Simple tote
Finished size: 13" wide x 15" long (without the handles)

You cannot have too many tote bags. Especially after you discover how easy they are to sew! Combining different fabrics and experimenting with various sizes will give you endless possibilities. A book bag, a knitting tote, a gym carryall, a catch-all for the car -- it makes a marvellous customized gift for anyone. This is an easy project, suitable for any level of skill with the sewing machine. For an added challenge, get creative with appliqué and embroidery. Once you get the hang of the pattern, try different sizes.

Fabrics
• 5/8 yard medium-weight cotton or linen (for the top panel and handles)
• 1/2 yard of contrasting cotton or linen (for the bottom panel)

Supplies
• Yardstick
• Fabric marker
• Scissors
• Straight pins

Notes
• Preshrink fabric by washing, drying and pressing before you start.

• All seams are 1/2" unless otherwise states. A 1/2" seam allowance is included in all cutting measurements.

Step 1: Cut out all pieces from the fabric
Measure and mark the dimensions below directly onto the Wrong side of your fabric, using a yardstick and a fabric marker. Then, using your scissors, cut out each piece, following the marked lines.

From the fabric for the top panel and handles of the tote:
Cut 1 Main Panel: 14" wide x 33" tall.
Cut 2 Handles: 4" wide x 21" tall.

From the contrasting fabric:
Cut 1 Bottom Panel: 14" wide x 11" tall.

Step 2: Make the handles
A. With the Wrong side of one of the handle pieces facing up, on both 4" sides, fold over 1/2" toward the centre of the handle and press. Trim the corners at a 45-degree angle to reduce the bulk, making sure not to clip the stitching.

B. With the Wrong side of the handle piece facing up, fold each long side toward the centre of the handle, so that the raw edges meet at the crease. Press, then fold it in half lengthwise. Press again. Edge stitch the three open sides of the handle by stitching close to the edge, beginning on one short side at the fold, then up the long side, and down the other short side. Make sure you stitch through all the layers of fabric. Backstitch at each end.

C. Repeat Steps 2A and 2B to make the other handle. Set both handles aside.

Page 1 of 2

---

Excerpted from Simple Sewing: Patterns and how-to for 24 fresh and easy projects by Lotta Jansdotter, with photographs by Meiko Arquillos. Text and illustrations copyright 2007 by Lotta Anderson. Photographs copyright 2007 by Meiko Arquillos. Excerpted with permission from Chronicle Books. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced except with permission in writing from the publishers.