Professional Tote: Making it bigger
 

If anyone can help me this board can. If you've made a professional tote and have some spare time perhaps you could help me figure out if I've done the right adjustments to the pattern. I'll certainly understand if no one wants to take this on. I won't use it at the size it is, so I need to enlarge it. I'll buy extra fabric so in case I messed up on the pattern adjustments....

Size of Tote now Size of Tote I want
15 wide (w) x 15 tall (h) x 6 side panel (D depth) 18 wide x 15 tall x 7 side panel
I know they say the tote is 18 wide but it isn't. It's 18 wide after you add on pleated pockets.
I'm trying to increase the width by 3" and depth by 1" Keeping the height the same.

Here is how I think I need to change the pattern. I've used the numbering system in the pattern

1. 15w x18 h moves to 18w x18 h
2. 6wx15.5 h moves to 7w x 15.5 h
3. 20wx3.5 h moves to 23 w x 3.5 h Educated guess on this one as I'm not visualizing it well.
4. 9wx9H moves to 10wx9h
5 no change
6 15wx8.5h moves to 18x 8.5
7. 20wx18h moves to 23w x 18 h another educated guess
8. 15wx 11.5 h moves to 18 w x 11.5 h
9 20wx 3.5 h moves to 23wx3.5 h
10 15wx6.5 h moves to 18wx 7.5h
11. 20 wx 7.5 h moves to 23 w x 7.5 maybe an educated guess
12. 15 wx9.5h moves to 18wx9.5 h
13 no change
14 9wx10 h moves to 10wx 10 h
15 no change
16 enlarge pattern piece by 1" in the middle.
17, 18 not using.
Thank you, Thank you.

I'm going to be watching this thread carefully since i want to make a tote that is exactly what I want. So I want to see all that you have to go through. Good Luck and let me know how it works out for you.

tkhooper

I know how you feel. The professional tote is a lot of work. If I'm going to make it, it's going to be the size I need.

After I make the Tote and if it turns out correct, I'll help you do your adjustments


http://www.quiltingboard.com/images/...ser-online.png

This website has step by step pictures (no measurements or instructions) for making the Professional Tote. You may be able to compare what you want to do, with what she did and see if it looks reasonable. http://coleensspace.blogspot.com/201...fessional.html

FYI....I would love to know if your measurements work out. I want to make one and did not want the main body to be square.

If you can add the names of the pieces, it would help me follow what you are doijg.

Examples: side panels, lining, outside body, etc,

Sandygirl on this board made the professional tote http://www.quiltingboard.com/picture...e-t270227.html

bearisgray
http://www.quiltingboard.com/images/...ser-online.png
Main Fabric
1. Front & Back15w x18 h moves to 18w x18 h
2. Side Panel 6wx15.5 h moves to 7w x 15.5 h
3. Zipper section 20wx3.5 h moves to 23 w x 3.5 h Educated guess on this one as I'm not visualizing it well.
4.Pleated side pocket 9wx9H moves to 10wx9h
5 Front Zipper pocketno change
6 Back Pocket 15wx8.5h moves to 18x 8.5

Lining Fabric
7. Lining front & Back 20wx18h moves to 23w x 18 h another educated guess
8. Lining zipper pocket 15wx 11.5 h moves to 18 w x 11.5 h
9 Zipper section 20wx 3.5 h moves to 23wx3.5 h

Contrast Fabric
10 Bottom Panel15wx6.5 h moves to 18wx 7.5h
11. Inside Pleaated Pocket w/Flap 20 wx 7.5 h moves to 23 w x 7.5 maybe an educated guess
12. Main Back Patch Pocket 15 wx9.5h moves to 18wx9.5 h
13 front zipper pocket lining no change
14 Side pleated pocket lining 9wx10 h moves to 10wx 10 h
15 Inside patch pocket no change
16 Pleated pocket Flab enlarge pattern piece by 1" in the middle.
17, Fabric handle 18 travel strap not using.

Thanks, MJ

Barb in Louisiana
http://www.quiltingboard.com/images/...ser-online.png
That link is very, very helpful. Thanks. MJ

correct...I made mine last summer. The photo does not show the wooden beads that I added to the Paracord I used on the side pockets. But I digress.

Question.....why do you want to make it larger? The pattern was originally written in 2003. It was designed to carry a laptop computer. ( laptops were larger back then) IMHO it is a large tote as it is. I will pass on altering the size of the pattern and proofing your dimensions. I am sure that others will love to tackle this. ;). ( keep in mind that This tote will get heavier as you enlarge it.)

The pattern is one of the best written purse patterns I have used. The pieces fit like a puzzle! I tackled this project in stages. The prep work is time consuming but once you get the pieces labeled, cut out, fused, etc....the construction goes fairly quickly, BUT, again, I worked on each section at 2 hour intervals. This is a 12 page pattern and there are detailed instructions. This was my most "challenging" technique-rich purse/tote that I have ever made. The result was worth it!

I do suggest that you stick to the original pattern and make one first. Then think about if you want to adjust the size.

I look forward to seeing your finished project. Read the directions carefully and take your time!
sandy

The suitcase is 16"W x 24" H

the suitcase handle is fully extended.

yes, i love the suitcase strap.

sandy

Sandygirl That is a beautiful tote. If mine turns out half as good I'll be happy!

http://www.quiltingboard.com/images/...er-offline.pngThat was my first thought too. Just make it as it is but then I wouldn't use the tote.. I use a tote for traveling and the one I usually use is broke. It is actually much bigger than the professional tote. The one I'm thinking of making is between the two sizes.

I would make it the regular size and gift it to someone! It is a lovely bag, and makes a great gift. I made about 6 of these (I love to do production line sewing) and gave almost all of them away. My friend made them and sold them for $125 each! Very time consuming to get all the pieces cut, I started without labeling, BIG mistake! This is a wonderfully written pattern, great finished product. I think it is large as it is, but if you want it larger it sounds like you have thought it through. Are you changing the size of the front pocket so the straps will be further apart? Inside zipper pockets can be eliminated as they do inhibit how wide the bag will stretch sideways. Good luck!

If you read to the end - she would have cut a couple of the lining pieces larger.

If you read to the end - she would have cut a couple of the lining pieces larger.

Does the pattern say to use 1/2 inch seam allowances?

There is a big and small pattern for the Professional tote. The large one is huge and very heavy to carry if full. It can carry a laptop and a weeks worth of clothes. The instructions for this tote leave a little to be desired.

I have a pattern for large professional tote Size: 18" wide x 15" tall x 5" deep. The only changes would be to accommodate a deeper measurement. It is by The Creative Thimble. I have made it and it is pretty large.[ATTACH=CONFIG]554724[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]554725[/ATTACH]

I would keep looking for a pattern that actually starts with the size I wanted. There are literally 100's of purse / tote patterns out there.

I have made about 15 of the professional totes. The pattern is really well written. I made it smaller once, but never larger. The hardest thing to wrap your mind around it the final steps where you put on the top sipper section. As you cut the pieces use the labels they give you so you can identify all of the pieces. Good luck.

a "weeks worth" of clothing? Nope. Not even close unless you are only packing panties and bras. ;). And the instructions were very user friendly. Just take each step slowly.

Sandy

[ATTACH=CONFIG]559148[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]559149[/ATTACH]I was able to make the bag longer by 3". This made for an excellent size for carry on. Challenging bag to make. Didn't finish it till the night before the trip. Nothing like a deadline to get me going.

Mjp...Congratulations! You did a great job too! Nothing like a deadline to motivate oneself!
sandy