Beginner Tote Thurs, Oct 15, 10am–3:30pm

Bag Making: Project #3  $65 includes October 5, 2026 Prep Party Code PP03

This medium-size tote has lots of room for storage thanks to the depth of the boxed corners. The addition of pockets makes this bag very functional for students, professionals, light travel, or everyday use. The Beginner Tote has been designed with similar steps as the Quilted Pouches so you become more comfortable with the process. With this project, build skills in fabric preparation, creating a front zipper pocket, attaching handles, easily installing a zipper, assembling the bag, adding optional embellishments.

WHAT TO BRING:

Please bring your sewing machine in good working order.  Since we are only familiar with the machines we use, we may have limited knowledge of other brands, please bring your manual just in case you need to refer to it during class.

Standard sewing supplies including, thread to match your faux leather or cork (poly is better than cotton), zipper foot, sewing clips, chalk or removable pen, 1/8” double sided basting tape, and rotary cutter. A Teflon foot or walking foot will be helpful for sewing on cork or faux leather.  If you have neither, scotch tape on the bottom of your foot will be sufficient.

PRE-CLASS PREPARATION:

Please have all pattern pieces cut and fused. When cutting faux leather straps, test the leather as it has a stretch on one side. Cut straps strips on the NON-STRETCH SIDE.  If you purchased a ½ yd piece of cork or Faux leather, you will be cutting on the short (18”) side. Although the pattern may not call for it, I recommend fusing all lining pieces with a woven fusible. Have the pattern and all hardware at time of class. The supplies are listed below:

Pattern:                                              Field Guide to Bag Making Book by Jessica Barrera

Main Fabric:                                       5/8 yd 42” wide fabric (main panels)

Contrast Fabic:                                  1/4 yard Cork Fabric or Faux Leather (handles, zipper tab, and optional tassel)

Lining Fabric:                                    3/4 yd 42” wide fabric

Foam Interfacing:                              1/2 yd

Fusible Woven Interfacing:              1 yd

Hardware:                                          Metal Handmade Label & small rivets (optional)

Zipper:                                                1-17”; 1-14” zipper (size #5) with 3 zipper pulls