{"id":1118,"date":"2019-08-08T10:01:04","date_gmt":"2019-08-08T09:01:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gursewingmachines.com\/blog\/?p=1118"},"modified":"2020-02-26T12:04:56","modified_gmt":"2020-02-26T12:04:56","slug":"sewing-how-tos-tote-bag-heaven","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gursewingmachines.com\/blog\/sewing-how-tos-tote-bag-heaven\/","title":{"rendered":"Sewing how-tos: tote bag heaven!"},"content":{"rendered":"

This is the age of the tote bag!<\/h2>\n

As single use carrier bags are rapidly becoming a thing of the past, more and more people are making sure that they have a bag or two with them before they venture into a shop.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The beauty of the tote bag – and in particular those that you craft yourself – is that you can produce an array or marvellous creations that match your personality, your outfit and accessories, or even your mood!
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In short, tote bags can be fun\u2026<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

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The one square tote: an easy tote bag sewing tutorial<\/h3>\n

Most tote bags are pretty straightforward things to craft – though they can of course vary greatly. We thought\u00a0 we\u2019d ease you in to tote bag land with a really nice tutorial on the Cucicucicoo blog<\/a>, courtesy of Lisa.<\/p>\n

This one square tote is literally that – it\u2019s made from a 75cm square of fabric. Although it\u2019s simple it\u2019s very versatile – with narrow and deep options, boxed base corners – and the all-important zip pocket for the phone or keys.<\/p>\n

And while you\u2019re here, check out the added bonus of Lisa\u2019s wonderful how to sew French seams<\/a> \u00a0tutorial.<\/p>\n

Top tip:<\/strong> \u201c… two of my favorite ways to finish off seams for a perfectly clean finish are felled seams and French seams. Both of these techniques enclose the raw fabric edges between layers of fabric so that not only will they not fray, but you can\u2019t even see them!\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

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Easy (but classy) tote bag tutorial<\/h3>\n

We mentioned that tote bags can vary – practical at all times and fun. But sometimes, you may be heading off somewhere where you need an accessory that sets the right kind of tone.<\/p>\n

You\u2019ll see what we mean when you check out some of the alternatives from Jann on the Newton Custom interiors website<\/a>. You can go a long way with just black and white (and maybe a hint of beige every now and again).<\/p>\n

Top tip:<\/strong> \u201cAt the bottom corners, cut a small notch to allow the fabric to go around the corner. \u00a0Tip \u2013 after these corners were sewn I applied fray check on the notch to give added strength.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

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Big zip pocket tote bag<\/h3>\n

A huge \u201cthank you\u201d<\/em> to Anne for this really fun and hugely practical variation on a theme – The big zip pocket tote bag how-to<\/a>.<\/p>\n

We adore the bright vintage fabric that she uses for the front panel.<\/p>\n

A really good, detailed tutorial – and the end result is amazing!<\/p>\n

We love:<\/strong> \u201cI colour blocked some of the canvas on to the top of the bag lining because I don\u2019t like it when my lining peeks out to the front \u2013 especially when it\u2019s a high contrast with the outside fabric.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

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Origami bag tutorial<\/h3>\n

And to show once again how much tote bags can vary, we\u2019ve got this splendid example from Alanda on the interesting Alanda Craft blog<\/a>.<\/p>\n

For those of you that aren\u2019t familiar with the origami bag – it\u2019s soft, without any solid form. It\u2019s also know as the \u201cazuma bukuro\u201d<\/em> apparently – which is a new one on us!<\/p>\n

There\u2019s a simple formula for adjusting the size of the bag:-<\/p>\n