How to Sew: The Ultimate Commuter Tote Bag by Sewspire Sewing Tutorials
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- Опубліковано 6 лип 2018
- Hey y'all and welcome to Sewspire!
Today I am here to show you how to sew The Ultimate Commuter Tote Bag from start to finish.
For this project you will need 3 yards of material to include 2 yards of 44" cotton fabric and 1 yard of 54" twill / duck or canvas material. Plus a 9" x 14" piece of stiff interfacing, a 24" x 36" piece of quilt batting, 2 snap sets and a 14" zipper.
Big Duck Canvas is my favorite source for the latter! Please support the production of future tutorials and use the Sewspire affiliate link to browse the fabric collection:
lddy.no/5089
To begin, precut the following pattern pieces:
Cotton, cut 3, 18" x 30" interior panels
Twill, cut 1, 24" x 36" exterior panel
Twill, cut 2, 24" by 10" exterior pocket
Cotton, cut 2, 24" x 10" exterior pocket lining
Cotton, cut 2, 6" x 16", zipper gusset
Cotton, cut 2, 6" x 18" short handles (increase length to 24" or 30" if you desire a longer drop).
Cotton, cut 1, 6" x 32" shoulder strap (increase length to 38" or 44" if you desire a longer strap).
Your finished bag will measure approximately 9" wide, 12" tall and 14" across the base and offer you 6 exterior pockets, 3 interior compartments, double handles and a shoulder strap.
I hope you enjoy this project and will share photos of your finished bags with our creative community on Facebook and Instagram using #sewspire and @sewspire.
I will be back soon with another inspired sewing project. Until then, please know the creative genius in me will be celebrating the creative genius in you!
XO,
Andrea
SEWSPIRE WEBSITE: sewspire.com
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Please send your sewing related questions in advance to sewinginspiration@gmail.com and I will answer those in a future video or newsletter. - Навчання та стиль
I have completed 4 of these. One for me and 3 as gifts. I love the size of this bag. It fits perfectly under the airplane seat and the middle pocket is perfect to secure anything you don't want to risk falling out while stowed. Thank you so much for this wonderful method. I watched along for the first bag and then wrote down the instructions so I could sew the others without having to re-watch every time. After the first bag, I began adding things like key hooks and phone pockets in the middle compartment. Thanks Again!
Did u do any of these with 3 zippered compartments?
@@gmcultra I have only done the version with zipper compartment in the middle. But seems (seams…lol) like it would be same process but narrower for the side zip tops
WOWWW !!! You don't know how happy I am to have found this video. I've been searching for about a year now, trying to find a video showing how to make a large tote bag with fully separated compartments. All I've ever seen before this one had the compartments "loose" and "open" in the bottom of the bag. When I saw how this bag had the separate compartments, I cried a little with joy 😅 because it is mostly what I've been searching for. Only things different I need to do are adding pockets and card slots to the interior, longer handles on the front and back for the "handbag" portion, an adjustable strap for the cross - body portion, and, maybe making all three compartments have a zipper on them. Also, this pattern seems to be large enough with the bag being nine inches deep. It depends on how big my sister wants me to make it. I'm a beginner sewist, and, this pattern looks easy enough to follow for me. TYSVM for sharing this video with us. Thank you also for sharing your knowledge and techniques with us. Love your channel. 😻😉😍👍
Am I the only one that thinks this could also be made into a cute diaper bag? Love it!
Absolutely adorable diaper bag (for twins) (wink, wink)!
That's what I'm doing!
Yes! Great idea for diaper bag too! I was thinking this is what I want to commute with , cause I ❤️ LOVE Love love compartments cause I hate digging for stuff so if it’s organized by compartments ....just pure joy ! My boys hate shopping for my gifts cause they never find a bag that I love. If only they can sew then this is the perfect gift 🎁 . So I guess I make my own birthday gift😃😃😃. Great design ! Thanks 🙏🏻
That’s what I’m thinking about
I’m making this as a diaper bag for my coworkers wife. I love how paced and detailed you are. it makes a beginner like me feel more confident because you’re really detailing everything and it makes it really easy. Thank you !
Wow. Love this bag!! So many diy bags don’t have enough pockets. Love this!
So glad you like the design!
Thank you Andrea! Great bag!! I especially love the way you do the recessed zipper, much easier than how I've done them in the past!!!
I agree Liz! This is the easiest zipper method I know.
What a great ULTIMATE commuter tote! I can think of many uses...day trip, pool bag, weekender, picnic essentials...love it! Thanks for adding the center zip compartment. I really like the shorter handles too. I can hardly wait to get started on making this great tote. ...Cheryl
So glad you like it Cheryl! This bag is so much fun to sew and I agree it has many possibilities! The shorter handles are fabulous for heavy bags. ~Andrea
I completed my bag!! Giving it as a gift to my daughter! She is going to love this!! Thank you so much! It was a blast to make! :)
Thank you for the great video. Made one interfaced with fusible foam as a gift for my Mom. Came out great and makes a very large bag. Perfect weekender/travel bag or even a project bag
Fusible foam is an awesome option for this bag. So glad you are happy with the finished product!
You are the perfect instructor. I really enjoy your videos and projects. Thank you 😊
Thank you!
You explain the process of your projects beautifully,every step is crystal clear,thank you so much
You are welcome! Thank you for watching!
Wow! I can see myself using this bag thousands of time. Just love all your tutorials. Your instructions are so clear. Thank you!
So glad you like it and there are many purposes this style could serve indeed!
Well, I just finished making this bag and I just love it! This is the first time in 30+ years I've put in a zipper and it turned out very nice. Thanks so much for posting this project, I might just have to make another one for my sister!
I am absolutely in love with my new bag!! I made this for myself and I'm now making it for friends and family! thank you so much, had so much fun with this tutorial!
Aw, I am so happy to hear this and am excited for your friends and family to benefit from your new found love!
This was a great video, thank you. I will be making this for my sister-in-law for Christmas. You were really clear in your instructions for a new sewer like myself.
THANK YOU! You have thought of everything with this bag--all the pockets, zipper, snap, and both handles. Agree with others on your excellent tutorial. Love the color combinations. Great for commuting or a mom. I remember we kids would ask Mom mostly for a tissue, but moms seem to bring everything their kids might need. And it could all fit in this bag!
So glad you like this design Carol! It was a lot of fun for me to design and I agree you could pack everything a mom would need in this one!
Thank you, amazing projects, easy to follow and your voice is so relaxing!
Love, love, love x
I just happened to be watching your older videos yesterday (getting anxious for today) and watched your Commuter Tote Bag video. This is so awesome with even more pockets and "hardware". Who doesn't need a nice big bag with pockets! Love it. Gale
So glad you like this new version. We wanted to add the center zip pocket and the exterior pockets are a bonus.
Exactly!!!! Can't have too many pockets.....lol
Great instruction, Andrea. Think I will give this a try...
Thanks awesome! Let us know how it turns out!
I made one of these (out of quilting scraps) for a project tote. I love it SO MUCH that I'm making three more for friends who craft as Christmas presents!
That makes me so happy to know! Thank you for sharing your talents with friends!
@@Sewspire Thank you for making it easy to do!
Thank you - I made one this week and I love it!! I did add interfacing to everything so it is nice and sturdy as well. Great tutorial!!
I bet that is fabulous!
OK I have a question. On the pockets for the outside, when you stagger the outside piece and the accent piece, how does the accent fabric connect at the bottom? Does it catch in the seam or? And do you think it would be too bulky to use foam stabilizer instead of a fusible fleece type?
Stephanie Dunn, I’m just seeing this but I was just thinking you probably could use the foam interfacing in body of the bag.
You're a great teacher! Thank you.
Another really nice one Andrea. I’m working my way through your projects. Thanks for all the work you put in to them.
Thank you! So glad you are enjoying the channel!
WOW! This is the Bag for Me. Love IT!!!
So glad you like it!
Making my 4th one. Near done and I am loving it!!
Very inspiring Andrea. Thank you for helping me to love bag sewing once more! Love from Robin Hood country in England. Clairexx
So glad you enjoyed this tutorial! Sending love from The Plains, Virginia!
I love your instructions and the pattern is good for different uses.
You have taken the "complicated" out of sewing. Thank you! I can't wait to make this bag!!
I love that! May I use that in a future slogan?
Sewspire - Absolutely!
A+ work, It is beautiful.Love your simple way of teaching.
Thank you!
A great project once again! You always out do yourself. Thank you for sharing this wonderful tutorial!
It is my pleasure Wanda. Thank you for your continued interest!
Thanks so much for this pattern and video. I am now the proud owner of the ultimate tote with cats on the outside and “Grumpy cat’ on the inside. Great work tote - thanks again. :)
Sounds amazing!
I am so excited to make this! Really happy to find your channel, even if it is an older video!
You always pick the best fabric choices for your projects!!!
Thank you! I do love fabric!
You got the most interesting sew-a-longs and all so easy... I learn so much, thanks for all your posts
Glad you like them! It's fun to create for this awesome community of makers! 👍
Loving all the storage compartments in this bag! 👍🏻
Me too! Lots of possibilities if you add pockets!
Hi, I have a problem! I’ve followed your tutorial to the letter, but my inside panels are so much narrower than the main bag!
Should I just take in more on the side seams of the outer bag to accommodate this??
Thank you so much for this video! I made it today and I love it so much!
Wonderful bag! On my to do list!! Thanks for all of you great videos!!!
So glad you like it Cheryl! I am excited for you to make one of these. As always, it is a pleasure to create great content for this beautiful community of makers! Andrea
Excellent, once again! Can't wait to get some great fabric. Oops! Forgot my promise to work from my stash. But I will need twill. I love it. So many uses. Heidi
Yep, I try that too. It never works. Have fun shopping!
Wow, another awesome tutorial 👍🏽👍🏽 Thanks for so much inspiration Andrea ❤️
So glad you like it Julie!
Love your bag that you made....so inspiring......❤️🌹❤️🌹
Thank you!
Love love Love this bag so great thank you for the video. I’ve made one for each of my kids teachers and they love them so great thank you once again I love you video
Wow! Your teachers must LOVE YOU!
Beautiful stuff always
You are so very good! You make it look easy. Thank you.
Thank you Donna!
This is amazing!!!!! I can't wait to make it!!! Thank you so much!!! You're the top!!!!😍
Thank you Diana!
Wauuuu...andrea... It is fantastic!!!! I love this kind of bag. Thank you very much.😘
So glad you like it! It was a blast to design and I am really excited to load mine up and take it on a trip!
You are the best in teaching others also it's beautiful bag
Great bag!!
Great bag! Excited to try this one 🤗
So glad! Let us know how it works out for you!
This will be my Sunday project!
Have fun with this one! It's a great "big" bag!
I can’t wait to make this bag 😍😍😍
Wow, you came into my feed this morning. I wish I found you sooner. His is definitely the best bag I have seen. I am going to try this very very soon. Thanks for sharing this bag and giving us the instructions and pattern. So generous. I subscribed and liked this video.
Thank you Joanne and welcome to Sewspire! We have a wonderfully supportive and creative community here and I think you will enjoy your time with us very much!
Que hermosa bolsa, me encantan tus tutoriales, un saludo y felicidades por tu canal
Great🌸it is so good to have big Totes for shopping
Oh yes! I have another great big tote for you to make in the next video.
I love it! Cannot wait to get started!
I am excited for you!
Awesome. Thank you soooooo much. Going to make at least two for gifts
That is so kind of you! I am sure they will be thrilled.
Magnificent! Thank you!
Thanks so much for the videos, I have made 2 of your bags so far Thanks to your great instruction
It’s my pleasure and thank you for watching!
I absolutely love your channel!! Thank you so much for sharing your great ideas!
You are so sweet to say so Danielle!
Can’t wait to make one.
So excited for you to have this bag Mary-Lynn!
I love love love the commuter bag
So glad you like it!
Thanks for a very nice bag video pattern,I look forward to your videos because your bags are very useful
You are welcome. Thank you!
Very nice! I'm going to add mesh zippered pockets to the two end interior panels. I love this bag. :)
That will be so fabulous!
I thought of doing the same thing. Haven’t made it yet, coming up with my own ideas to add.
Love it as I do all of your tutorials
Thank you!
Belíssima bag👍
Another awesome tutorial thank you 🙏🏻 😊
Glad you like it!
I made this and love it!!!
Making my 3rd one today!!!
I'm about to make this for my aunty to take to chemotherapy. Thanks so much
Sending love to your Aunty.
Uau!!! Linda, prática e muito útil. Adorei! Vou tentar fazer. Parabéns pelo projeto e obrigada por compartilhar. Abraços
👏👏👏👏😍
Ana Maria Mendonça Lima
Boa tarde.
Você conseguiu a medida de fazer os cantos dos bolsos de dentro e da bolsa de fora (eu conheço com caixa de leite) poderia me passar por favor.obrigada
You have such great projects!
Thank you sew much!
You are welcome! Thank you!
So cleverious. superb. fantastic. creative geniously!!
Thank you Yanna!
All your projects are grt and tried by me they are unremarkable
Thank you!
I love this bag. I think this would make the perfect diaper bag and I am going to make this as a baby shower gift. Thanks for the video.
I agree, this would be an awesome diaper bag!
Oh I’m making this for sure!
Awesome!
Great bag❤
Thank you!
Nice tutorial
Thank you so much . That is what I want to do. Great tutorial
Glad it was helpful!
im inspiring ur projects mam thanku for ur tutorials n stich ur patterns mam. thanks mam.
Thank you!
Perfect
Maravilhoso tutorial. Obrigada
Thank you!
maria dos anjos rosa batist
My bag turned out super cute but, phew that was A LOT of material to get under the sewing machine. I really struggled with sewing the lining in to the bag. I am an experienced beginner so hopefully as I craft more bags this piece will get easier. Thank you for sharing!
I am impressed Kelli! This is a big project! You can be very proud of your accomplishment and yes it will get easier. When I first started out I didn't think I would ever even be able to align my side seams. True story!
hi Andrea, this would make a great nappy/diaper bag, my next project.....thank you
I agree! This would be an amazing diaper bag!
Hallo Andrea!
Such a beautiful bag!
I´m going to find some nice fabrics here in germany to make one!
Thanks for your wonderful pattern and idea!
- Monika -
Thank you Monika! I am excited for you to have this bag!
Hello Andrea... Thank you for all the wonderful videos. You have such amazing talent. God bless you. You are so sweet to share your ideas with us. I was wondering if you could come up with a nice big size diaper bag with a changing mat attached. I am planning to make one but could not find any patterns for this style. Thank you again for all your awesome videos 🙏🙏🙏❤️❤️❤️
Thank you Suzy! You are so kind! I will add the concept to my future list. In the meantime, you could buy my Ultimate Diaper Bag Tutorial in PDF instant download:
www.andreachapmandesigns.com/listing/127250941/pdf-tutorial-watermelon-wishes-ziptop
and slip the changing pad in between the exterior straps. As an added bonus, I have a free tutorial for the diaper clutch and changing pad too:
sewspire.com/2016/09/how-to-sew-a-diaper-clutch-and-minky-dot-changing-pad/
I am in love with this bag! At first I thought this would be impossible for me to sew since im a total beginner. But upon watching your tutorial, it's easy! However, what would be the measurements or how would I downsized it to 10inc length?
i love this bag and you explain it so clearly. I am going to be making diaper bags for grandkids. I think one of those center sides I might use PUL to waterproof one side? I think I can add some pockets on the inside of yellow layer by adding fusible interfacing to that center layer for pocket stability. I know this video is 5 years old....but Your thoughts?
I am psyching myself out on starting this one. I have a directional outter fabric and need to do 2 pieces instead of one 😂 why am I waiting!!!!
Love your work and patterns! This one really caught my eye. I need a new carry on bag and this looks perfect. I want to try to install a zipper to top of bag for going through TSA. Maybe recessing the inside panels will help with that?
That will work; but, I also think you can use the same zipper instal method and just attach the zipper panels to the exterior edges, no problem. Let us know how it comes together!
+Sewspire good idea! I will let you know how it goes! Thank you.
I love your tutorials so much. . . thank you. I am going to be a great grandmother in May and I am going to make this as a diaper bag. I'll be adding extra pockets inside and making the long strap adjustable. I was thinking I'd like to use foam interfacing to give it more stability but I don't know if my machine can sew through the bulk. . . ? My fabrics are the gray with large white dots for the exterior and yellow with large white dots for the zipper interior pocket and the side pockets are yellow with small white dots and gray with small white dots. . . then I also have some gray with white zigzag lines for the smaller interior pockets. (My granddaughter loves polka dots, so I think she'll like this bag. . . lol)
Oh this will make an amazing diaper bag! The fabric combo sounds so fun. Let us know how it comes together Wanda!
Good job
Thanks!
Very interesting....let me try this....😉
Have fun!
Bless you Anedrea, you did it again, another AMAZING TUTORIAL love the bag! I read, all the comments before asking my question: Could you give guide lines on the best way to downside for a smaller bag/any bag? Often I have tried to make a bag smaller and I end up making a mess. I absolutely love the three panels you added to this tote but would be too heavy for me to carry. I used your Cross Body Bag Pattern for several birthday and graduation gifts(I quilted the flaps & some the whole bag) also I made smaller ones for little girl birthday gifts. So quick and easy, thank you! A purse size would be great in the Ultimate Commuter Tote Pattern, hint, hint! Keeping us SEW n Spired! ;)
Hello Cathy! For this one you will need to experiment with the measurements and I highly recommend making a pattern prototype first. I would begin by subtracting 2" from each side and 1" from the top and bottom. I hope that helps you and others who want something smaller. I will add the purse size commuter tote to the tutorial line up for September. Have a beautiful day! Andrea
Thank you, I will try that and look forward to September! Have a BLESSED day Andrea ;)
Amei!!
Muito linda!!
Só não consegui as medidas da caixa de leite dos bolsos de dentro,e da parte de fora, e da distancia da boca da bolsa p/ colocar bolso de fora.
Thank you Andrea, I love your videos, you are a great instructor. I am going to make this bag - could I make all three panels with zippers? Instead of two with snaps?
You sure can!
What a great bag! I will make one. But I want a stiffer zippered pocket to protect my iPad on the inside. So I will have to think about it more. Maybe I can line the outer with fusible fleece and make one pocket close to the outside fully lined with fusible fleece. I don’t like the idea of using batting, cotton batting would shrink a bit in the wash, polyester will be ok, as long as you don’t dry it hot.
Thank you....just beautiful. When you sewed the stabilizer yo the bottom of the bag, did you just see around all 4 sides? So you would have stitches showing on the outside of bag?
The stitching along the base adds a nice accent. You could also stitch just down the sides of the stabilizer and hide that in the seam or with the pockets.
I have not sewed so much in a long time as I have this week since discovering your channel! :D :D I looked through and was trying to see which Duck Fabric you recommend. There's different weights, so wondering which you have used in your bags? Thank you!! ♥
Saya sudah membuat tas seperti tutorial and, terima kasih atas ide anda
Very nice Andrea but are you going to restock your shop i love your video. 😃😁
Restock my Etsy shop?
I am new here, sew few of your video. super thank you. clear, informative.
small question: what is the best zipper for bag, (i never did any bag, i am coming from quilting world, so no idea about zippers)?
thank you, enjoy your weekend. bless.
Thank you Becky and welcome to Sewspire! I like the YKK zippers best. You can find those on Etsy if you search ZipIt or at JoAnn Fabric and Hobby Lobby. 14" is best for this bag.
Thank you for the quick reply. have a nice weekend.
Andrea! I love this tutorial!! I have a couple questions though First, how does the bottom of the pocket accent piece connect at the bottom? Does it catch in the seam or? Second? Do you think it would work to use foam stabilizer instead of the quilt batting to line the grey outter fabric or would it be too bulky?
Hello Stephanie! For this design you will stitch across the base of the pocket to attach all of the layers to the exterior body panel including the pocket accent. The foam would work too...just cut it shorter than your body panels to reduce the bulk at the seams. Please let us know how it turns out. Are you a member of the facebook group? There are several friends there who have mastered this design and can help you out too: facebook.com/groups/183488042371692/