Tote Bag with Rope Handles

Size: 30cm (l) 40cm (w – opening) 10cm (d)

This large tote bag nicely features a hand drawn large and small checkerboard design of the Bed-Grass・・・Cozy from naniIRO. “Small checkered patterns are placed around the opening, while large checkered patterns are aligned with the pocket. Using many grommets, rope handles with a knot create a nice design.” (by Sugino, the bag’s designer) 　
A refreshing blue color is perfect for the upcoming season. The indigo and white bi-color lining uses a canvas fabric, making it a reversible bag.

デザイン・製作：Mioko Sugino

Fabric shown for this sample:
　naniIRO Bed Grass・・・Cozy　JG10321 (A)　matama

Materials:
□ Fabric (Outer fabric): 110cm wide×50cm
(Lining fabric a (canvas)): 90cm×50cm
(Lining fabric b (canvas)): 30cm×50cm
□ Fusible interfacing: 80cm×10cm
□ Rope: 1.4m (0.8cm diameter)
□ Grommet: 8 pairs (1.0cm inside diameter)
□ Button: 2 pairs (1.5cm diameter)

We interviewed Mioko about her creation:
Kokka Fabric (KF): What did you think of the fabric you used for this project?

The line drawing of the large and small checkered design is simple yet stylish and beautiful. I created something large that features this design in its entirety.

KF: Can you tell us any special elements or ideas that you incorporated into this creation?

The small checkered pattern on both ends of the fabric is placed at the opening, while utilizing the large checkered pattern to outline a pocket.
I tried to keep the cutting of the fabric to minimum by folding the fabric to create the pocket. Using many grommets, rope handles with a knot creates a nice design.

KF: What are some tips for making this bag?

You may find attaching grommets difficult, and that’s how I personally felt when I first tried it.
Once you get the hang of it, you will find it fun as it changes the look of the bag significantly. Make sure to mark the locations precisely to avoid making a hole in the wrong spot.

KF: How should we use this bag in everyday situations?

It will look mature and stylish when combined with a cool looking outfit, like a simple dress or a white shirt and jeans.
Since it is reversible, you can create a completely different feel if you choose a contrasting color and patterns for inside.

KF: Thank you very much, Mioko! Here are sewing instructions along with step by step photos from her. Enjoy crafting!

Instructions

Materials

Prepare the materials.

1.

Adhere fusible interfacing on the back of the lining fabric.

2.

With the front sides facing outside, fold the fabric and run stitches at the opening of the pocket.

3.

With the front sides facing each other, fold in half and sew both sides.

4.

Make a 10cm gusset. Cut the excess fabric and serge the seam.

5.

Piece together the dark blue canvas and white canvas lining fabrics.

6.

Press the seam open and sew like the outer fabrics.

7.

Fold inward the opening of both outer bag and lining bag and press with an iron. With the front sides facing outside, put together the outer bag and lining bag and hold at the top with pins. (Avoid overlapping the pocket side)

8.

Sew all the way around at the opening.

9.

Mark eight location for the grommet and make a hole. Attach the grommet. To securely place the grommet, make the hole on the fabric 0.2cm smaller than the hole of the grommet.