Tortoise Bag Pattern *

The Tortoise Bag sewing pattern is an intermediate-level sewing pattern that has instructions to make a stylish bag features a unique top zip closure and front handles and a side strap. This bag pattern includes 3 different sizes and, in addition, has a shoulder strap for convenience!

Finished Size is as follows:
small 9” long x 9” high x 5” deep (23cm x 23cm x 12.7cm)
medium 11-1/2” long x 8-1/2” high x 6-1/4” deep (29cm x 21.6cm x 16cm)
large 13” long x 11” high x 7” deep (33cm x 28cm x 18cm)

Materials Needed:

• 3/4 yard (0.7 metre) of Exterior Fabric
• 3/4 yard (0.7 metre) of Lining Fabric
• 1/2 yard (0.5 metre) of solid fabric (quilting cotton or leather) for piping, handles, and strap
• 1/2 yard (0.5 metre) of foam interfacing (By Annie’s Soft and Stable, Pellon Flex Foam, Bosal In-R-Form, or automotive headliner; if using Flex Foam, it is only 20” wide so please purchase double)
• 2-1/2 yards (2.25 metre) of 20” wide Pellon SF-101 Shape Flex fusible woven interfacing (medium-weight fusible)
• 1/4 yard (0.25 metre) of Pellon Peltex #71F one-sided fusible ultra-firm interfacing
• Four 1” metal rectangles
• Two triangle rings (or substitute d-rings) with 1” opening (2.5cm)
• Two swivel clips with 1” opening (2.5cm)
• One 9” (22.85cm) zipper for zippered pocket in lining
• Two #3 All-Purpose Zippers (same color) – small – 14” (35.5cm), medium – 18” (45.75cm), large – 18” (45.75cm)
• *It is vital to use a #3 zipper (skirt/dress zipper) here for this design. Do not use metal zippers. Optional false bottom:1 sheet ultra stiff plastic cross stitch template and foam core board (in school supply section)
• For optional piping:
• 5/32” cotton cording (I use Dritz Cable Cord) – (small – 1-1/4 yard; medium – 1-1/2 yard; large – 2 yards) (1.10 metre- 1.4 metre – 1.8 metre)
• 2 yards (1.8 metre) of 1/2” (1.27cm) wide Pellon Wonder Under fusible web tape (or washable glue stick)