6 pocket tote bag sewing tutorial

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Do you love bags and have to have one for pretty much everything? This 6 pocket tote bag is fun to make, super functional with plenty of pockets and in the perfect size, not too large, not too small! 

6 Pocket tote bag

Hey, guys! I’m back with a super fun and cute project who can easily be tacked by sewists of all levels: an adorable 6 pocket tote bag! I’m so smitten with this multi pocket tote bag! I love the fabrics, the size, the functionality and best of all, it’s ready in about couple of hours, from start to finish!

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I made this six pocket bag pattern for my daughter, Ellie to carry all her drawing supplies when we’re on the go. But this tote is not a child size, it’s more of a medium tote bag for adults. This simple but cute 6 pocket tote bag is perfect to carry just about anything you like, from sewing or knitting supplies, to books or just use it as an everyday tote bag.

 

Tote bag with pockets

Materials:

• approx. 1 1/2 yards cotton fabric for the bag and the straps
• about 1/2 yard cotton fabric for lining
• approx. 1 yard cotton fabric for the pockets
• batting 2 x 16″ by 14 1/2″
• optional – interfacing for the pockets (if your fabric is not thick enough)
• scissors
• tape measure or yardstick
• fabric pen
• pins
• quilting clips
• seam gauge
• pressing iron
• matching thread
• sewing machine

Directions:

Cut the fabric

• Cut the bag pieces as follows:

1. for the straps: 2 strips of 4″ by 50″
2. the bag fabrics: 2 strips of 17″ by 15 1/2″
3. for the lining: 2 strips of 17″ by 15 1/2″
4. for the pockets: 4 strips of 13″ by 15 1/2″
5. batting: 2 strips of 17″ by 15 1/2″

Make the straps

• Fold each strap in half, lengthwise, with right side out and press with iron on steam.
• Open the straps and fold each edge towards the center and press.
• Fold back and press.
• Topstitch each edge with 1/8″ allowance.

Make the bag pieces

• Place one bag piece wrong side up and top with batting
• Pin and free motion quilt these two pieces together.
• Place the bag pieces right side out and top with the lining piece wrong side up.
• Pin the top and sew with 1/4″ allowance.
• Repeat for the second set of bag fabrics.

Make the pockets

• Place 2 of the pocket pieces right sides together.
• Pin the top and sew with 1/4″ allowance.
• Fold one of the pieces up then fold under.
• Top stitch with 1/8″ allowance.
• Repeat for the second set of pocket fabrics.

Sew the bag pieces together

• Place one of the bag panels right side up, with the lining at the top of the bag.
• Place one pocket over the bag panel, bottoms matching.
• Measure 5″ away from both sides and place one of the straps over.
• Pin and sew the strap to the bag by topstitching the edges with 1/8″ allowance, stopping 1″ above the pocket.
• Repeat for the second bag panel, second pocket and second strap.
• Place one panel right side up and top with the second panel wrong side up. Clip all sides and sew with 1/2″ allowance, leaving a gap in the lining to turn the bag right side out.
• Box all four corners (2 in the bag and 2 in the lining).
• Turn the bag right side out through the bag then topstitch the gap or hand stitch with a ladder stitch.
• Push the lining inside the bag and top stitch the top of the bag with 1/8″ allowance. Run a second decorative stitch, 1/8″ below the first one.
• Press the bag and you’re done!

Pin to save for later

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