4H Tote Bag

SUPPLIES & TOOLS:

• 1yd main fabric
• 1/2yd coordinating fabric for pocket
• 2 1/2yd fusible interfacing
• 3yds - webbing for handle
• 3" of 1"-wide Velcro®
• Basic sewing supplies

DIRECTIONS:

(1/2" seam allowance)

1. Cut 4 from main fabric - 14"x 19"
2. Cut 4 from interfacing - 14"x 19"
3. Cut 1 from pocket fabric - 16"x 19"
4. Cut 1 from interfacing - 16"x 19"
5. Fuse interfacing to back of all fabrics.
6. Fold pocket fabric in half - 8"x 19" and press.
7. Top stitch 1/4" from fold.
8. Pin and baste pocket to front of tote placing raw edges together at bottom and sides.
9. With RST, stitch bottom seam of front and back.
10. Place bag open on surface with right side facing up.
11. Measure in 4" from sides of bag and mark.
12. Starting at bottom seam pin strap to front of bag at mark folding raw edge under 1/4".
13. At top of bag, measure 27" for handle and continue to pin webbing down other side of front.
14. Continue pinning strap to back of bag leaving 27" for handle on back.
15. Continue pinning strap to remaining side of bag meeting at starting point.
16. Fold ends under 1/4" on raw edges of webbing.
17. Stitch strap to bag stopping 2" from top edge of bag on front and back.
18. Stitch across the folded edges of strap at bottom seam.
19. With RSAT, stitch side seams of bag.
20. To square the bottom of bag, fold the bottom seam of corner to meet side seam and stitch 1" from point on both corners.
21. Trim excess fabric.
22. Turn and press.
23. Stitch lining RST on sides and bottom leaving an opening for turning.
24. Square corners of bottom of lining as done for main tote.
25. With RST, pin lining to tote and stitch around top.
26. Turn bag through lining opening and stitch opening closed.
27. Insert lining into bag.
28. Press and top stitch 1/4" in from top edge of bag.
29. Center Velcro to inside top of front and back. Stitch in place.