Bella Tote Bag
I am thinking about Audrey Hepburn and the movie “Roman Holiday”…. Now I’m thinking I need to make an oversized bag that will channel my inner Audrey Hepburn
Hence the Bella tote bag. This large tote will be your dream shopping bag to carry all the produce, baked goods and favourite wines. I promise this will be the dream shopping bag for all your trips to the farmers market.
Sewing level : Easy.
What you will need:
1.25 yard of heavy twill or any tightly woven fabric. Make sure the fabric is 55” wide.
1.25 yard of lining. Use a medium weight woven fabric. Make sure the lining is 55” wide
1” - 1.25” wide ribbon. You will need 2.625yard. Make sure you choose a ribbon or grosgrain that is heavy enough to use handles. We got our ribbons from Mokuba.
Bella tote PDF Pattern. You can get the free pattern download HERE. Make sure when you print the pages, have your printer setting on “print actual size”
Get your PDF patterns ready
Tape the pages together, following the column and row numbers, matching the corners marking.
Cut the pattens out.
Cut the bag (outside fabric)
Cut 1 on fold
Cut the bag lining part
Cut 1 on fold
Cut the Ribbon
2 x 47” long
Time to sew!
Seam allowance : 1/2”
Pin the ribbon to the bag front and back.
You will find the ribbon strap placement on the pattern.
Place the ribbon strap on the fabric and pin in place.
Stitch the ribbon (strap)
Edge stitch along the ribbon as in diagram. You can see the stitch lines on the pattern if you are not sure where to stitch.
Stitch the bag sides together.
Reminder: Seam allowance is 1/2”
You have 4 seams
Make sure you press your seams flat and you now have the bag (without the lining)
Time to work on the Lining part
Stitch the 4 seams, except you will have to leave a hole in one of the seam.
Make it stand out
We are now getting ready to attach the lining to the bag.
Keep the bag good side out, and the lining wrong side out.
Insert the bag inside the lining.
Pin the bag and lining together.
Make sure the straps are not sticking out. They should be sandwiched between the bag and the lining.
Stitch the top edge together.
Pull the bag out through the opening.
Stitch the opening close.
Push the lining to the inside of bag. Press the bag top to set the shape.
Edge stitch the bag top all the way around, stitching over the strap.
and You are done!!