Colleen Tote Bag Pattern *

The Colleen Tote Bag with Rolled Handles by Cristy Stuhldreher of Love You Sew includes sewing instructions and pattern templates for creating a classic semi-structured bag with clean lines perfect for everyday use. This pattern is intended for the confident beginner sewist who is looking to build on some new bag-making skills while showcasing your favorite fabrics. You will learn how to make elegant rolled handles, create an in-panel zipper pocket, work with different fabrics, all while building your bag expertise. In the end, you’ll have a new go-to accessory to wear with pride! With two different views, this multi-purpose tote can be changed up to show off large scale prints or you can add interest with a contrasting bottom and handles. The interior band was designed to help support the weight of many different types of handles. There is a large zipper pocket to stowaway the essentials and two easy access slip pockets to hold a cell phone or lip balm. The key fob was designed not only to manage keys, but the open loop is left open as a hook for sunglasses. For the Main Exterior, this pattern was written for home decor and/or bottomweight fabrics such as cotton canvas, duck cloth, and denim with weights of ~6-8 oz/sq yard. The Lining is based on quilt cotton and woven fabrics with similar weights of ~4 oz/sq yard, such as linen or chambray. View A uses contrasting fabric for a color-block design and also allows the opportunity to use a heavier fabric for more base protection. This is a great time to mix and match substrates, but please test to see if your machine can handle the fabric bulk. The Rolled Handles, as part of these instructions, use a double-fold construction method. With the addition of interfacing, they can get thick quickly. Using vinyl/cork/leather, as shown, may not be suitable for all domestic machines (I use a semi-industrial machine.) However, if you would still like to use these fabrics, you can try a single-fold construction technique to reduce bulk. Alternatively, you can also use 1-1/2” webbing. Videos are found on the YouTube channel. Finished size: 13-1/2” L (18-1/2” at longest) x 12” H (23” with handles) x 7” D.

Video Tutorials @LoveYouSew

Materials needed:

• View A:
  • 1/2 yd Main Fabric
  • 1-1/2 yds Lining Fabric
  • 2/3 yd Accent Fabric
• View B:
  • 1 yd Main Fabric
  • 1-1/2 yds Lining Fabric
• For Both Views:
  • 1/3 yd Fusible Fleece Interfacing
  • 2-3/4 yds Woven Interfacing
  • 1/4 yd Firm Stabilizer
  • 1/2" Swivel Hook
  • 9" Zipper (at least 10" total length)
  • (2) Pieces of cording/rope (1/8" - 1/4" in diameter)