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I absolutely love handbags and especially tote bags. I love tote bags because they’re versatile and practical. They fit my busy lifestyle, whether I’m heading to work or running errands. Tote bags hold everything I need in one convenient and stylish package, from books to groceries. Plus, they come in all sorts of designs and colors, so I can express my personal style. Tote bags are my go-to accessory for a lot of occasions, combining usefulness with fashion and reflecting my unique personality.
However, I must say that I love sewing my own tote bags! I love sewing my own tote bags because it lets me be creative and make them just the way I want. I get to pick out the fabric, add special touches, and customize them to match my own style perfectly. Sewing tote bags is not only fun but also satisfying. I enjoy seeing my ideas come to life and feel proud carrying around something I made myself. Plus, I can make them exactly how I need them, with the right size and pockets, making them both stylish and practical for my everyday needs. Now, let me tell you about this cheetah print tote bag.
To make this tote bag, I used Simplicity 9618, and I made view C. I knew that I wanted a larger tote and view C was the largest tote in this pattern, measuring 14″H x 17″W x 7″D. This pattern is rated as “Average”, and I would agree.
Fabric
The suggested fabrics for this pattern is Ultra Suede, Canvas, Denim, and Cotton/Cotton Blends. For the lining, Cotton/Cotton Blends are suggested. A heavy craft weigh interfacing is needed to add stability to the tote. I used a cotton canvas fabric that I had at home. I purchased this fabric from Hobby Lobby’s clearance bin for $3.00 per yard. This pattern only called for 1-1/4 yards.
Notions
Although a 20″ zipper is listed, I just used a small piece of hook and loop tape. The reason for this wasn’t because I did not want the zipper, but because I missed the step of putting it in, and by the time I realized it, it was too late. So, I improvised with the hook and loop tape, and it worked out well.
One package of 1/2″ wide double fold bias tape is also needed for closing in the outside seams.
Stitching
There is top stitching required when adding the straps to this tote bag. With top stitching, you can always change colors and be creative, but what is most important is that the stitches are as straight as possible.
Tote Bag Uses
This bag is so versatile and can be used for many things. Here is a list of a few ways you can use tote bags in general.
- Grocery Shopping: Tote bags are perfect for carrying groceries from the store to your home. They’re sturdy enough to hold heavy items and can be reused again and again, reducing the need for single use plastic bags.
- Beach Trips: Tote bags make great beach bags! You can easily pack towels, sunscreen, snacks, and other essentials for a day of fun in the sun.
- Work or School: Use a tote bag to carry your laptop, notebooks, pens, and other work or school essentials. They’re stylish and practical, perfect for commuting or running between classes.
- Gym or Sports: Tote bags are ideal for carrying workout clothes, water bottles, towels, and gym shoes to and from the gym or sports practice.
- Travel: Tote bags can serve as carry-on bags for flights or road trips. They’re convenient for holding snacks, entertainment, travel documents, and other necessities while on the go.
- Picnics or Outdoor Events: Pack a tote bag with a picnic blanket, snacks, drinks, and games for a fun outdoor outing with friends or family.
- Crafting or Sewing: Keep your crafting or sewing supplies organized and portable by storing them in a tote bag. It’s easy to carry your materials from one project to the next.
- Shopping or Errands: Use a tote bag for general shopping or running errands around town. It’s a convenient way to carry your purchases while reducing waste from disposable bags.
- Books or Library Trips: Tote bags are perfect for carrying books to and from the library or bookstore. They’re durable enough to hold several books at once and make it easy to transport your literary treasures.
- Gift Bags: Use a tote bag as a reusable gift bag for birthdays, holidays, or special occasions. It adds a personal touch to your gift and can be reused by the recipient for other purposes.
- Baby Bag: Tote bags are great for carry baby items on the go. You can pack it with diapers, baby wipes, extra clothing, small toys, bottles, emergency kit, and more.
I hope you give Simplicity 9618 a try, because it’s a great pattern that you can use in so many ways.
