Thread: Questions on tote bags

I need ideas/opinions on what features to add to a tote bag I am making for my DD. She has accepted a position as an 8th grade teacher for the next school year and wants a tote for school. I have asked her what she wants and she is absolutely no help, leaving it entirely up to me. I want to put a large pocket on both outside pieces, big enough for papers....and pockets all the way around the inside about 10" deep. I don't think it needs any zippered pockets like a purse, but what am I missing? I am going to use 1" nylon webbing for the straps, sewn from the very bottom seam for extra strength. I am not using a specific pattern, so I can add whatever seems appropriate. TIA

I think one zippered pocket on the inside, large enough for something she might not want seen at once, a good option.
Also a D ring or place to clip keys.

Originally Posted by justflyingin

I think one zippered pocket on the inside, large enough for something she might not want seen at once, a good option.
Also a D ring or place to clip keys.

For those times when both hands are full, I'd also want a large D-ring at the top of each side and a removable longer strap to carry it across the body like a messenger bag, less chance of slipping off the shoulders.

The professional tote is a great bag, but it does have lots of pattern pieces. I have used mine for years.
http://thecreativethimble.com/shop/professional-tote/

Originally Posted by alikigirl

The professional tote is a great bag, but it does have lots of pattern pieces. I have used mine for years.
http://thecreativethimble.com/shop/professional-tote/

Thanks for this link!! Have not come across The Creative Thimble before, but I love the look of that tote - have just ordered the mini tote pattern

Originally Posted by GarageDragon

Thanks for this link!! Have not come across The Creative Thimble before, but I love the look of that tote - have just ordered the mini tote pattern

I made this one--my first real tote. I wrote about it here on QB. I put quite a few pictures on the post.

My "Professional Tote"

Originally Posted by justflyingin

I made this one--my first real tote. I wrote about it here on QB. I put quite a few pictures on the post.

My "Professional Tote"

Your bag is really lovely - I'm looking forward to having a go when my pattern arrives! Thank you for the link too, I had a read through and will also have a look into the 'soft and stable' instead of fusible interfacing which was mentioned...