Pattern Description:
This free sewing pattern details how to create a darling, cute tote bag, perfect as a go-to gift for various occasions.
The design is part of the “One Yard Magic Pattern from Lecien Fabrics”. The tote requires stabilization using fusible fleece and includes a magnetic snap closure.
If the accompanying hostess apron is not made, the bag exterior and lining can both be cut from just one yard of fabric.
Materials Needed & Measurements:
Materials Needed
- Bag Exterior Fabric
- Lining Fabric
- 1 yard of fusible fleece
- 1 magnetic snap closure
- Scraps of interfacing
Cutting Measurements
From the bag exterior fabric, cut:
- 2 rectangles 13” x 17”
- 2 strips 2 1/2” x 15”
- Preparation: Mark and cut 2” squares from the lower corners of these two rectangles.
From the lining fabric, cut:
- 2 rectangles 13” x 17”
- Preparation: Mark and cut 2” squares from the lower corners of these two rectangles.
From the fusible fleece, cut:
- 2 rectangles 13” x 17”
- 2 strips 2 1/2” x 15”
- 2 circles about the size of a quarter
Instructions for Making the One Yard Magic Hostess Apron and Bag Pattern:
One Yard Magic Tote Bag Instructions
The completed tote bag is described as a darling, cute tote that serves as a perfect go-to gift for occasions such as birthdays, baby showers, Valentine’s Day, Easter, or Christmas.
Preparation and Snap Installation
Before stitching the bag panels together, preparation work must be completed on the exterior and lining pieces.
- Fuse the Fleece: Press the fusible fleece (HeatnBond was used) to the wrong sides of the bag exterior rectangles and the handle strips.
- Cut Corners: Use a ruler to mark and cut 2” squares from the lower corners of the bag exterior rectangles. Repeat this process for the lower corners of the two bag lining pieces.
- Mark Lining Center: Take the bag lining pieces and fold them in half to find the center. On the wrong side of the fabric, mark the center point 2” below the top raw edge.
- Stabilize Snap Area: Apply a scrap of interfacing (approximately a 2” square) over the center mark. Re-draw the mark over the interfacing to ensure accuracy.
- Insert Magnetic Snaps: To install the magnetic snap, place the round metal disk over the mark and draw cutting lines on the fabric through the disk’s slots. Use a seam ripper, small scissors, or a craft knife to cut small slits along the lines. Cut lines and slits through the two quarter-sized pieces of fusible fleece as well. Insert one side of the snap through the lining slits from the right side. On the wrong side, place a fusible fleece circle over the prongs, followed by a metal disk, and then bend the prongs outward. Insert the other side of the magnetic snap into the remaining lining piece. (Note: This is an opportune time to add an interior pocket, utilizing tutorials such as those for a Sweet Quilted Tote or a Welt Zipper Pocket.)
Making and Attaching the Straps
The exterior strips cut earlier are used to form the handles.
- Form Straps: Press the long edges of the strap strips toward the wrong side by 1/4”. Fold the strap in half lengthwise and press again.
- Topstitch: Topstitch 1/8” from the edge to close the strap. Then, turn the strap around and topstitch 1/8” away from the fold on the other side.
- Position Handles: Fold one of the tote exterior pieces in half to locate the center and make a crease at the top edge.
- Attach Handles: Pin the ends of the finished handle 3” away from the center crease on either side. Stitch the handle ends in place 1/4” from the top edge. Repeat this attachment process with the other handle and the remaining tote exterior piece.
Assembling the Tote Bag
A 3/8” seam allowance is used for assembly.
- Sew Exterior: Place the two tote exterior pieces right sides together. Pin and stitch the side and bottom edges, making sure to skip the 2” cut-out corners. Press these seams open.
- Box Corners (Exterior): To create the boxed bottom, flatten the corners so the side seam aligns perfectly against the bottom seam, forming a straight line. Pin this line and stitch across using the 3/8” seam allowance.
- Sew Lining: Repeat steps 1 and 2 with the lining pieces, but intentionally leave a 6” opening in the bottom seam of the lining. This opening is necessary for turning the bag right side out.
Finishing the Bag
- Attach Lining to Exterior: Ensure the bag exterior is right side out and the lining is inside out. Place the lining over the exterior so the pieces are right sides together, and pin all the way around the top edge, matching the side seams.
- Stitch Top Edge: Stitch around the entire top edge of the bag with a 3/8” seam allowance.
- Turn and Close: Turn the bag right side out through the 6” opening left in the lining bottom. Press the edges of this opening inward and secure the opening closed, either by hand or machine.
- Final Topstitching: Carefully press the top edge of the bag, ensuring the lining fabric is eased neatly toward the interior. Topstitch around the entire top edge, using the edge of the presser foot as a guide.
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