Anyone have instructions/measurements for simple, lined
tote bag (no batting, or quilting). Need to make several
of cotton, lined, one pocket on outside, 2 on inside,
simple padded handles, box stitched bottom.
Should I just make a small sample to get technique, then
tackle the rest?
Have made a few in the past, "free wheeling" as I went along!
PM if you can help.

Funny you should ask this just now. My DD and I just measured three totes we like so that I can make her one. We decided on 15" x 15" on the top and 10" wide bottom She needs longer straps (she's almost 6'), one hand-sized pocket on the front and a water bottle pocket on either end. I will have to look for a pattern to follow too.

If you go to ribbon above to SEARCH and type in tote or tote bag it should bring up lots of info. Good luck.

I just made some "church bags". I modeled them after a bag my hubby got from a vendor at a conference. They are so fast and easy. They are not lined but the side seams are enclosed. You can make 2 or 3 in an hour. I'll try to write up some directions tomorrow during the football game if anyone wants to try one. I made my bags out of some fabric samples from an upholsterer. The handles are grosgrain ribbon but you could make them out of fabric if you want. That would take a little longer. It would be very easy to add pockets.

If you don't know what church bags are, they are bags with a coloring book, crayons or colored pencils, paper, pencil, etc. Sometimes there's a 'quiet' toy in them. They are given to children to take into church so they have something to keep them busy during the church service. Our church keeps them in the foyer so parents can grab one on their way in to service on days that there isn't Sunday School. They just drop the bags back off after the service. We check them every couple weeks to see if anything needs to be replaced.

What a great idea Burnsk, thank you for sharing with us :D:D:D

If you go to the Joann Fabrics website and click on Projects they have a lot of purses, totes, etc., and can be downloaded free.

Good morning,

I made the Schlep tote bag a few months back, it was my first tote bag and I thought it turned out well. Easy too.

Here is the link for my post, I have the free pattern link as well as a link to a page with photos that may help you with the pattern.

http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-47924-1.htm

I hope this helps.

Candi