return on creativity: lil carnation tote bag

I am really feeling inspired by applique right now.  I sketched a carnation for this tote bag.  I love that this flower is on a bright red background.  Red is by far my favorite color.

I modified my bag construction a bit from the lil tree tote bag.  It's a bit wider and the bottom is a little boxy which I think gives the bag a nice shape.

Here's how to make this bag:

1.  Cut four 14 inch squares of fabric.  Two from the outer bag fabric and two from the lining fabric.  I used a home dec weight fabric for the outer bag fabric so I did not add any interfacing to this bag.

2.  Trace the flower and stem designs onto the paper side of some Wonder Under fusible web.  I've included my carnation design below.

3.  Iron the Wonder Under to the wrong side of the fabric you are using for the flower and the stem.  I used white fabric for the flower and green fabric for the stem.  Cut out the designs and remove the paper backing.

4.  Iron the flower to the right side of one of the outer bag squares.  Then place and iron on the stem.

5.  Stitch around the design using a straight stitch on your sewing machine.  Sew very close to the edge of the fabric.  I used black thread since my lining and straps are black.

6.  Put right sides of the outer back squares together and sew around three sides, leaving the top of the bag open.  Use a half inch seam allowance.

7.  Make a boxed corner on the bag by following the steps below:

Fold the  bottom corner into a point.

Measure one inch from the corner stitching and mark with a water soluble marker across the point.

Sew along the marked line.

Cut off excess fabric and repeat on other corner.

8.  Repeat steps 6 and 7 with the lining fabric.

9.  Cut two 18 inch lengths of belting and sew to the right side of the outer bag with seams matching.  Place the straps about two inches in from the seams of the bag.

10,  Place the outer bag inside the bag lining with right sides facing.  Sew around the top of the bag leaving a three inch opening.  Make sure the straps are tucked in.

11.  Pull the outer bag through the opening and turn the lining into the bag.  Top stitch around the edge of the bag, sewing the opening closed.

There you have it.  I think these little tote bags could make lovely gifts, especially if you tuck more goodies inside.  Happy sewing!