Red Riding Tote–tutorial

I am loving the Little Red Riding Hood fabrics from Riley Blake.  This "little border" print was just begging to be made into a tote bag!  The bag finishes at 9" x 9" x 3" which is the perfect size for your favorite 3-7 year old young lady:

and is just right for carrying a few favorite books and a beloved friend on a trip to Grandma's house:

Red Riding Tote tutorial

by

Andy Knowlton

www.abrightcorner.com

Materials Needed:

3/4 yard of Little Red Riding Hood “Little Border” print (Riley Blake)**
1/8 yard of one coordinating print (this is optional)
two (11” x 13”) pieces of fusible fleece

**this is the “little border” print.  The print is currently available in both red and pink at the Fabric Mill.**



Step 1:  Take the 3/4 yard of “Little Border” print and unfold it.  Line up your ruler so that the 1/2” marking line lies directly under the line of words (see photo.)   Trim along that edge.

Step 2:  Following the cutting diagram, cut all of the following pieces

2@ 13” x 19” (with the border along the 13” edge)

2@ 4” x 18” for handles

2 @ 3.5” x 13” for bag bottom (option: this can be cut from a coordinating fabric instead)

Step 3:  Using a 1/4” seam, sew the two 3.5” x 13” bag bottom strips to the bottom edge of each of the 13” x 19” main bag pieces.  (I used a coordinating fabric for the bag bottom.)  Press seam.

Step 4:  Fuse the 11” x 13” piece of fusible fleece to the wrong side of each of the main bag pieces.  The fusible fleece needs to be on the bottom half of the bag.

 


Step 5:  Place main bag pieces right sides together. 

Be sure that these lines (printed on the fabric) match up. 

Pin around the bag along the edges.  Along the top edge we will be leaving about 5” open (unsewn).  I like to mark those spots with double pins to remind me not to stitch there.

Using a 1/4” seam, Sew around edge of bag, pivoting at corners and leaving about 5” open for turning.


Step 6:  To create the flat bottom on this bag, on one corner match seam line to seam line and mark 1.5” down from the point.  Sew along the marked line (which should measure about 3” long). 

Repeat for all four corners:

Then trim each corner about 1/4” from stitching:

Step 7:  Turn bag right side out and push out each corner:

Step 8:  Sew the 5” opening closed by pressing first and then carefully sewing along the edge.

Step 9:  Push bag lining into bag, press along top edge of bag and then stop to admire your handiwork thus far!

Step 10:  Now for the handles!  Press up 1/2” on each end of both handles:

Fold (and press) in half lengthwise.  Then unfold and press the outside edges in to the center. 

Then fold again on center line and press:

Step 11:  Sew along each edge of the handles a scant 1/8 from the edge:

Then sew down the center of each handle:

Step 12:  Pin the ends of the handles to the inside of the tote bag, 2.5” from the side seam. 

Stitch handles in place, making sure to use a coordinating thread because this will show on the outside of the tote!

Your lovely tote is complete and ready to be used and loved!