Crafters Tote – Binding Hack

Hey bag makers! We are SUPER excited to share this hack with you following the release of our brand new pattern, the Crafters Tote!

We know some of you aren’t that keen on binding so we were beyond excited when one of our talented testers, Tracy from Tracy Fitzgerald Designs & Creations, asked if she could hack the pattern to swap the binding out for piping! What a brilliant idea!!

Not familiar with the Crafters Tote pattern? Not to worry! You can find it here.

~ Great news! You can purchase acrylic templates for the Crafters Tote from Brymaxx Precision! Click here to find out more! ~

What you will need:

• Crafters Tote Pattern
• Handle Straps completed and cut in half for 2 pieces 63.5” (161.3cm) long
• Lining panels 14.5″ x 16.5″ (37cm x 42cm)

Before we begin, take your exterior panels and keep them at 14.5″ by 16.5″ (37cm x 42cm) rather than joining them as per Creating your Outer Panel Ptep 4 in the pattern. Quilt each panel with only the interfacing and fusible fleece, leaving your lining separate for later.

Following Creating Your Handls – Step 9 in the pattern, attach the straps to your front and back panels. Remember, they will not be looped into one piece.

Baste the piping to the back exterior panel. Start piping 3/4″ (2cm) from the top edge and sew down one side, along the bottom and up the other side, stopping piping 3/4″ (2cm) from the edge.

Prepare your Tool Caddy Closure as per Snap Option or Elastic Option.

Baste piping to the exterior of the caddy pocket folding it ¾” (2cm) away from the ends. Place the exterior pocket right sides together onto the pocket lining and stitch along the piping. Turn and topstitch with a 1/8″ (0.3cm) seam allowance.

Finish assembling the Tool Caddy as per Creating Your Tools Caddy – Step14  in the pattern. 

Stitch the tool caddy to the Front exterior panel following Attaching Your Tools Caddy – Step 19 in the pattern.

Assemble the tote exterior back to front, sides and bottom stitching as close to your piping as possible. Turn right way out.

Baste piping around the top of your assembled exterior.

Place lining panels right sides together and sew leaving a 4” (10cm) opening on the side for turning.

Place the tote exterior into the lining with the right sides together, and be sure the handles are tucked down out of the way. Stitch all around the top as close to the piping as you can. Turn through the gap. Top stitch around the top edge of the toe with a 1/8″ (0.3cm) seam allowance. Stitch the gap in the lining closed.

And that’s it! How amazing does that look?!

We hope you enjoy creating a Crafters Tote that showcases a pop of binding, and we can’t wait to see lots of beautiful Crafters Totes being shared in our patterns group on Facebook!

Happy sewing!

Lisa

Ready to make the Crafters Tote? Find it here!