Make a Tote Bag!

 Make a funky tote, classic tote, dressy tote or casual tote.

And because the tote style is so practical, you can never go wrong creating it in different styles and colors.

 You can decorate them with pretty buttons, knots of ribbons, crystal beads or pearls  from an old necklace. One tote I saw had old keys sewn randomly on one side. You can get  gaudy brooches from  the thrift store and pin them on in clusters.  You can also get sew on appliques at the fabric store. Go a little crazy.You are only limited by your imagination

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Materials:
°1 yard of fabric (anything you like) Denim is very fashionable in tote bags at the moment. You could use the fabric from old jeans or jeans skirts. Tons of them at the thrift store.
°Thread to match the fabric
°1 yard of lining fabric (I like a subtle print like gingham but anything that matches or contrasts with your main fabric will do)
°Two 12x11" sheets of backing (This is to give the purse fabric stability. Iron-on backing is easiest to use, simply follow ironing directions on the packaging. My favorite is Pellon.) Available at all fabric stores.

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Step by Step Instructions:

1. Cut two 12X11" pieces of your purse fabric and two of your lining fabric.
2. Cut one 4x24" piece of purse fabric for the handle of the handbag.
3. Cut two 12x11" pieces of backing and attach to the purse fabric according to manufacturer's instructions. With right sides together, sew the two sides and bottom of the handbag fabric, leaving the top open.

4. For the handle: fold the fabric lengthwise, right sides together. Sew along the lengthwise edge.

5. Trim the seam cutting as close to the sewing line as possible and carefully turn the handle right side out.
6. For the lining: take the two pieces, right sides together, sew along the bottom and sides leaving a 3" opening at the bottom of the bag.

7. To attach the lining to the bag: place the finished lining on the outside of the body of the handbag. The right sides of the lining and handbag fabrics should be together. Line up the edges of the lining and the bag and sew these together, leaving a 2" gap one either side of the bag for the handles.

8. Turn the handbag right side out through the 3" gap in the lining.

9. Attach the handles by inserting ends into the side openings left in the handbag. Fold down the fabric edges and topstitch closed.

10. Finally, hand or machine stitch the gap in the lining.