Tote Bag:

• Cut main fabric 2 pieces 15" x 18"
• If you need to line fabric, cut 2 pieces of lining 15" x 18"
• Pin the main fabric pieces right sides together.
• Sew around 3 sides leaving the top open.
• Repeat this step for the lining.

Optional, you can miter the bottom of the bag.

• Smooth out your tote bag with right sides together keeping the side seams lined up.
• At the bottom edge you will have formed a triangle on each side.
• Sew 2" down from the tip across the bag. Turn the tote bag to the right side to make sure your corner is correct. If ok, turn back to the wrong side and trim the seam 1/4".
• You will do this on the two corners of the tote and the two corners of the lining (if you made the lining).

Straps:

• Cut two pieces of main fabric 18" x 3"
• Fold one piece in half and sew up one side.
• Turn strap through to the right side.
  • Hint: Make a long skinny piece of scrap (must be at least 20" long)
  • Sew to one end of the strap reinforcing with a couple of rows of stitching.
  • Fold the strap over the long skinny piece of with right sides together.
  • Sew up the long side of the strap making sure not to catch the long skinny piece of scrap in your stitching.
  • On the end you stop sewing start pulling the skinny piece of scrap through your tunnel to turn your work.
• Fold the seam to the center of the strap.
• Make a second strap the same.

Add the straps to the bag:

• Pin each strap (right side of strap to right side of bag) with the center seam of the strap facing you 4" in from each side of the front and back of the tote bag. One strap on the front of the bag and the other strap on the back of the bag.
• Make sure you have the straps hanging out of the way in between the bag and the lining. Match and pin your side seams to make sure everything is lined up.
• Sew around the top leaving a space of several inches between the handles on the backside for turning the bag to the right side.
• Turn the bag right side out and top stitch the opening.

Optional:

• You can attach Velcro for closing the bag.