Mini Tote Bag Ornament Tutorial

In this sewing tutorial, you will learn to make a cute little tote bag ornament! It's the perfect size for holding a gift card and is a fast, fun project.

Find more of my sewing patterns: craftowlhandmade.etsy.com

Supplies:
(4) rectangles 5” x 4.5”
(2) scraps of quilt batting or fusible fleece 5.5” x 5”
(2) pocket pieces 3” x 2”
(2) handles 1.5” x 6.75” (or use a ribbon)

Instructions:
*¼” seam allowance used throughout, except for topstitching and basting- use 1/8” seam allowance.

1. Mark exterior fabric with a hera marker to prepare for quilting. Place on batting, then quilt using a longer stitch length of about 3mm. Trim excess batting.

2. Make pocket. Place pocket pieces RST, then sew around the edge using ¼” seam allowance, leaving 1” at the top for turning. Make sure to backstitch!

3. Trim pocket corners, then turn right side out. Press pocket and sew the top closed by topstitching across the top of the pocket.

4. Attach pocket. Center the pocket on the exterior fabric piece, 1” from the top edge. Sew pocket in place on 3 sides, leaving the top edge open.

5. Make handles. Fold fabric in half lengthwise, WST. Open and then align each long raw edge to the center crease. Press again. Fold in half again and press. Topstitch along each long edge.

6. Attach handles to the front main panel, aligning the outer edge of the handles to the outer edge of the pocket. Baste in place. Repeat on remaining exterior panel, using the previous panel as a guide for handle placement.

7. Place the exterior panels RST and sew around the outer edges, leaving the top open. Make sure the pocket opening is oriented toward the top of the bag.

8. Box corners. Cut a ¾” square from each bottom corner of the bag. Bring the bottom and side seams together, making sure to pinch the seams open. Sew along the raw edge. Turn bag right side out.

9. Repeat steps 7&8 for lining panels, except leave 1 ½” opening along the bottom of the lining for turning. Leave lining wrong side out.

10. Place the exterior inside the lining, matching up the side seams. Pin and sew along the top edge.

11. Turn bag right side out. Sew the opening in the lining closed using a small seam allowance. Place lining inside exterior, then topstitch around the top of the bag.

TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 Intro
0:19 Supplies
2:22 Prepare fabric for quilting
4:56 Quilt exterior fabric
5:29 Trim exterior panels
5:50 Make front pocket
10:19 Attach pocket to front panel
12:36 Make handles
14:44 Attach handles
16:26 Assemble exterior panels
17:48 Box bottom corners
21:26 Make lining
24:50 Assemble exterior and lining
26:55 Turn bag right side out
27:24 Sew opening in lining fabric
28:21 Finish bag and topstitch