Does anyone else out there always click on the Pinterest recipes that say (for example)”BEST MEATLOAF EVER”? I do! I can’t help it. I think, if they claim it is the best, it must the BEST! Well, I think this 1/2 yard tote is pretty great, so I am going to go ahead and call it THE BEST. Haha! I will let you be the judge but I may as well shoot for the moon 🙂
I am teaching a little sewing class to a few local kids. They are so fun and I am really enjoying sharing my love of sewing with them. Our first project was pin cushions and now we are making our second project, this tote bag! I think it is perfect to teach them how to follow a simple pattern, learn
If you are coming from my Youtube channel, WELCOME! If you are already a blog follower, head over to my channel and watch this new video and learn how to make this adorable tote bag.
You can download the cutting guide to by clicking on these BLUE words below. Print out this page for easy reference when making these bags (because I KNOW you are going to make more than one!).
QuickEasy1:2YardTote-byGingercake
Here is the stabilizer I use. It is my favorite now and I love only using that expensive fusible interfacing when I have too. I love saving the $$$, the time, and I love how sturdy this stuff make my bags! Here is for sale on amazon.
Here are a few more photos of the bag! I used chambray fabric from Andover for the lining and the exterior fabric is from Blend fabrics. I love this combo, don’t you? What would you use this bag for? Library tote? Piano bag? Crafts on the go? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!
17 Comments
Connie Hickey
on April 26, 2018 at 8:46 pm
I think this bag is really nice. I love your fabric. Is that little pincushion the one you made with the kids?
HI Virginia, I just discovered your YouTube channel and blog. I am now becoming familiar with your projects and am enjoying it. Please notice that we have the same last name. Is it possible we’re related either by birth or marriage? I was born a Lindsay in Newport News, Virginia. I hope to hear from you if you’re so inclined. God bless! Julia
hi! I live near Pittsburgh and married a Lindsay. I don’t know of many from New Port News, but it is certainly possible! I am so glad you are enjoying the videos and tutorials! thanks 🙂
I didn’t understand that the orientation of the lining, when sewing the lining to the top of the tote, had to have the interior pocket opening pointed up to the top seam. I ended up with a nice tote but the pocket opened downward to the bottom. Hmmm
So I ripped out the pocket and one side of the lining. Then pinned the pocket facing upward. I was able to reattach the pocket through the opened side seam. Then I just top stitched that lining seam back together.
I guess I was concentrating so hard on how to pin the lining so the pocket would be on the back interior, I forgot to look at how the final product would look.
I just got a sewing machine as I just recently began to go for sewing lessons… And my first completed piece on my very own sewing machine is this really easy and cute🤗 tote bag.. Wish I could show you
Can’t find the cutting guide? it implies it’s aseperate link but can’t seem to find it. Thank you for your help. Great site and ideas! Thank you for sharing your ideas.
Dear Virginia,
Can you please let me know where I can find the pattern layout of your Half Yard Tote Bag. I need to visualize how to cut the pieces out since you said “every inch of the half yard will be used”. Thanks!
Hi Virginia,
I just made a pink & white polka dot bag for my daughter! She absolutely loves it! Your video was so helpful! Your directions are so clear I can follow then with ease! I’ve made a bunch of your items and everyone is so happy when they get them. I made the fabric bag at Mother’s Day and filled it with goodies-no one could believe I made such a beautiful bag(thanks to you)! Thanks so much
Does anyone else out there always click on the Pinterest recipes that say (for example)”BEST MEATLOAF EVER”? I do! I can’t help it. I think, if they claim it is the best, it must the BEST! Well, I think this 1/2 yard tote is pretty great, so I am going to go ahead and call it THE BEST. Haha! I will let you be the judge but I may as well shoot for the moon 🙂
I am teaching a little sewing class to a few local kids. They are so fun and I am really enjoying sharing my love of sewing with them. Our first project was pin cushions and now we are making our second project, this tote bag! I think it is perfect to teach them how to follow a simple pattern, learn
If you are coming from my Youtube channel, WELCOME! If you are already a blog follower, head over to my channel and watch this new video and learn how to make this adorable tote bag.
You can download the cutting guide to by clicking on these BLUE words below. Print out this page for easy reference when making these bags (because I KNOW you are going to make more than one!).
QuickEasy1:2YardTote-byGingercake
Here is the stabilizer I use. It is my favorite now and I love only using that expensive fusible interfacing when I have too. I love saving the $$$, the time, and I love how sturdy this stuff make my bags! Here is for sale on amazon.
Here are a few more photos of the bag! I used chambray fabric from Andover for the lining and the exterior fabric is from Blend fabrics. I love this combo, don’t you? What would you use this bag for? Library tote? Piano bag? Crafts on the go? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!
I think this bag is really nice. I love your fabric. Is that little pincushion the one you made with the kids?
Your work is just fantastic, neat ,clear and very well demonstrated. Thank you j
Hi! I’m new to sewing. Can you use Cotton fabric? I’m not familiar with stabilizer yet but I’m learning. I enjoy your channel.
HI Virginia, I just discovered your YouTube channel and blog. I am now becoming familiar with your projects and am enjoying it. Please notice that we have the same last name. Is it possible we’re related either by birth or marriage? I was born a Lindsay in Newport News, Virginia. I hope to hear from you if you’re so inclined. God bless! Julia
hi! I live near Pittsburgh and married a Lindsay. I don’t know of many from New Port News, but it is certainly possible! I am so glad you are enjoying the videos and tutorials! thanks 🙂
Hi Virginia!
Thank you for this tote. In making it, I think perhaps the measurement of the lining pocket on your pattern should be 6 x 14?
That would make all of the non-handle pieces 14 inches in height. Thanks again!
I didn’t understand that the orientation of the lining, when sewing the lining to the top of the tote, had to have the interior pocket opening pointed up to the top seam. I ended up with a nice tote but the pocket opened downward to the bottom. Hmmm
So I ripped out the pocket and one side of the lining. Then pinned the pocket facing upward. I was able to reattach the pocket through the opened side seam. Then I just top stitched that lining seam back together.
I guess I was concentrating so hard on how to pin the lining so the pocket would be on the back interior, I forgot to look at how the final product would look.
It turned out fine after that bit of a fix.
Linda
I just got a sewing machine as I just recently began to go for sewing lessons… And my first completed piece on my very own sewing machine is this really easy and cute🤗 tote bag.. Wish I could show you
I would so appreciate an adaptation for a walker. I am trying it on my own but am not an accomplished craftman.
Can’t find the cutting guide? it implies it’s aseperate link but can’t seem to find it. Thank you for your help. Great site and ideas! Thank you for sharing your ideas.
It is under the video above
Dear Virginia,
Can you please let me know where I can find the pattern layout of your Half Yard Tote Bag. I need to visualize how to cut the pieces out since you said “every inch of the half yard will be used”. Thanks!
hi Denise!
It is underneath the video. In light blue. Click on those letters and the PDF will come up
thanks!
Can i use an ‘Iron on’ interfacing? Instead of the stabilizer, because i can’t seem to find it here in Nigeria
Can i use an ‘Iron on’ interfacing instead of the stabilizer? I can’t seem to find it here in Nigeria
hi Ella!
Yes- you can use the iron on or fusible interfacing. That would certainly work!
Hi Virginia,
I just made a pink & white polka dot bag for my daughter! She absolutely loves it! Your video was so helpful! Your directions are so clear I can follow then with ease! I’ve made a bunch of your items and everyone is so happy when they get them. I made the fabric bag at Mother’s Day and filled it with goodies-no one could believe I made such a beautiful bag(thanks to you)! Thanks so much