The Quick Tote

All of last week I had been wanting to make a tote to give to my daughter's friend for her birthday but just couldn't find the time--having a newborn makes it tough to sew. Thankfully, I was able to make it the morning of the party. It's quick and simple to put together and if you add a book or two you've got a great gift!

QUICK INSTRUCTIONS FOR A QUICK TOTE
Final Dimensions: 11" x 15"

Materials:
•fabric A, 3/4 yard
•Fabric B, 1/3 yard
•coordinating thread

Cut:
•fabric A, cut 1 - 20" x 15"
•fabric B, cut 2 - 4 1/2" x 15"
•handles, 5" x 20", cut 2
•pocket cut 1 or more (optional)

Instructions:
1/2 inch seam allowance

•After cutting your fabric, place one piece of fabric B over fabric A along the 15" edge, RS to RS. Stitch and repeat with the opposite end. You will have one long panel measuring approximately 24" x 15".

•Finish the seam allowance with a serger or zig zag then press towards fabric A.

•Top stitch the seam allowance to fabric A. You can use a decorative stitch here, if you wish.

•Attach pocket, if using. This pocket measured approximately 3" x 5". I serged all four sides of the pocket, folded down the top edge and top stitched it, then sewed it on the inside of the tote. Serging the sides of the pocket makes it super-simple and a bit quicker than folding the edges.

•Make the handles: fold in half the long way and crease, bring the edges to the crease and crease again, fold at the first crease (see photo below), then stitch closed. You can also stitch along the opposite side, if you wish. Repeat with the second handle.

•Sew the bag together on the left and right sides, RS to RS. Double-fold the top edge and sew. Attach the handles stitching an "X" to ensure they stay on (see photo below).

•Square the bottom.

Your tote is finished!

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