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-- Caroline Thompson

Monthly Project for May, 2002

Hawaiian Tote Bags

Basic tote bags never go out of style. Some of their many uses include hauling books, carrying laundry, and toting flowers and vegetables from the local market. Make one out of Hawaiian print and you'll feel a touch of aloha each time you use it.

*Read through directions BEFORE starting any project.
**Pre-wash fabrics to allow for shrinkage.

Materials Needed

• 45" wide Hawaiian print fabric

Large tote

• 2/3 yd. print
• 2/3 yd. lining
• 2/3 yd. heavy interfacing
• 1-3/4yds. web for straps
• thread

Medium tote

• 1/2 yd. print
• 1/2 yd. lining
• 1/2 yd. heavy interfacing
• 1-1/2 yds. web for straps
• thread

Cutting

Large tote: Cut print (2) pieces 22" wide by 24" long; from the bottom of bag only cut out a 3-1/2" x 3-1/2" square from each corner; use the print as your pattern and cut the lining and interfacing to match.

Medium tote: Cut print (2) pieces 16-1/2" wide by 18"long; from the bottom of bag only cut out a 3" x 3" square from each corner; use the print as your pattern and cut the lining and interfacing to match.

Sewing

1. All seams are 1/2".
2. For both bags: Baste or iron-on interfacing to wrong side of lining pieces. With right sides together sew each side and the bottom, leaving the corner "cutouts" untouched.
3. Repeat for print fabric.
4. Press one side seam of lining open; leave on ironing board and align/pin corner; repeat for other side seam & corner. Stitch across each corner separately.
5. Repeat above procedure for print fabric.
6. Turn lining fabric right side out; leave print fabric wrong side out. Fold web in half and cut in two.
7. Large bag: Measure 5" in from each side seam and pin (1) web strap matching raw edges to top of bag. Repeat for 2nd web strap on opposite side of bag.
8. Medium bag: Measure 4" in from each side of bag and repeat above print bag over lining, right sides together, matching seams and raw edges. The straps should be "sandwiched" between the fabrics. Stitch around top edge, catching the straps but leaving approximately 4" near the seam open for turning. Turn bag right side out. Pin opening closed and topstitch completely around bag top very close to edge.

Options

• Pockets work great - be sure to add them to the inside/outside BEFORE stitching bag pieces together.
• Velcro closures help to prevent "fallout"- stitch approximately 4" between the web straps after bag is completed.
• Reinforce handles by stitching an "X" where web meets the fabric.

Aside from all the personal uses mentioned this bag makes a wonderful gift for anyone for any occasion. Email: lani@gotfabric.com with any comments or suggestions.

Enjoy!
Lani