All Purpose Tote with Pockets Outside and a Secure Lining Pocket!

By Debbie Colgrove, About.com Guide

• Lay the main part of the bag (the 40" by 20" piece) flat. If there are any wrinkles press the piece before proceeding.
• Measure and mark 5 1/2" from each 20" end of the strip of fabric.
• Place the top-stitched edge of the pocket along the markings.
• Smooth the pocket sections so they are flat on the main part of the bag.
• Pin the pocket sections in place.
• Double check your measurements to be sure they are accurate. Re-do if necessary.
• Sewing as close to the edge near the center of the fabric strip (or bottom of the pocket section) as possible, stitch the bottom of the pocket section to the main part of the bag piece.
• Baste the open edges of the pocket sections to long edges of the main part of the bag, sewing as close to the edge as possible.
• Fold the main part of the bag piece in half with the wrong sides together, assuring that the pockets line up perfectly.
• Gently press the center fold line to use the pressing line for strap placement but so that the pressing is not permanent. The pressed line will be used for lining up pieces but is not a partof the finished bag.

Previous

• Materials Needed and Cutting Instructions
• Outside Pockets
• Place and Attach the Outside Pockets
• The Straps and Handles
• Side Seams and Squaring the Bottom of the Bag
• The Lining Pocket
• Sew the Lining
• Joining the Bag and Lining

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