Make a Tote Bag

1. Cut out a 28cm x 103cm rectangle of white cotton fabric. Fold in half, to create a 28cm x 51.5cm rectangle, and pin together. Work a straight machine stitch along the long edges, using a 1.5cm seam allowance. Finally sew along the short edge, leaving a 6cm gap in the middle.

2. Turn the work right sides outwards through the gap in the stitching, and slip stitch the opening closed by hand. Fold this shape in half again to form a bag and sew along each of the long sides. Cut another rectangle of white cotton fabric measuring 7cm x 50cm, and fold in half, to create a 7cm x 25cm rectangle (this will become a strap). Pin together.

3. With a straight machine stitch sew along the two long edges and one short edge of the shape, leaving a 1.5cm seam allowance. Turn the strap right sides outwards through the remaining open edge and slip stitch the opening closed by hand.

4. Repeat steps 2-3 to create the second handle. Hand stitch the handles into position on the top edge of the bag using white thread.

5. Add an appliqué detail. Locate the sewing machine templates within the Sew Pull-Out Workbook, and cut them out. Draw around them onto pieces of printed cotton, and apply fusible webbing to the back of each piece. Cut out each shape carefully.

6. Position the shapes onto the front of the assembled tote bag, and peel away the backing from the webbing. Iron into position to secure. Trace the text design with tailor’s chalk and embroider the design using two shades of pink thread and a simple running stitch. Add buttons for decorations.