Thread: Advice about making tote bags please

Other than the obvious solution that you mentioned - I can't think of a way that would work.

Maybe attach a pocket to the top edge and catch it in a binding? It would sort of swing free from the top.

Or attach a pockets to the side seams somehow?

You would have to make a separate lining for pockets, as you said.

I have done the free hanging pocket as mentioned, but keep in mind if you put something heavy in it, it will drag the edge of the bag down.
What I usually do is run the handles all the way around the bag like this:
http://www.instructables.com/id/How-...bbing-Handles/
the straps hide the side seams where you have attached the pocket on the inside. You can also add a pocket to the outside. You don't have to make the handles go all the way around, just down far enough to cover the pocket seam. If you make the handle a contrasting fabric, it becomes a design element.

Originally Posted by KenmoreGal2

Ah yes, Princess. I see what you mean. That's a very interesting method. Thanks!

Do you always use serious straps like in the tute or do you sometimes make your own handles out of plain old cloth, folded over? I can see how the straps could also be a design element. Definitely something to think about.

P.S. I posted a pic of how I finished the laptop tote bag, it's sinking lower into the que in case you want to see....

I usually go overboard on reinforcing the handles. The minimum sewing I do is the box, as you did when you revised your new tote. I often do make them from fabric, but I put a piece of batting or interfacing in to reinforce them. If I go around the whole tote with the handle, I will just put the interfacing in the portion that will be caught in the box sewing and in the handle portion, but not the part that goes around the tote. This cuts down on bulk. I really do find making the handles tedious. My sister makes purses for craft fairs and my cousins also make bags & totes, so we get the polypropylene strapping in bulk and split it. Having strapping on hand in lots of colors is great.
http://www.countrybrookdesign.com/webbing-and-hardware

I make lots of totes with painter's canvas drop cloths from Lowes or Home Depot. Pretty inexpensive. Don't get the plastic coated ones. Sounds like a good idea, but the plastic peels off after a while. You can use it on the outside or as the lining.

You could also hand stitch the pockets without going all the way through to the front. I've done many that way, stitching around the 2 sides & bottom and also just stitching the bottom of ones I attached at the top like described above.
You can also use liquid stitch or a no-sew permanent fusible

When I make totes I sew the inside pockets to the inside lining.