Professional Tote Pattern

The Professional Tote Pattern by Laura Martell includes sewing intructions for creating a tote that has all the compartments and pockets that today's professional woman needs. Whether you work in an office or not, this tote has it all. There is a pleated pocket on each side of the tote to hold a bottle of water, umbrella, magazine, baby bottle or telephone. Also, on the front is a zippered pocket to hold your ID and Passport for your airport travel. Behind that pocket is one for your boarding pass. On the backside is one large pocket for a newspaper. On the inside, there is a large center dividing zippered pocket that holds file folders. There is plenty of room inside for a laptop computer. Several pockets are inside for your business cards, keys, pens, PDA, and more. To finish it off, there is a zipper that will close tight to keep the contents secure. This would also work great as a sewing tote with a place for patterns or books, fabrics and notions. Let’s not forget about the “professional” diaper bag, with a pocket for all the babies’ needs. Finished size: 18" W x 15" H x 5" D.

Materials needed:

• 1-1/8 yds Main fabric
• 1-3/8 yds Lining fabric
• 1 yd Contrast fabric (+ 3/8 yd if fabric handles)
• 2-1/2 yds heavyweight fusible interfacing (Decor Bond by Pellon)
• 3-1/2 yds webbing OR 3/8 yd fabric - handles
• (2) cord locks (for outside pockets)
• 1-1/2 yds of narrow cord to fit into cord locks
• 7" zipper  to match main fabric (front zipper pocket)
• 18" zipper to match main fabric (top closure of tote)
• 14" zipper to matching lining fabric (inside center pocket)
• 6" of Velcro to coordinate with contrast fabric for pockets in lining
• Magnetic snap or Velcro for outside back pocket
• Optional: Vinyl scrap 3-1/2" x 4-1/2" for business card pocket
• Optional: D ring or D ring with swivel hook for key fob
• Optional: (4) 1" Rectangle Rings or D Rings for handles
• Optional: 15" x 24" piece of fusible batting or fleece (to pad inside zipper pocket)