FELT TOTE BAG

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1 - Mark all pattern pieces to cut with white chalk on wrong side of the felt. See below and refer to PDF drawing.

DARK CHARCOAL FELT:
MAIN BODY - 45cm x 80cm. Mark a line at the centre of the bag, 40cm up from the bottom, this is your fold line. Mark the gusset for the base of the bag - 10cm wide x 5.5cm in from edge at each side of the fold line.

LIGHT GREY FELT:
FRONT MAIN STRAP - 62cm x 2.2cm. Cut 1 piece.
BACK MAIN STRAP - 72cm x 2.2m. Cut 1 piece.
SMALL FRONT STRAPS FOR D. RINGS - 18cm x 2.2cm. Cut 2 pieces.
FRONT PATCH POCKET - 24cm x 18cm. Cut 1 piece.
FRONT POCKET FLAP - 25cm wide x 8cm high at centre. Cut edges 5.5cm in from edge at bottom and 4.5cm up from edge at side. Cut 1 piece.

Step 2 - Edge stitch front patch pocket onto the front of the main bag - 10cm down from top edge, then topstitch a line down the centre of the patch pocket to separate.

Step 3 - Topstitch around the edge of the pocket flap, this is for decoration only. Edge stitch pocket flap onto the front of the main bag, 8cm down from top edge. Add another row of stitch along the top to reinforce pocket flap and hold it down.

Step 4 - Topstitch the 20mm herringbone tape to the back of the front and back main straps. This reinforces the straps to make them stable.

Step 5 - Topstitch the back strap onto the main bag. Place straps 6cm down from top edge and 18cm apart at the centre. Reinforce the straps by topstitching a cross through the centre.

Step 6 - Topstitch around the edge of the small front straps for the D rings. This is for decoration only. Topstitch these small straps onto the main bag. Place straps 6cm down from top edge and 18cm apart at centre. Reinforce the straps by topstitching a cross through the centre.

Step 7 - Take the front main strap and loop through and topstitch 2 D rings on either side of strap. This main strap can now be connected to the smaller straps that are stitched to the main part of the bag. Loop the smaller straps through the D rings to connect.

Step 8 - Turn the bag inside out and sew down the side seams using 5mm seam allowance. You can now sew the gusset closed at the bottom of the bag - hold bottom of the side seam to the centre of the gusset and sew along this edge to close using 5mm seam allowance. Turn bag and push out the bottom gusset to get correct shape.

Step 9 - Glue 2 magnets at the centre of the bag opening to close. Cut two 4x4 squares of dark charcoal felt. Glue the felt squares over the magnets to hold them in place.