project : graphic tote by Lauren

Let me introduce myself, my name is Lauren and I write for trend-mixblog. Wonder magazine have been kind enough to let me contribute and I’m extremely excited! Trend-mixblog features all types of fashion DIYs and here is my latest one... I hope you enjoy!

I love black and white graphic print for autumn! It looks super cool and can add a lot of interest to an otherwise simple outfit.  This tote is great because it can fit a lot of stuff in it too.  This tutorial shows you how to put in lining as well, which can be applied to any of the previous bag tutorials on my blog.  If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me on Twitter or Facebook.  I hope you enjoy this project and make it your own!

Gather your materials. We will need: graphic fabric, lining fabric, felt, paper towel, ruler, thread, needle, scissors, grosgrain ribbon, trim for handles, and pins.

Cut out two two pieces of graphic print fabric. You can make a custom pattern like I did using a paper towel, or you can measure out 17 inches by 15.5 inches directly on the fabric.

To make pleats, divide one piece of fabric into thirds by marking the underside with a pencil, along the shorter side, every 5 inches (you'll have 2 pencil marks). Pinch about a quarter of an inch of fabric at each mark (keeping the mark in the centre), pin it down and sew about one 4 inches down the bag.

After you make your pleats, pin the fabric to the felt and cut. Do this to the remaining piece of fabric as well. Now sew around all four sides of both pieces, connecting the fabric and felt together. 

Face the graphic print fabric sides towards each other. Pin and sew the two sides together around both of the long sides and one of the shorter sides, leaving the side with the pleats open.

Turn it inside out... it looks like we're getting somewhere!

These next couple of steps are for the lining. Cut out two 18 inch by 16 inch pieces out of the lining fabric (you always want the lining to be a little bigger than your bag). Pin the sides you want showing towards each other and sew, leaving the top open.

Place the lining inside your bag, lining up the top edges. Pin in place and sew all the way around the top edge.

Fold your fabric about 1.5 inches down towards the inside of the bag, so no frayed edges are showing. Pin the fabric in place and sew it down.

Turn your bag inside out. Take your grosgrain ribbon and pin it so it covers the frayed edges.

When the ribbon is pinned all around, it should look something like this. Now sew it!

Our bag is almost complete! Putting handles on that work for you can take a bit of trial and error, depending on what style you prefer. These handles are each 26 inches in length. Cut your own preferred length, pin then to the top of the bag and sew.

Step out in this super cool autumn tote, no one will believe you made it yourself!

Lauren is a teacher and blogger. You can find her over at trend-mixblog.com. Find more posts by Lauren here...