Scripture Tote Tutorial II

Remember this? Well, I finally made a step by step tutorial for it.

When I made my first scripture tote I thought it was a pretty easy project but once I started doing the tutorial I realized that it might be more of a "moderate" sewing level than and "easy" sewing level project.

But having said that, I hope this tutorial will make it easy for you to make your very own!

Things you will need.............


*Sewing machine

*Scissors

*Thread to match your fabric

*(1) Placemat-(14" X 19") thinner placemats work better than thicker. Bed Bath and Beyond, Pier 1, Target, and Linens and Things have good selections.
*Main fabric- size of placemat, adding about 1-2 inches to the length

*(2) Handle fabric- 3" x 16 1/2"

*Tie fabric- 4" x 4o"

*(2) Belt loop fabric- 2 1/2" x 4 1/2"

*Pocket fabric- 5" x 8" or any size you desire

*(2) Interfacing for handles- 1 1/2" x 16 1/2"

Plus any extra accessories you might want to add such as....
Buttons, fabric flowers, a monogram key ring, etc
I used all fat quarters for this project. I had to piece together the tie but other than that the fat quarters were just the right size.

Okay, so here we go..................

1) Cut out all fabric pieces.

2) Cut Main Fabric same width as placemat. Add about 1/2" to top and bottom.

3) Fold and iron about 1/4" all around pocket piece. Sew top stitch on the top fold of pocket. Place on placemat in desired area and pin in place. Sew sides and bottom. Leaving top open.

4) Fold placemat in half with pocket on the inside. Stitch both sides. (I followed the seam that was already on the placemat which was about 1/4" in.)

5) Trim extra fabric off to reduce bulk.

6) Fold placemat so you can make the corner (should look like this). Sew 2" in.

7) The placemat should be taking on a nice "tote" form at this point.

8) Trim off corners to reduce bulk.

9) Iron belt loops. Fold one side in about 1/4". Fold other side a little bit bigger. Fold both sides in to measure 1" and press. Repeat process 3 more times.

10) Pin belt loops to main fabric. 2 1/2" down. 3 1/2" apart (give or take to make all the belt loops even).

11) Sew all the belt loops on. The edges will be raw but don't worry the tie will cover it.

12) Sew sides of main fabric, right sides together. About 1/4" (seam width should match the seam width of the placemat in step 4).

13) Fold sides in and sew corners in 2".

14) Trim corners to reduce bulk.

15) Fold handle fabric in half (right sides together) and place interfacing on top. Sew 1/4" seam.

16) Turn inside out and press.

17) Add top stitch to both sides of the handle. This will add a nice finish look to your handle and give it added strength.

18) Fold tie fabric in half (right sides together). Sew 1/4" seam.

19) Turn inside out and press.

20) Cut ends to a point on both sides.

21) Fold fabric under to create the pointed look.

22) Sew top stitch.

23) This parts a little tricky because you are going to want the seams to lay underneath the bag not on the side. This way the bulk of the seam won't show. So, match up corners of placemat and main fabric and sew 1/4" seam on one side.

24) Then fold main fabric underneath placemat, pin and sew other side. This will seam awkward to sew but will make a big difference in the look of the bag.

This is what it look like after it's sewn on both sides. See how the corner seams turn to the inside of the tote? That's what it should look like.

25) Turn main fabric right side out and pull it up tight around the placemat.

26) Fold extra fabric down and pin in place for a finished look.

27) Pin handles in place. I placed mine right above the belt loops.

28) Almost there!

Sew top stitch all the way around top of tote. Sewing a second stitch just under the handles main stitch, giving extra strength to the handle.

29) Add on the belt loop, tie and add any extra embellishments you may want.

and Your done!! You rock!

Now you can sport your new tote next Sunday, every bodies going to love it!

I really enjoy sharing my ideas but I love seeing how your projects turn out even more. So..... if you make this scripture tote using my tutorial send an email my way!! I would love to see how it turned out. :)

(Oh, and this tutorial is for personal use only. Thanks!)