Tote bag tutorial

Finished bag dimensions:
11.5" Tall
20.5" Wide
4.5" Gusset

Materials:
1/2 yard exterior fabric
1/2 yard interior fabric
1/2 yard straps
1 1/2 yard fusible decor interfacing
Thread

Tools:
Rotary Cutter
Scissors
Rulers
Fabric Pen
Straight pins

Cutting directions:
For the body of the bag - Cut one 14" strip WOF from the exterior and interior fabrics. Subcut each strip into two 21" panel.
For the straps -  Cut two 6" strips WOF. Cut off selvage from each end. Make sure straps are same length.
From fusible interfacing cut 4 panels 14" x 21". Cut two 6" strips WOF.
*If you want an exterior pocket.
Cut two 6" x 9" panels an one piece of interfacing.

Assembly:
Follow the directions on your interfacing to attach all the corresponding pieces. For the pocket, attach the interfacing to one panel of the pocket.

Let's start sewing!
All sewing directions are 1/4 inch seams.

 Assembling the interior bag - With the fabric sides facing each other, sew three sides of the large panels together leaving the top open. Set aside.

For each strap fold them in half lengthwise with the fabric facing itself. Be sure to enforce each end. You will have created a long tube. Sit down in a comfy chair and flip the straps right side out (this will take a little patience).
Iron the straps really well to create a tight crease. Set aside.

For the pocket - Sew the panels facing each other on top and bottom creating a tube. Flip it right side out and iron on the seams.

Now let's work on the outside of the bag. On each panel, measure from each end five inches. Mark the five inches from bottom to 12 inches up. Pin the straps along your five inch markings. So your straps should measure five inches from the edge of each panel. From the bottom of each strap measure up 12 3/4" and make a small mark. Beginning at the bottom of the strap sew 1/4" from the edge and sew up to the 12 3/4" mark, turn and sew across the strap and sew down toward the bottom. Repeat this step on the other side of the panel.

If you have a pocket, let's place it. Follow the directions above placing the strap and pinning. Place your pocket panel under the strap and pin. Now sew as directed above. To close the pocket sew across the bottom of the pocket.

With the two panels facing each other pin together. Sew the two sides and across the bottom.

Creating the gusset:
 On each side of exterior and interior we will add a gusset. Starting at once corner of the bottoms, separate the panels an line up the side and bottom seams forming a triangle. Place a pin through each seam. From the corner of the angle measure 3" and mark. Repeat this on the other side of the angle. Draw a line connecting the two dots. Sew a seam on the line. Repeat this on the remaining three corners of the two bags. Trim the corners leaving 1/4" seam.

Putting the bag together:
Leave the interior reversed. Flip the exterior right side out. Place the exterior inside the exterior.  The two fabrics should face each other. Push the straps down clear of the soon to be seam. Beginning at the seams, begin to pin. Working all the way around the bag pin, pin and pin. Leave an opening between straps on one side of the bag. The more pinning the better the seam.

Now sew the top of the bag all the way around leaving the opening. Reinforce the beginning and the end of this seam (this is important). Okay, now carefully reach in the bag and pull it all out.  You will flip it all right side out. When it is pulled completely you will have both exterior and interior facing each other.  Now stuff the interior into the exterior. To close the opening fold the opening 1/4" and pin. I like to iron the seam all the way around the top and reinforce with a 1/4" seam.

You are done!