Tote Bag Instructions

I don't have pictures ready to show this as a tutorial yet, but I wanted to at least get the directions posted for now, for those that have requested them. You will need a total of one yard of 45" Home Decor Fabric. You can use one yard of a single fabric, or 2/3 yard for the tote bag and 1/3 yard of a contrasting fabric for the straps.

1. (a) For the straps, cut two pieces of fabric 5" x 44".
(b) For the gusset (the sides and bottom) cut one piece 9" x 44"
(c) For the front and back, cut two pieces 16" x 12"

2. (a) Fold the straps in half lengthwise and press. Open, then fold the two halves you've created to the middle and press. Then fold down center again, so that the inner pieces are to the middle and you essentially have four layers of fabric, creating the strap. Press again.
(b) Pin strap to front piece, Placing inside edge of strap 3" from each edge of front. Top stitch both sides of strap to approximately 5" from top. Repeat with back piece.

3. Reinforce corners of front and back at bottoms by sewing small L's, then clipping slightly.

4. Pin gusset to front piece, mitering corners. Using 1/4" seam, stitch front to gusset piece. Repeat with back piece. (12" sides of fabric are the top and bottom; 16" sides are the sides of the bag.)

5. Fold down 1 1/2" on top, press; then fold under 1/4". Press. Stitch in place, but be sure not to catch handles in your stitches.

6. Finish top stitching straps to bag, along both sides of the straps, and continuing all the way across the open edge of the straps. Reinforce straps by stitching an X at the top edge of the bag.

7. As an option, which I recommend, cut a piece of cardboard or foamboard (the foamboard is better) to about 11" x 8". You can cover it with fabric or leave it as is and place it in the bottom of the bag to give it shape and stability.