New Tote bag

Oct 05, 2003 6 Replies
J

I made a new tote bag using Wild Things from Wild Ginger. I learned a lot doing it.



  1. Never underestimate the amount of fabric you need. If I had taken the time to measure the pattern pieces before buying the fabric that wouldn't have happened.
  2. If you do underestimate, think fast on your feet and improvise. Since I was short the amount I needed for straps I bought a different color and made a pocket for the outside front and straps to match. The pocket is more for decoration then anything else. The straps probably could be a little wider.
  3. Practice top stitching a lot. The tote bag was made with the intention of it being a practice piece. Overall it came out fairly well. I want to make some for Christmas gifts. I think I'll do 1 more for myself as practice and then go on to some for gifts. I will also do more practice on things like top stitching and attaching straps. JJ


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M

Oh thanks I am about to make this and was wondering how it would turn out - thanks for the tip!

Katy M

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T

The contrast strap and pocket sounds like a good design idea anyway - sometimes those good ideas arise out of necessity.

Any chance of piccies?

:) Trish

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T

That's a good idea, JJ. I wouldn't have thought of that. My pinny pulls on the back of my neck.

I made a couple of aprons, unsuccessfully, before working out that it's a good idea to use twill fabric, such as denim, as then it doesn't wrinkle in the dryer (ironing pinnies strikes me as a total waste of time). And straps made from twill tape, if you can get it, are also a good idea - you can find this in upholstery shops, as it's used to make seat webbing.

:) Trish

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