Click below for more!
This is what you’ll need to get started:
Fabric (see below)Heat n Bond
Fusible interfacing
Scrap fabric for appliques
And of course, scissors, sewing machine, pins, thread, and a measuring tape is handy. 
Fabric:
1 15×30 inch piece of fabric for outside of bag
2 25-30×4 inch pieces of fabric for straps (length depends on how long you want your straps to be)
2 pieces of fabric for pocket (I made mine 7×8 inches, although you could make them whatever size you want!)
Now that you have your pieces cut out, we’ll get those straps made.
(click on any of the pictures to view them larger)
First, iron in the sides about 1/2 inch. Then, fold it in half and iron again. Pin, and stitch a 1/4 inch seam on both edges. Easy!
Now, the pocket. Place pieces of fabric right sides together, and sew around outside, leaving a few inches open to turn. Turn right side out, and press. BEFORE sewing onto your lining, sew along your “top” about 1/4 inch, leaving room at your start and finish for matching up when you sew the pocket on. (does that make sense?) Pin where you want your pocket on your lining fabric, and sew around the other three sides, leaving the top open. (so you can use it!)
Now, make your appliques and adhere them to your outside fabric, according to the package instructions. I just drew a simple leaf shape, but you could get way creative with monograms, shapes, animals…whatever strikes your fancy!
Stitch around your appliques however you like.
So, this is what you should have now.
Pocket sewed to the lining? Check.
Straps? Check.
Appliques on outside? Check.
Yahoo! Let’s keep going.
Now, fold over your fabrics right sides together and pin along the sides.
The picture pretty much says it all!
Now, to square off the bottom. Measure about 1 1/2 inch from both ends and flatten it like the picture shows. Pin and sew along where you pinned. (back stitch a bit at the beginning and end for stability) Cut off triangle about 1/2 inch from your seam. Turn inside out and admire your work. Repeat for the lining fabric.
Ooh. Ahh. Enjoy your bag. Stare at it, cuddle it, whatever.
Mine is Orbit Sweet Mint…never leave home without it! I will draw a winner Saturday, July 11th. Good luck!!
Oh, and what’s a tote without something in it? Here’s a little summer something that it will be filled with!
***If you have used any of my tutorials, I’d love if you’d add a quick pic to my flicker group! Thanks!***
Oh, oh!! Count me in this drawing!! LOL, super cute! I ordered some Alexander Henry juicy lemon fabric today. Maybe I can make a bag from some of it too!!
Great tutorial!!! I also love Orbit sweet mint, or any sweet mint!!! Please add me to the drawing:0)
You’re getting good at tutorials Jessica!
My favorite gum is Trident (the original flavor). Does this mean I’m a dull boring person? Count me in your drawing.
Since I don’t own a showing machine, I need to win this because I want a bad like that!
YOU got me hooked on Orbit Sweet Mint. It is yummy.
So cute! I am all about winterfresh. 🙂 You really are amazing. Next time I come to CA we might need to try a sewing/play date.
So cute! I am all about winterfresh. 🙂 You really are amazing. Next time I come to CA we might need to try a sewing/play date.
So cute! I am all about winterfresh. 🙂 You really are amazing. Next time I come to CA we might need to try a sewing/play date.
So cute! I am all about winterfresh. 🙂 You really are amazing. Next time I come to CA we might need to try a sewing/play date.
So cute! I am all about winterfresh. 🙂 You really are amazing. Next time I come to CA we might need to try a sewing/play date.
So cute! I am all about winterfresh. 🙂 You really are amazing. Next time I come to CA we might need to try a sewing/play date.
So cute! I am all about winterfresh. 🙂 You really are amazing. Next time I come to CA we might need to try a sewing/play date.
So cute! I am all about winterfresh. 🙂 You really are amazing. Next time I come to CA we might need to try a sewing/play date.
So cute! I am all about winterfresh. 🙂 You really are amazing. Next time I come to CA we might need to try a sewing/play date.
So cute! I am all about winterfresh. 🙂 You really are amazing. Next time I come to CA we might need to try a sewing/play date.
super cute I want =)
my favorite is Trident whitening Peppermint flavor.
count me in!!!!
-janae nae
I’m with Candice… I don’t have a sewing machine so I’m SOL on making my own tote. I wish I could sew, though!!!
I don’t chew gum much but when I do I like anything wintergreen.
Thanks for the super tutorial!
LOVE IT and I will be making this!!
Fave gum flavor = Extra Spearmint or the dark blue package!
I love the simplicity of your tutorials and great photography! It makes it SO much easier for beginners such as myself to make really cute stuff!! Thanks!
I love Orbit “For A Good Clean Feeling, No Matter What™” especially since they have such an awesome selection of flavors!
This is a super cute bag. I made it today to use as a diaper bag-if the pocket is vertical it’s perfect for a Born Free bottle.
The only thing that would have been great is if you had reminded us to put the fold of the exterior fabric and lining at the bottom, which I didn’t do 🙁 but it doesn’t affect the cuteness of the bag.
I also stash-busted for it, which is always good!
Cute bag. How big are the final dimensions? I want to make them for nieces and nephews to use for church.
@CrazyHomemadeMom-I have no clue where my bag is right now (lol) but the bags are big enough to fit a binder and some books, definitely!
thanks so much for this awesome tutorial!!!
made it as christmas gifts for mi 2 childhood frens X3