This Tote Bag with a Secret Zipper Pocket Inside is SO Useful and Easy to Make!, by Misaki Sewing on YouTube. 15 min 45 s.
- Video length
- 15 min 45 s
- Time to do it
- 90 minutes
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Steps
- 10
What you need
Steps
Cut two main panels and two lining panels at 15 by 16 inches. Cut two fusible fleece pieces at 14 by 15 inches. Cut two webbing handles 20 inches long.
Fuse the fleece to the wrong side of each main panel with a hot dry iron. Hold for about 10 seconds, then press again from the right side.
Lay one pocket piece right side up, centre the zipper on its top edge, then place the second pocket piece right side down on top. Sew along the zipper tape.
Flip both pocket pieces away from the zipper and press. Topstitch 1/8 inch from the zipper on both sides, then trim the pocket to 8 by 7 inches.
Pin the pocket to the right side of one lining panel, centred and 2 inches below the top. Sew around the sides and bottom, backstitching at the zipper ends.
Place the main panels right sides together. Sew the sides and bottom with a 1/2 inch seam. Box the bottom corners by sewing across 2 inch squares.
Fold the webbing handles in half and pin the raw ends to the top of the bag, 4 inches from each side seam. Baste within the seam allowance.
Sew the lining panels right sides together the same way, but leave a 4 inch gap in the bottom. Press the seams open.
Turn the main bag right side out and drop it inside the lining so right sides face. Sew around the top edge with a 1/2 inch seam.
Pull the bag through the gap, press the top edge, and topstitch 1/8 inch around the opening. Hand sew or machine the gap closed.
Tips and common mistakes
Use clips instead of pins on the thick top edge so the layers stay lined up.
Fit a size 18 needle and sew slowly over the zipper and handle joins to avoid a broken needle.
Keep your fingers clear of the needle and unplug the iron when you finish.
Press after every seam, because flat seams make the topstitching neat.
Questions
How big is the finished tote bag?
The sizes here give a bag about 14 by 15 inches with a flat base. Scale the panels up or down and keep the lining the same size as the outer bag.
Can I use a regular zipper instead of nylon?
Yes. Any 9 inch zipper works, but a nylon coil is easier to shorten and topstitch over.
Do I need the fusible fleece?
It gives the bag body and helps it stand up. Skip it for a soft, packable tote, or use mid-weight interfacing for a lighter hold.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
