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Free Directions & Pattern to Sew a Totebag Style Pocketbook

By , About.com Guide

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Materials & Cutting
1 with tapestry style fabric and synthetic suede and 1 with needle punch embellished denim.

A Tapestry Fabric and a Denim Tote

Debbie Colgrove, Licensed to About.com
Materials:
  • 1/2 yard of body fabric
  • 1/3 yard of strap fabric - 1/2 yard of non fraying fabric if you will be creating your own fringe. The purses shown here were fringed with needle punched felted denim and synthetic suede.
  • 1/2 yard of lining fabric. (A zipper to match the lining if you will be adding an optional interior pocket - Directions to sew an optional interior pocket)
  • Zipper -- See cutting Instructions to decide on the size you want.
  • 1/2 yard or less of 1 1/2" to 2 1/2" wide fringe trim or beads if you are not using strap fabric that can be used to make fringe

Cutting Directions
For the straps

  • Cut two 5" X 35" strips
  • Fringe -- Cut two strips 2 1/2" wide by the width of the bag.
For the body of the bag
  • Using a 12" zipper cut two 14 1/2" (width) X 15"
  • Using a 14" zipper cut two 16 1/2" (width) X 15"
  • Using a 16" zipper cut two 18 1/2" (width) X 15"
  • Using a 18" zipper cut two 20" 1/2" (width) X 15"

For the lining

  • Using a 12" zipper - Cut one piece, on the fold 14" from the fold and 14 1/2" wide.
  • Using a 14" zipper - Cut one piece, on the fold 14" from the fold and 16 1/2" wide.
  • Using a 16" zipper - Cut one piece, on the fold 14" from the fold and 18 1/2" wide.
  • Using a 18" zipper - Cut one piece, on the fold 14" from the fold and 20 1/2" wide.

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