Pattern Description:
This pattern creates an insulated tote bag perfect for summer grocery shopping, picnics, or weekend trips.
It features a two-way zipper and strong, aligned handles. The bag is constructed from outer printed cotton, interfacing, inner nylon, and Insul-bright insulation, resulting in a simple, multi-purpose design.
Materials Needed & Measurements:
Materials Used:
- Printed cotton for outer: approximately 3/4 yard.
- Suggested cut size: 20″ X 21″.
- Interfacing: approximately 3/4 yard.
- Suggested cut size: 20″ X 21″.
- Nylon: approximately 3/4 yard.
- Suggested cut size: 20″ X 21″.
- Insul-bright: approximately 3/4 yard.
- Suggested cut size: 20″ X 21″.
- Cotton webbing for handle: 4 yards.
- Zipper (Two-way): 22″.
- Hand sewing needle.
- Sewing machine.
- Matching thread.
- Iron.
Key Construction Measurements:
- Handle Placement: The handles are sewn onto the outer panels by centering them. Stitching should start around 12″ to 14″ inches from the bottom.
- Handle Stronghold: A 1″ square with a cross is made on the top of the handle stitching for strength.
- Seam Allowance: Use a 1/2″ seam allowance when combining the outer and inner panels.
- Turning Gap: Leave approximately 5″ of a gap in the inner panel stitching.
- Bottom Squaring: Square the bottom bag around 4″ on both sides of the outer and inner panel.
Instructions for Making the Tote with Built-in Cooler Pattern:
Creating the Insulated Panel
The inner panel provides the insulation required for the cooler function:
- Attach Insul-bright: Attach the Insul-bright layer to the inner nylon fabric.
- Secure Layers: Secure these two layers by making random stitches both horizontally and vertically.
Although you could measure and make a perfect quilt-like pattern, the instructions recommend using the random stitch method.
Attaching the Handles
- Cut and Center Handles: Cut the cotton webbing handles for each side and center them when sewing onto each of the outer panels.
- Stitch Placement: Start stitching the handle onto the bag around 12″ to 14″ inches from the bottom.
- Ensure Alignment: Make sure the handle is aligned properly without any twist so that the bag lifts perfectly.
- Reinforcement: For stronghold, create a 1″ square with a cross on the top of the handle stitching. A zig-zag stitch can also be added to the top of each side of the handle for added strength.
Installing the Zipper
The 22″ two-way zipper is attached next, providing a secure closure:
- Sandwich the Zipper: Place the right sides of the fabric pieces facing each other, sandwiching the zipper in between, and make a stitch.
- Repeat and Top Stitch: Repeat the process on the other side. Once complete, do a top stitch to secure the zipper in place.
Assembling the Bag Body
The next step combines the outer and inner panels to form the structure of the bag:
- Combine Panels: Combine the outer panels together and the inner panels together so that the right sides of the fabric are facing each other. The zipper should be facing toward the inner panel.
- Open the Zipper: Ensure the zipper is open before proceeding.
- Stitch the Corner: Stitch along the corner using a 1/2″ seam allowance.
- Leave a Gap: Begin stitching at the inner panel and end at the inner panel, leaving a gap of around 5 inches.
Finishing the Bag
- Square the Bottom: Square the bottom of the bag by squaring around 4″ on both sides of both the outer panel and the inner panel.
- Cut and Turn: Cut off the excess fabric. Turn the entire bag inside out through the 5″ gap left in the inner panel.
- Close the Gap: Sew the gap shut using the ladder stitch with a hand sewing needle. The bag is now complete.
