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POCKET PIZAZZ TOTE PROJECT HOW-TO

This project was made on-the-fly, without a pattern, so it kind of evolved as I went along. From experience, I know many of my customers will want to know how I made this little tote, but you will need to decide on the size you want and any additional features.

I wanted something where I could carry just my essential items when I travel or am at conferences and such. Basically, I need my ID, a bit of cash, a credit card and, if traveling, my airline ticket along with some tissues. This little tote does the job.

Finished size is about 7" wide x 7-1/2" tall.

You'll need fabric for the outside of the tote, lining and a pocket, if desired.

Steam-a-Seam 1/2" double sided adhesive tape

Craft Fuse or stabilizer for the pocket

Matching 1/2" Bias tape or ribbon

Zipper to fit top, if desired.

Thread

Make up the pocket of your choice from Pocket Pizazz designs. I used the Scalloped Fold No Flowers design.
Position the pocket on fabric and cut 2 rectangles of fabric for the outside of the tote to compliment the pocket. Be sure to allow for seam allowances. If you want 1/2" seams, add one inch to both the width and the height.

If you want lining, cut 2 pieces of matching or contrasting fabric.

Note: I originally was not going to use a zipper at the top and decided to add that later in the project construction. Consequently, I cut my fabric on the fold. However, this makes putting in the zipper very difficult so it's a good idea to decide whether you want a zipper at the top or not. If not, then cut on the fold, but with a zipper, plan on a seam across the bottom of the tote.

Next attach the pocket to the side of the tote.

I used Steam-a-Seam 1/2" double sided adhesive tape to secure the pocket prior to stitching it in place. However, if you prefer you can simply pin the pocket in place.
Apply Steam-a-Seam tape along the two side edges.

Position the pocket as desired on the fabric. I wanted my pocket centered.
Lift up the flap and press the sides to fuse.
I wanted a pocket inside my tote, too.

Cut a fabric piece on the fold as wide as your tote and to the height you want your pocket to be.


 

Cut Craft Fuse stabilizer 1/2 that size minus an inch in height.

Align the edge along the center fold.

Craft Fuse is a Pellon product available at most fabric stores.

Open up the fabric pieces and position the Craft Fuse
Fold the piece back together and press according to the Craft Fuse directions.
Fold the bottom edge under and press.
Position the pocket piece to the lining making sure the fold is facing an end of the lining, not the center. Zigzag the sides and run a seam across the bottom.

Place the lining pieces on the back of the outside fabric pieces, wrong sides together with the pocket on the side you want it to be inside the tote.

Put in the zipper:

Fold under 1/2" on each top edge of outside fabric.

Align the zipper with the edge of the top fabric.

Stitch in place using a zipper foot.

Repeat for the other side.

Cut a 6" piece of double fold bias tape.

Stitch close to the edge on both sides.

Cut in half.

Fold in half to form a loop.

Pin loop in place on the outside of the tote.
Align the raw edge with the outside raw side edge and the fininshed edge along the edge of the zipper.

Zigzag in place. Repeat on opposite side.
Place both front and back pieces of tote right sides together and pin along the side and bottom raw edges.

Sew the side seams and bottom seam.I used the zipper foot because the seam ran very close to the zipper and pocket edges.

Turn the tote right side out.

I made the strap by cutting the length I wanted 3" wide. I pressed it in half and then pressed in the sides so the raw edges came together in the center. I pressed the sides together and stitched close to both edges.

 

I turned under the raw edges and stitched them in place, then slipped the ends through the bias tape loops. I stitched across the ends to secure the strap.

Finished tote has a zipper on top and a pocket inside. The outside pocket has a button down flap for a closed pocket and an open pocket behind it as shown.