tote bag sewing patterns

tote bag sewing patterns

Why You Should Tote Around Tote Bags

Tote bags are defined as huge bags used to carry anything from clothes, to books to everyday needful things. More and more women in fact, use tote bags more than purses as they are roomier. Today, totes are an intensely fashionable accessory, and cost as little as a few dollars to thousands if made by top designer houses.

Tote bags have many functions, but most of these purposes center around the transportation and hauling of items. As totes become trendier, they are now seen as a status symbol, endorsed by many high profile-figures and fashion icons. Tote bags are also popular as promotional items, and utilized to advertise various products and services.

A typical description of a tote is that it is normally with mutually perpendicular axes, quite cavernous and very large. The sizes do vary and they can be constructed from many types of materials such as high end leather, pleather, PVC, plastic, cotton or polyester. Totes normally have two sturdy handles, with pockets and embellishments partial to each brand. Look at it this way, if the tote is expensive, you are likely to find attached jewels or exquisite decoration, and if cheap, there is likely little or nothing by way of additions.

Categorically, totes can be broken down to 3 types; luxury (as in rendered by fashion houses like Chanel or Christian Dior, basic, as in the ones you find in department stores and promotional, the ones used to endorse products and services. Nowadays, more and more food establishments have taken to slowly reduce the use of plastic bags, instead replacing them with recyclable totes.

Totes are readily available in a multitude of dimensions, colors and materials, so you can be spoilt for choice. Think why you need one. If it's a computer bag that you seek, look for a tote made of leather. If what you desire is something akin to a purse but roomier, purchase one with compartments and a size not too large, so you can actually find your stuff when you need them.

Tote bags are such popular items that they will be around for a long time to come. For as long as fashion houses make them and high end magazines endorse them via pictorials of beautiful lanky models 'toting' one, tote bags will be here to stay.

If you hate being a follower and prefer to be a trendsetter instead, how about making your won one-of-a-kind tote bag? You can get supplies from just about anywhere, including in your own home. Do not discard your old tank tops. You can recycle them into your very own fashionable tote. Add on sequins, buttons, pockets, or even use glitter for a glamorous look. You can obtain sewing patterns from books or the Internet. Tote bags are easy to make and make great gifts if you are strapped for cash.

Or if you do have the money to spare, buy a high end classic tote that would weather fashion trends. A good tote bag can bring you from work straight to dinner and even clubbing afterward.

About the Author

DiscountMugs.com is a large distribution company based in Miami, Florida. They are web-based and factory-direct which allows them to keep prices lower than the rest of the competition. They also have a huge selection of promotional products from beer mugs and champagne flutes to shot glasses and tote bags.

Simplicity Pattern 2916 Car Organizers Tote Bag sewing

$4.97

Big Bag Japanese Chinese Craft Sewing Gift Tote Unique Designer Pattern Book

$25.99

Something cool to sew? HELP?

I really want to make something cool. I've an excellent sewing machine, anad loads of materials. I just dont know what to make though. I've made handbags in the past, but I would like a pattern for a handbag that closes, not a tote bag.. So if anyone had a pattern for that,it would be great.But if anyone has any other suggestions i'ld really appreciate them!!! I'm in college so i guess if i could make something useful for that it would be great! Or if anyone knew where i could get patterns for stuff,that would be great also! thanks a mil!

Take a look at the new issue of THREADS magazine... there's a nice article in there on purse making ("custom clutch". You might also want to poke around on the Threads, Make and Craft magazine websites.

I'd also send you to the library to look for Nancy Restuccia's book, "Hold it!", one of the best books on making various sorts of bags that I know of... and she leaves plenty of room in her designs for improvisation.

You might also want to look at patterns from Linda McGehee (http://www.ghees.com/ ), Lazy Girl (http://www.lazygirldesigns.com/) and KwikSew (KS has a free clutch pattern, too: http://www.kwiksew.com/projects/5001.pdf ) (http://www.kwiksew.com/Catalog/cat_thumbs.cfm?Cat=Crafts&Level=Bags&QL=CraftBags) as well as the usual Big 4 type patterns. Lacis offers some interesting purse frames, etc: http://lacis.com/catalog/

And finally, you might want to start reading at http://www.fashion-incubator.com -- there's a series on a zippered pouch that could be very useful to a new bag maker -- heck, spend some time with all of the zipper tutorials there -- you'll be glad you did. http://www.fashion-incubator.com/tutorials/

You might also want to look at what the ladies of Laga handbags are doing for "great design with simple stuff"... http://www.laga-handbags.com/ -- here's one of their production people sewing at a show -- notice what she's sewing with: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8tcy2dse68M

Have fun!

Downtown Insulated Designer Lunch Bag with Ice Pack, Ebony Pattern

$15.11

Fit & Fresh Downtown Insulated Designer Bag With Ice Pack Ebony Pattern - Fit & Fresh 372FF34....

Built Neoprene Tasty Lunch Tote

Insulates to keep food hot or cold for up to 4 hours...

Cricket Cool Down Iron Travel Case

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CRICKET Cool Down Iron Traveler Case protects counters from heat damage and can store hot irons without waiting for them to cool down....

14 inch Newspaper Pattern Laptop Carry Case / Shoulder Messenger Bag / Briefcase for Macbook, Acer, Dell, HP, Sony Notebook

$19.50

Fashion Critics like newspapers for reading and studying so do we. This designer inspired Newspaper pattern notebook briefcase is perfect blend of fashion and function in mind. The bold pattern laptop carry case features water-resistant and provides inner padded cushion to absorb shocking. Made of high quality nylon briefcase that holds its shape without adding weight. It holds up to 14.1 inch lap...

Amy Butler Patterns - Stash & Dash Bags

$11.08

Amy Butler Patterns. Dainty and practical. Pack lightly with this trio of compact bags and you will be ready to go! Includes instructions, pattern pieces, and measurements to create your very own Stash & Dash Bags. Theme: Stash and Dash Bags. Made in USA....

Pindot Book Beanie the Clever Little Beanbag Book Stand Lap Desk Cheerfully Holds E-readers Tablets Smart Cell Phones Just Wiggle to Any Angle to Read Hands Free on Kindle Nook Ipad Xoom Galaxy Droid Iphone USA Made Electronic Travel Accessory

$21.95

Book Beanie - is an adorable, feather-light bean bag that ingeniously holds ALL models of ereaders, tablets, smartphones. Just "wiggle" to prop it up to your desired viewing angle - then read, watch movies, and view video talk in hands-free comfort. Prepare to smile as it greets you on your nightstand, sofa, table, or on a plane. Enjoy a snack while reading a great ebook. Book Beanie works great o...

Amy Butler Midwest Modern Field bag & Tote Sewing Pattern

$11.36

Amy Butler's Field Tote and Bag pattern is a useful carry all to pack for the weekend or the beach! Pattern includes lots of pockets inside and the option to finish with or without a zipper.

The finished bag will measure approx. 18" wide at top x 27" wide at bottom x 15" tall x 5.5" deep.

Finish it with a zipper or without.
Materials List
Allow extra yardage to match or center a design on you...

Laurel Burch Assorted Mini Crossbody Bag W/Zipper Top 6 1/2X6 Assorted Feline Faces LB4460

$12.00

Bright, vivid colors define the signature artwork of artist Laurel Burch. Her totes are designed to be practical and useful art. The brilliant hues and wonderful patterns of her carefully designed totes appeal to everyone. Designed to be artful and useful at the same time, use your tote to carry produce from the farmer's market, shopping at your favorite store or taking your latest craft project ...