‘Granny Chic’ Author Rachelle Blondel shows us how to create this handy summer totes… read more
If like us, you’ve been recently hit by the sewing bug (we blame The Great British Sewing Bee!) and you fancy trying your hand at creating something simple yet pretty and useful, then this is the moment to unleash your needle and thread! We enlisted the marvelous Rachelle Blondel, co-author of the inspirational crafting book ‘Granny Chic’ to give us a step-by-step account of how to create her beautiful Market Day Tote…
I think the ladies out there would all agree there is always room for another bag in your collection! In this tutorial I am going to show you how to whip up the perfect tote bag, ideal for when you’re popping out to your favourite local shop and in need of picking up a few bits & pieces!
For the tutorial, I will be using two of my favourite summer Laura Ashley fabrics, the florally eye-catching Queen Mary Floral and Charleston Grapes. The following steps will showcase how to create the cute hand-held size bag. If you fancied a larger shopping bag to sit comfortably on your shoulder (and to carry more goodies) then simply follow the same method but follow the size changes in the brackets – what ever suits your fancy!
You will need:
- Two rectangles sized W42cm x L34cm of the main fabric (W42cm x L48cm),
- Two rectangles sized W42cm x L34cm for the lining fabric (W42 x L48),
- A small piece of fabric for the patch pocket 17cm x 17cm,
- A piece of jute webbing for the straps, W5cm x L84cm (W5cm x L2m),
- 50cm of bias binding to finish off edges,
- Thread,
- Any chic embellishments that tickle your fancy!
So let’s begin…
1. To start we shall create the patch pocket displayed on the front of the bag. Hem the top edge of the pocket and press well with an iron. Then unfold one edge of the bias binding and place around the outside edges of the pocket. Stitch along the crease on the binding, easing round the corners…
2. As shown in the photo above, turn the binding folding back over the seam and press well again. Then place to one side in a safe place!
3. To create the straps of your shopper bag, fold your piece of jute webbing in half then cut in two, measure 15cm from each end and mark with a pin. Then fold length ways and stitch between the two marker pins – this will ensure your strap is strong and secure. Make sure to press well to keep it in shape…
4. To create the main body of the bag, take your two large rectangles pieces then fold them in half, pop a pin in the top centre of the fabric to keep in place.
Next we will attach our straps, take one of your rectangles and lay your strap 5cm each side of the top centre pin and 8cm down. This should give you a rough indicator of where they should lay. When you are happy with their positioning simply pin in place then stitch the base of the strap to the material. Repeat process with other rectangle – now you will be left with two pieces with straps attached (starting to take shape!)
5. Choose where you would like your pocket to sit on one of the rectangle sides, then stitch on to the bag keeping close to the bias seam.
6. Place your two rectangle pieces together, pinning the side and bottom seams together then simply stitch together. Press all the seams open, and then turn to right side and press again.
7. In order to make a base for the bag, bring together the side and base seams at bottom corner and flatten. Measure 8cm across keeping the 4cm mark inline with the seam and draw a line. Stitch across the line and trim.
8. To create the lining for the bag, take your other two rectangles and repeat the above steps. However make sure to leave an opening on the bottom seam to enable you to turn the bag to the right side. Follow up by pressing the seams open.
9. Place the lining over the main bag with right sides facing, ensure that the handles are folded towards the base and are enclosed between the main bag and lining.
10. To attach the lining to the main bag, pin it in place and stitch. Pull both sides of the bag through the gap left in the bottom seam to the right side and stitch along the open seam.
11. Turn the lining into the bag and press the top seam flat. Finish up by embellishing your bag getting creative, whether it be wrapping the handles in lace, stitching on cute buttons, sweet bows, or my personal favourite… lots of granny faux flowers! Bling to your hearts content.
So there you have it, your very own printed market day tote. A perfect handcrafted gift for a loved one (or yourself!), this little fun project will certainly become the beginning of many crafty adventures…
Why not check out Rachelle’s other amazing handmade creations in her book ‘Granny Chic,’ co-written with Tif Fussell. From spruced up coat hangers to crocheting your own tea cosy, even revamping a lampshade with scraps of material, this beginners guide book is your one-stop-shop to Granny Chic Craft – so retro!
You can buy ‘Granny Chic’ here – or visit Rachelle’s craft blog ‘Tales of Ted and Agnes.’
Will you be giving the Market Day Tote a whirl?