LEVEL UP YOUR SEWING SKILLS: DIY Tote bag with 4 different pockets
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- Опубліковано 5 лип 2024
- Join me in this step-by-step sewing tutorial as I create a versatile tote bag with four spacious pockets and a convenient magnetic closure. Whether you're a beginner or looking to enhance your sewing skills, this tutorial will give you newfound confidence in your sewing abilities. Let's make a tote bag together!
Magnetic Snaps - US: amzn.to/3TGPFtC Canada: amzn.to/4aeLsVf
MY FAVE SEWING TOOLS: My sewing machine - Babylock Sofia 2
My serger - an old Kenmore
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Thank you, Matthew Inwood, for help with editing! You're awesome! Minwood@torontomu.ca
#sustainablefashion #DIYtotebag #DIYFashion
Music: No Indication by TrackTribe from the UA-cam Audio Library
Thumbnail background image by kues1 on Freepik
EMAIL: contactcatherinesews@gmail.com
TIKTOK: catherinesews
INSTAGRAM: @cathbhay
Thank you for watching and supporting the growth of my channel!
Until next time, take care!
~Catherine
0:00 Intro
1:16 The Fabrics
2:27 Cutting
5:37 Pocket #1
7:20 Pocket #2
14:52 The Base
17:14 Pocket #3
27:00 Top Edge of Lining
27:52 Pocket #4
33:41 The Straps
34:40 Magnetic Snaps
36:26 Side Seams
38:58 Boxing the Corners
41:18 Top Edge of Bag
45:51 Closing the Gap in the Lining
48:25 Done!
DISCLAIMER: Some of the above links may be affiliate links, meaning if you purchase a product or service via these links I may receive a small commission/reward, at no additional charge to you, and I promise I will never try to sell you something that I don’t think is an EXCELLENT product!! - Навчання та стиль
Love how you can sew and talk at the same time, and be informative at the same time, looking good!😊
Enjoying this video while I eat lunch on a rainy Saturday … Have a nice weekend everyone!
Thanks, you too!
🎶 It’s your bag. Do what you want to do.🎶😃
🎶 I can’t tell you 🎶 what pocket to do! 🎶 I hope we’re thinking of the same song!
Great tote bag.
I can’t wait to recommend your channel to a friend who works in my local sewing shop. She’s going to start classes teaching kids to sew and plans on beginning with tote bags. I will be using these clever pocket techniques, too. Thanks for this great video, Catherine!
Thank you so much! She can check out my whole tote bags playlist. I hope it goes great for her. Teaching kids to sew is a wonderful occupation!
Wow. A lot of details to the pockets but it is worth it; the tote bag looks great and I love all the pockets!
I sew appreciate that you always state inches and centimeters for us U.S. nonmetric folks!
I’m Canadian, so we’re nearly bilingual when it comes to measurements, lol.
Yes! I totally agree!
@CatherineSews. Yes, as Canadian, we used both inches and centimetres! lol I grew up with both!
This video reminded me that I used to have a book called, " Know Your Sewing Machine" ( it's probably out of print), the author has you make a tote bag using different stitches and techniques. I learned how to do zippers by making pouches. My favorite purse is a cross body bag I made with customized pockets and a leash for my keys, so I can fish them out without digging through my bag.
a key leash?! what a great idea!
It's a super easy to add. Just add a clasp (like a lobster claw) to a ribbon and sew to the purse or bag lining about an inch below the top edge. I made mine long enough to reach the bottom but you could do shorter.
Nice!
Love your videos. 1/8" double sided tape can be your best friend in a lot of these steps
Yes, it would’ve been a great idea on pocket #3!
Catherine, you are so clever!! I love that you show us how to disguise the imperfections! Those would drive me crazy and I decided I just must be "bad" at sewing!
This is SO timely. I can make a bag to transport my mini coffee machine in our campervan.
I’ve had the materials for a year but not plucked up the courage to make it. I will now !
Thank you
Love this tutorial! You are a superb teacher. Thanks so much!
Thanks for sharing this video design, I have some fabric just wanting to make into a tote!!
I have a leather tote I have been using for airline travel but hated that the sides kept slouching and collapsing. I solved that problem by sliding in the dollar store plastic kitchen prep/cutting sheets on both sides and it works to keep the bag upright. I am going to incorporate that in my tote to be made. 😊
I saw the title and almost gave this video a miss but as I've learnt so much from your other videos I watched it and oh boy! It was great! Thanks 😊
Me too! I learned so much. It was "tote bag"(ugh, another tote bag), but 4 pockets got me to watch. Plus it's YOU, my favorite teacher!❤️
Oh, interesting! Can I ask what in the title made you want to give it a pass? I should probably fix that! So glad you watched it anyway and found it useful.
I felt the same way and almost past of this video. I've been bing watching bag videos and didn't really want to watch another one. However, I wanted to see what you did with pockets. Catherine you never disappoint - your videos are always very enjoyable and informative.
Another tote bag made me want to pass. 4 different ways to make pockets would have got my immediate attention. You're a great teacher.
Me too, just because you've done tote bags. So i think if you just make the title a bit different like "deluxe tote bag". I think an adjective like that would draw me in more. Luckily the pockets thing drew me in anyway!
Very thorough demonstration! Thanks for sharing your knowledge.
I enjoy your videos so much! Your presentation is engaging and just detailed enough without being too much. Thank you so much!
Love the zipper pocket. Was thinking about adding that type of pocket to a bike shirt. I would just add some interface tape to the zipper open. Bicycles tend to be hard on the packet.
FYI, if you don't have any fabric, and want a heavier fabric, because you didn't interface, I suggest going to upholstery shops. They have lots of small pieces that they can't do much with and they usually sell them for a good value. An upholstery shop considers anything under 2 yd a small piece.😂
Great source for home decoration projects. And by using their leftover fabric, you keep it out of the landfills.
Great idea! Thank you.
This was a wonderful video. I was trying to find a tote/ day bag/ cruise embarkation day/travel bag pattern to make for my friend’s birthday. This one is perfect! I used a thick muslin, a pin striped canvas, and faux leather for base on the outside. I had a brocade thrifted piece I used for lining to help support the muslin. I used your dimensions and all the pockets and it is wonderful! She will love it. Now I want to make one for me.
That is amazing to hear! I’m thrilled to bits!
Great job Catherine. I like your color choices and the design with all the pockets
Thanks Catherine. Love the glasses.
Love tote bag. Would love to see a serger dust cover from you.
its beutiful, love how the pattern fabric ended up lining up. Perfect.
I have been making bags now for a few years and I have never seen a pocket like the first one you did. It's a great technique! Definitely gonna use that one! The little zipper pouch interior pocket is awesome as well. Thanks so much. 😊
Love it love it love it. Thanks Catherine. I made a beach tote for my friend last year but this is so much more sophisticated. Fabulous tutorial. Thank you. 🙋🏼🏴
Such a great tutorial with many brilliant techniques! Beautiful tote bag ! Thank you Catherine!
I love the pockets you did. I learned so much from this video. Thank you
love your videos! I hope to lose my fear and open the sewing machine I purchased last year. 😂
Have no fear! You can do it!😍
You can do it and you will be so proud of yourself. I have altered so much of my wardrobe and even made my first full outfit thanks to Catherine's guidance. I haven't been sewing that long at all. Go for it!
Oh, number 4 ist definetly going into my next duffle bag! I‘ve been wrecking my brain about the best way to add pockets on the inside. Thanks for the inspiration and the detailed instructions ❤
I always learn so much from your videos. You are such a great teacher. Thank you for your informative videos.
You are the best teacher ❤️ 💕 !!! Super easy to follow along. I will definitely be making this. Thank you so much 😊
Fun! Reminds me of one of my first sewing classes.
I just watched this video a second time! I love it so much. It'll probably get a third "screening" 🎉
That is so lovely to hear! I’m so happy that you’re finding it useful!
Thank you for this video. I've never been good with zippers but your instructions are very clear and precise.
I really loved this tutorial and the tote bag that you made. I’m anxious to try one of my own. I would love to see a similar tote with a recessed zipper at the top. Your instructions are so clear and easy to understand!
So, so many tips in this one video! Plus, I love your choice of colors. This is definitely something I want to make, and if not this year, next year. THANK YOU.
Love it-thanks, Catherine! ❤❤❤❤
Professor, I used your admonition at 12:26 on a gift, apron pocket already today. Thx for the tip!
I love watching the process ❤ and im greatful for the little sewing tips and tricks along the way... thank you 😊
Love that tote bag !!!❤
Another fantastic video. I love making tote, being self taught it’s a lot of hit and miss on my part. Now I’ll have a lot more tips and know how for my next project. I loved how your tote turned out. You have such a great eye for color / fabric combinations. I really like using a light interfacing with less sturdy fabrics and while I love canvas, I hate the way it frays. Since I finally have a working serger I now tend to serve the bigger pieces to avoid pulling on the frays( can’t help myself😂) and ruining the measurements. I have to be careful because it does add bulk ines though. Anyway I learn so so much from your videos and always get a laugh or two as well. Thank you and happy spring!!
Oh, wow!!! How inspirational🎉
I thought of three things to tame that stretchy fabric... 1. A walking foot (where the top pressure foot moves up and down to allow multiple fabrics to feed evenly... used a lot in quilting).
2. Lower your pressure foot tension so the fabrics can glide under that pressure foot more easily.
3. If you have a sleeve arm on your sewing machine, remove the main bed. This allows you to apply that curving motion 13:18 closer to the needle. If you don't have a sleeve arm on your machine... Pin like crazy (maybe every 1/4 inch or 5mm) this will stabilize the fabric if you can't afford (time or money) for some non-woven, iron on interfacing. As you pin, curve the fabric like you showed in the video if you need to, but it probably won't be necessary. 💖🌞🌵😷
This is such a clever bag design. A great way to learn sewing technique and order of execution. I am going to make one, but need to scrounge around for fabric and zippers. I made the drawstring backpack and that worked out really well. Thank you for another great project ❤
I use a cane and can’t carry a heavy bag. I’m considering adding pockets to ALL my clothing lol.
Your so amazing perfect sewer.
That tote has so many uses.
Absolutely fantastic video! So many great techniques explained in detail. Love all the different pocket styles! Now I want to make one too! 😊
Love the bag and learned some great techniques and thank you.
I sincerely appreciate your upbeat enthusiasm & optimism. Happy Spring! & happy tote bag making! ;-)
How fun to spend rainy afternoon in front of the fire with Wally on my lap and listen and learn from you again😊 always fun, informative, challenging, doable and real, even how to handle inevitable little/big😅 glitches...those pockets can't wait to try! Thanks for being you and sharing!!! Happy Easter
Maureen
Super cute! I am inspired once again by your skills! I will definitely be trying those pockets! I have been making plain totes for a while, but I really like some of the skills in this one and will be implementing them :)
I always learn so much from your videos. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and thought process through these projects!
Thank you for another video. I always enjoy watching even though you sometimes go a little fast (that's okay though, I like the pace). It would be great if, in the intro, you showed the finished piece - so one can envision what one is working towards ultimately. It's a bit like following a recipe but not knowing what you're actually baking. But that's just me... I like to see the finished product at the intro so I know if I even want to make it.
Love your tote, very cute. X x x
I have added many pockets to totes and purses. I have never seen the first pocket. I'll have to try it. I have watched most of your videos and have learned a lot. Mostly I quilt. Love your tutorials.
Loved this video!! Thank you!!!
I enjoy your videos and this one was informative on pockets. I have a comment: have you considered using double sided tape when sewing in a zipper? It really holds it in place nicely. They come in 1/4” and 1/8” widths. I think the trick is to place the tape such that you aren’t doing your stitch line through it. If you go to “Christine’s Home Affairs” videos, she has been on a quest to find a double sided tape that doesn’t gum up the needles. 🥰
Great video!! Thank you! ❤
I'll have to show this one to the kids! I out them in sewing class for something new and different last summer, they made totes. This will help then realise that there's a lot more that can be done with a simple tote!
Love the base. I'm so stealing that idea... The other way takes too much thought!
Love this! I debated weather to tell you this or not, I guess I would want to know….hope it doesn’t sound like a hater… The writing on the printed fabric is Japanese or possibly Chinese ( I only know a little Japanese and some of the characters are also used in Chinese) But the first piece you put on with the simple pocket is upside down! 🙃 Most people will not know but if you are out and about some people might notice! Many people won’t even realize it is writing! It’s a beautiful bag and I can’t wait to make one. Thank you for the precise measurements! That makes it a breeze to make!
Oh really!? I didn't think it was actually writing! I thought it was just stylized to look interesting. Well, isn't that silly of me! I still have some of that fabric, so I'm glad you let me know. Next time, I'll find out which way is up!
Oh thank you, I was so curious what language. Wonder what says…
I am not that fluent in it but recognize a few of the characters. It may be the case that one row is upside down and the other not. They write top to bottom and their books are written from (our) back to front! I doubt any one else will notice, unless you take it on your next trip to Japan!! 😊 Sorry if I offended you!
Thank you for letting us know.
You are such a great teacher. Thanks for the video.
Love your videos! Could you do one on this: Changing a hood on a zip hoodie to a collar and maybe a little pocket out of the surplus hood fabric. I wear zip hoodies all the time, layered under windbreakers but the hood makes me look like a hunchback!
This sounds like a fun idea! I’m the meantime, pull your hood outside the windbreaker and it’ll look cool- much better than a hunchback, I promise!
this definitely goes on my sewing list😊
really nice bag!
41:39 yes, you want the bigger circle on the outside.... But! You always want your outer bag to be bigger than the lining. Otherwise you'll have a baggie lining and (to me) that's a hot mess.
So... If the lining is bigger, now is the time to take it back to the machine and make those seam allowances a little bigger. 💖🌞🌵😷
Those polypropylene straps will also melt if you leave them to close to a heat register. My daughter discovered this the hard way.
Wooooot!
I put my linning closure inside a pocket
I have made dozens of tote bags. Use them as gift bags at Christmas as they can be reused for groceries or whatever. Really appreciate this video as the hidden outside pocket will now be a standard feature for me. Love the fabrics you chose. End result is beautiful. I usually use cotton webbing. Is there a reason you use the polyester type? Just curious. Thanks for the wonderful detailed video. 😊
We won’t tell everyone how close you came to making a welt pocket or bound button hole on that first zippered pocket. That’ll be our secret 😊.
Hi Catherine! Love the video (I love all your videos and look forward to them every week.). I am hoping you may be able to help. I have this sleeveless, crew neck, maxi dress in tan linen (unlined). I love it, but the color does nothing for me and I'm not a sleeveless gal. Is there a way to take the crew neck and open it a bit to put in a white dress shirt collar? I'd like it to be open somewhat at the neckline (not a closed collar) and perhaps add some sleeves? I know I can find a white dress shirt at the thrift store (and will look today). I've not seen a thrift flip that does this. I so want to wear the dress again. Thanks! Big Hugs.
Thanks for the sweet comment, and yes! Your idea sounds great! I’ve got a linen dress waiting for me to upcycle it. It’s also an unflattering colour so I think I might dye it. I’ll be interested to hear how your collar and sleeves work out!
Hi. I love your tutorials, could you explain how to make a double pocket on the front of a jacket?in witch you can insert your hand from above and from the side. Thank you!
😍🤩♥🤩😍
I love your videos. I am just returning to sewing after many years away and am relearning a lot (there were no videos when I was younger, unfortunately). I didn't really want another tote bag, but wanted to learn how to do more pockets. It was a lot of fun. I didn't have a heavy fabric so I used interfacing for the bag, which made it a little clumsy for me at times, but it was worth it. I just have a question about your boxed corners. Do you usually trim them off or leave the triangle on. I had to trim it off the outside piece because it was just too bulky in the bag with all the extra interfacing. I am just curious what you usually do. Do you think it make a difference? Thanks again for the wonderful videos. You are a great teacher!!!
Thanks, Kathy! I don’t trim the corners. They just sit in there nicely and never bother anyone. I think if I told my students to trim them, they might cut too close to their stitching which would weaken the corners. Better to leave them.
Thanks. I have to admit I did cringe when I cut them off, but they were just too bulky for me. But now I know it doesn't really matter. Thanks for getting back to me.
I want to make a bag to put in my gym bag for dirty/wet clothes what would you suggest I do to make sure its water proofed?
Where did you get your fabric for pocket #3?
The lining and the inner pockets are all from a piece of printed nylon that actually was one of those street pole banners.
Lovely Catherine - can’t wait to make one! I love your zipper with the stitching that does not show! Never thought of that😀
🪡🪡🪡
Catherine, did you intend to have the writing go vertically instead of horizontally? Your piece was square, so it was easy to mis- orient sideways. Well, I guess Americans can't read the language anyway. Vertical stripe it is.
It's Japanese calligraphy. While I can't make out much of it, I do recognize some of the hiragana characters. So the writing is, in fact, vertical. She got it right on the first side, but upside down on the other side. :/
Whoops! I knew it was meant to be vertical, but I didn't realize I got it upside down on one side!
Note to self: if posting a video to UA-cam, pick florals or stripes so as to not annoy the language police, even if it’s just random printed fabric.
I’m no good at reaching corners exactly. Is there some sewing secret to make it possible? Eyeballing it doesn’t work well for me.