F25-02 Let's Make a Tote Bag ONGOING
Class | Registration opens 8/17/2025 9:00 AM EDT
This course is designed to help further develop your bag making skills. Participants will learn how to add structure to your bag with the use of a variety of interfacings, giving it a professional look. This roomy tote bag includes 2 types of zipper installation, a variety of pockets, a strong magnetic closure and a boxy bottom. The tote offers an excellent opportunity to practice your creative talents through the addition of embellishments.
*This bag is rated Confident Beginner. The student will need a basic sewing knowledge.
- PLEASE READ ALL NOTES AND SUPPLIES CAREFULLY.
SKILL LEVEL: Confident Beginner with previous sewing experience.
Size: The tote measures 21” wide, 13” high and 6” deep.
Description: This roomy tote has shaped shoulder straps, exterior zipper pockets, an interior slip pocket and interior zipper pocket. It has a boxed bottom and a strong invisible magnetic closure. The exterior is ideal for adding your choice of embellishments: quilted fabric, patches, embroidery designs and more.
- Suggested Fabrics:
Main fabric - quilt cotton, canvas, waxed canvas, denim, laminated cotton or home decorated.
Contrast for straps - Cork, faux leather or other non-woven fabric.
Lining - quilt cotton, water resistant fabric or other.
Materials and supplies:
Pattern:
Bonnie by Sallie Tomato (available at Pins and Needles in Middleburg Hts.)
Main fabric exterior:
1 yard if 42” wide
½ yard if 56” wide
Contrast: handles, handle connectors and side straps:
2/3 yard if 25” wide
Lining: interior lining and exterior pocket linings:
1 yard if 42” wide
Fusible Woven Interfacing – SF101 or similar:
7/8 yard if 19” wide
Other Sewing Machine (including a zipper foot), thread, sewing clips or pins,1/8” or 1/4” double sided basting tape.
Sew in foam: Bosol or Pellon foam:
1 ½ yard if 20” wide
5/8 yard if 45” wide
½ yard if 58” wide
Heavy Stabilizer for bottom: Peltex or other:
¼ yard if 20”
Nylon Coil Zippers (size 5) and zipper pull
(1) 12” and (2) 6” or a roll at least 28” long and 3 decorative zipper pulls
Invisible Bar Magnetic Snap: (available at Pins and Needles in Middleburg Hts.)
Bag feet: (recommended)
(4) 1/2” or your choice.
Janet Perc
 | As a wife, mother of 3 sons and an avid sewist, quilter and bag maker, I am enthusiastic about sharing my knowledge with others. My interest in sewing was sparked by my grandmother during my childhood. Professionally, I spent 50 years with Tops markets, including opening the Berea Tops store as store manager, and culminating with my role as Director of Customer Service in Buffalo New York. During my time there, I formed many relationships with fellow fabric enthusiasts and had the opportunity to teach quilting and bag making at several local quilt stores. Now retired and residing back in the Cleveland area, I look forward to partnering with the ILR program and hope to meet many interesting and talented people who share my creative passions. |