
You can adjust the length, as I have 'Andre the Giant' length arms I like my handles short.
The bag measures 44 x 43cm you also need to cut out a 5cm x 5cm square from the bottom corners of the bag.
Handle
With handle pieces right sides together fold in half lengthways and stitch 1cm seam. Trim seam allowance turn right side out and press seam flat. Topstitch down both long edges. With tailors chalk measure and mark a guide line 2cm from raw edges Pic 6 top and bottom on one side (wrong side) of each handle.
Flap
With right sides together stitch pocket flaps together with a 1cm seam allowance, leaving a gap along the top edge for turning. Trim allowance clip corners and curves Pic 3
Turn and press. Top stitch opening edge of flap, find centre and using button as a guide mark the button hole, stitch. Pic 4
With right sides together stitch pockets together leaving a gap along the bottom edge for turning, trim seam allowances and clip corners Pic 3 (see above). Turn right side out and press, then top stitch along the top of the pocket. Pic 4 (see above)
Attaching pocket and Flap
Find the centre of the top edges of the pocket and bag front, matching centres (approx half way up) pin pocket to the bag and double stitch enclosing the turning gap but leaving the top over stitched edge open. Pin flap above pocket Pic 5 and double stitch along the top edge enclosing the open gap.
Attaching the handles
For front and back of bag, place handles 3cm either side of centre and lining up the chalk marks with the top edge of the bag Pic 6
For the front, make sure the handles are just inside the outside edge of the pocket Pic 7, Zigzag stitch in place along the top edge of the bag.
Sewing bag together with French seams
With wrong sides together stitch a 5mm seam down both sides and along the bottom edge Pic 8, Press seams to one side, turn right side out and enclosing the raw edges and press seams again, the right sides of your bag should be together. Now stitch down both sides and the bottom edge again encasing raw edges Pic 8 If you are using a very lightweight fabric I suggest stitching again. Press bottom seam to one side and pin in place.
Gusset
With wrong sides together match bottom/side French seams Pic 9 (watch your seams are not overlapping and are laying in opposite directions)
Stitch a 5mm seam straight across Pic10.
turn press and stitch again enclosing raw edges. Pic11
Facing
Using a 1cm seam allowance stitch short edges of facing together. Press a 1.5cm hem to the wrong side along one edge Pic 12
With the bag and facing right sides together and matching the facing seam to one of the side seams on the bag pin then stitch 1cm from raw edge, it might be a good idea to double stitch here. Press seam open now fold facing to the inside of the bag (wrong sides together) pin in place. Stitch along the top edge of the bag then stitch facing to the bag sewing close to the edge of the facing, stitch another row inside the first. Pic13
Finishing touches
Locate handles inside facing and on the outside stitch a V or X for added strength. Using buttonhole as a guide mark button placement on the outside of pocket only and sew on button. Now FOLD BAG (see below) with the bag in its pocket mark the second button placement, sew button in place.
And there you have it!
Folding your fab! new tote
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