Children's Art Tote Tutorial

Here's a nice little project to keep you busy this weekend! I don't know about the weather where you live, but I am looking out my window as I type and it is snowing, snowing and snowing some more. Ugh. 

Anyway....

What kid is not going to devour the goodness of this? 

F.Y.I. it makes a good church or preschool bag! Just insert a quiet book or flash cards and your kiddo is set!

Materials that you will need:

-sewing machine

-3/8 yrd. fabric (heavy and sturdy fabric is best!)

-fabric measuring approx. 14"X14" (a quilter's fat quarter is perfect!)

-ribbon (optional)

-scissors

-iron

Begin by cutting your main fabric to measure 41 3/4" x 13 1/2"

This will allow for a 1/2" seam allowance

HINT: When choosing fabric for this project, make sure you chose one that has a pattern that can work both horizontally and vertically unless you are using fabric from a 60" bolt or larger. 

Next you will want to cut out your small pockets. Cut 2 pieces measuring 13 1/2" X 6".

Now you will want to make a 1/2" hem on your main fabric's two sides that measure 13 1/2". 

HINT: A good seamstress always uses her iron to press down the hems before sewing. This will help hold your measurement and make it easier for you to sew.

Then, take the fabric for your small pockets and position them on the top of your tote fabric. Pin them down to hold in place.

Stitch along only the bottom edge. 

Be careful to not sew your large pocket closed. Only sew the bottom of the small pocket to the bottom edge of your tote fabric.

You should have something that looks like this when you are done.

Now, if you are wanting to add ribbon for an added detail, this is the time to do it. I folded over a piece of grosgrain ribbon, ironed it down, placed the fabric inside it and stitched along the top of the pocket. Not necessary, but nice! If you are not using ribbon, simply sew a small hem on the top of your pocket for a finished look. Iron.

It's now time to sew the dividers into your pockets. Measure and mark out how much space you think you need to hold the various art supplies. I made mine in all different sizes. Keep in mind that you need to allow room on the sides for a hem.

You should have something that looks like this.

After all your dividers have been sewn in, it's now time to fold the bag in and stitch it together to make the 2 large pockets. Fold right sides together so that each pocket measures 10". Sew only along the 10" sides. It should somewhat resemble a pillow sham that opens in the back.

By sewing 10" pockets, it will generate a much needed gap in the middle of your tote. This will allow the bag to fold up with the bulk of art supplies in it- much like a binding on a book.

After you are done sewing the sides together, turn your bag right side in. Be sure to poke out all your corners! Iron your bag open and press all the edges. Your almost done! You will have a small lip of fabric in the middle. Use fabric glue, hem tape, or a small stitch to fasten it down.

Make handles by cutting two pieces of fabric measuring 

12"x3" and sew right sides together. Next, turn your handles right sides in and fold raw ends under and press with an iron.

Measure 3" from each side and sew your handles onto your bag. I had to hand stitch mine because my machine was not strong enough to sew through 6 layers of denim. Go figure!

You're Done!

Now you can decorate the front of it to your (or your child's) liking! Feel free to copy mine. I simply cut out triangles of different fabrics to make a bunting banner and used heat-n-bond to adhere it to the bag or you can also use fabric glue. I used fabric glue to then stick the ribbon on. Easy, easy, easy!

How did you do? Were my instructions clear enough for you? I understand that this bag is a little more involved than previous tutorials. If you have any questions, please email me at the address listed at the top left of the page. 

Have a great weekend!