The Art Tote: Sewing Tutorial ~ Free-Tutorial.net

I finally decided on an art tote that my kids could carry from place to place and fill up with all of their markers, pens, scissors, glue and creative goodies. I wanted it big enough to store it all but not cumbersome for them, and I came up with the perfect dimensions.

I am thinking this would also make a fantastic Easter basket or gift bag! Can you just imagine this filled with toys?

For this project, I used 1 yard of the polka dot fabric (with a bit to spare for maybe a Playdoh mat?) and 1/2 yard of the red chevron. How yummy are those colors?

Cutting Guide:
(Plus medium to heavy weight interfacing for all pieces.)

2 Circles: diameter of 10 3/8 inches (read more below)
2 Bag Sides: 10 inches high by 33 inches wide
2 Pockets: 5 inches high by 33 wide
1 Bag Handle: 6 inches high by 22 wide
2 Side Accent Pieces: 1 inch high by 2 inches wide
Bias Tape: 33 inches long

The trickiest part of this tutorial is figuring out your circle and your side pieces because it is all math related but it’s easy, I promise.

I simply took a plate and traced the circle. My diameter was 10 3/8 inches (10.375 inches).

You can create the exact same circle size as me OR you can trace your own plate or circular object. In order to figure out how long your side pieces needs to be, you need to find the circumference of your circle because that is how long your side pieces will measure. To figure out the circumference of a circle, you simply use this equation: Diameter x 3.14.

My circumference: 10.375 x 3.14 = 32.5775
Add 1/2 inch seam allowance = 33.0775 (33 inches)

Still with me?
I hope so!

Now, let’s move on to the actual tutorial.

Let’s create the pocket that goes around the entire tote.

Here is a tip! Use paper clips instead of pins to avoid puncturing the laminate.

Keep in mind that I couldn’t find my walking foot… If I had used that, this project would have been even easier!

Sew the lining pieces in the same manner, with right sides together, but leave as is and don’t turn right side out. You will then end up with two cylindrical-shaped items.