DIY Network

Carrier/Tote This tote is perfect for carrying essentials for a sleepover, as well as for shopping and school. From "Uncommon Threads" episode DUCT-124

Krista Maryanski sews a coordinating carrier to hold your sleepover gear. She'll show how to construct a sturdy tote bag that's just the right size to hold the blanket and pillow with matching fleece patch pockets.

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Materials:

Carrier/Tote

cotton fabric (1 piece 23"x33" for outer fabric; 2 pieces 30"x2" for handles; 4 pieces 6"x6" for pocket lining)
fleece (1 piece 23"x33" for lining; 4 pieces 6"x6" for outer pockets)
fusible interfacing, (1 piece 23"x33" for outer tote; 2 pieces 30"x2" for handles; 4 pieces 6"x6" for pocket)
44" matching blanket binding tape (optional)

1. Draw out pattern on cardboard. Using the pattern, trace onto fabric and cut out (figure A).

2. Iron fusible interfacing onto pattern pieces. Draw out 1/2" folding and seam lines around the edges of the outer form, the lining, the pockets, the pocket linings and the sides of each strap (figure B).

Figure A

Figure B

3. Use iron to create fold lines in the fabric (figure C).

4. Fold handle fabric in, according to the fold lines. Pin together fabric to form a flat strap. Sew two seams to secure (figure D).

Figure C

Figure D

5. Fold the pocket and pocket lining fabric, according to the fold lines. Pin to secure (figure E).

6. Sew the top seam of each pocket to hold together.

7. Determine the placement of the handles and pockets. In our sample, they were placed 2" out from the center, and the pockets were placed 4" down from the top. Pin (the end of the handle should be placed 1" down into the pocket) (figure F).

Figure E

Figure F

Figure G

8. Sew around the sides and bottom of each pocket to secure both the pocket and the handle.

9. Pin together the sides of the outer form and the lining separately. Sew around the sides and the bottom, leaving the top unsewn.

10. Trim outer form and lining, and place lining inside the outer form (figure G).

11. Pin the blanket binding tape to the top of the bag, through both the outer form and the lining (figure H). Start at one on the side seams and sew, remembering to catch the tops of the handles as you sew around the bag (figure I). To finish, fold the raw edge of the binding tape inward and complete seam.

Figure H

Figure I

12. Check for and clip off any loose threads to complete.