This Strawberry Tote is a super cute and easy tote, perfect for gifting. I absolutely love the fresh vibe.
THE STRAWBERRY TOTE
Supplies:
Tote Fabric 9" x22" (Fat Eighth)
Lining Fabric 9" x 22" (Fat Eighth)
Light-weight, Fusible Interfacing 9"x22" (Fat Eighth)
Handle Fabric 9" x 17" (Fat Eighth)
Fusible Fleece 9"x17" (Fat Eighth)
Matching Thread
You can download the pattern HERE. (Free for Personal Use Only.)
1. The pattern is printed over two pages, you need to print it with the printer set at Borderless if possible. Then cut out the pieces and join the Tote at the triangles (to make an arrow head) to make the full pattern.
2. Cut the tote and handle from the fabric, interfacing and fusible fleece as directed on the pattern pieces. Make sure to line the handle up on the fold, where marked, to cut it out. This makes the handle one solid piece.
3. Iron on the interfacing (glue/bumpy side down) to the wrong side of the outer fabric of tote. Iron on the fusible fleece to the wrong side of one handle.
4. Right sides together, sew from one circle (marked on pattern) around the bottom of the tote to the other circle. Seam Allowance 1/4". Finish the seams and press right side out.
5. Repeat Step 4 for the lining, leaving a 2" opening along the side at some point. Finish the seams, clip the curves and press right side out.
6. Flip the Tote wrong side out, and insert the Lining right side out into the main tote. Right sides together, line up the tops and pin. Sew completely around the top. Finish the seams and clip the curves where necessary.
Note: Remove the front tray on your sewing machine to use the free arm. This will make this and other seams easier.
7. Pull the right side of the lining and tote out through the opening in the lining.
8. Flatten the top seam out nicely, rolling between your fingers, or using a pin if necessary to get it to lay flat. Pin if needed. Top stitch at 1/8-1/4" around the top seam.
9. Pull the lining out and stitch closed the opening in the lining by hand or machine. Tuck lining back inside.
10. Right sides together, sew the handle with a 1/8" seam, leaving a large opening on one side of the handle. Clip the curves, cut into the corners, and trim excess fabric on the points to help it lay flat when right side out.
11. Flip the handle right side out. Use the end of a pen or pencil to help push the narrow stem pieces out. This will take patience, but you don't want to rush it or you may accidentally rip the fabric. You can also use a pin to help tug on the pieces from the outside. Pin where necessary. Pin the opening for the handle closed.
12. Pin the handle outside on the top of one side of the tote with the fleece side facing out. Top stitch around the entire edge of the stem and up the handle to any point. The top stitch will actually be your seam for attaching the handle to the tote, saving you more work! You can hand stitch the center of the tote that wasn't sewn closed on to the handle, or leave it open. Pin the handle to the other side of the tote and sew from the point on the hand all the way around to the other side, finishing off the top stitching on the handle.
Note: The fusible fleece does more than give the handle a quilted look. It helps hold the handle's shape long after it would have wrinkled and folded from other products!
13. Now press one last time for good measure and sit back and admire your work!
This is perfect for the Strawberry Shortcake loving girl, as a gift for Easter or to take on a Strawberry picking adventure!
Variations on the pattern:
Silhouette Files: Add seeds with the rhinestones or flocked vinyl.
Berry Picker: Use waterproof picker.
Reversible: With a raw edge handle.