Step One

Cut the following:
Gold: Two 20 inch x 30 – front and back of the tote
Silver: One 16 inch x 30 rectangle – bag bottom
One 8 ¼ inch x 20 ½ inch rectangle – front pocket
One 12 inch square – inside pocket
Two 6 inch x 30 inch rectangles – handles

Diagrams have been provided:

Aluminor Tote Bag

Step Two

Using the diagrams as a guide; cut notches into front and back sections of the tote and tote bottom. Diagram A

Step Three

Press sewing tape to the wrong side of the tote bottom along the inside edges. Remove the paper backing from the tape and turn under both edges ½ inch, pressing tape to secure. Apply tape to the top of the folded edge. Diagram B

Step Four

With wrong sides together stitch the tote front and back together along the bottom edge. Use the pressing cloth and press the seam open. Diagram C

Step Five

Place the tote bottom right side up onto the tote front and back, lift the top edge of the tote bottom, remove the tape and then press to secure. Repeat securing the opposite side in the same manner. Top stitch the tote bottom to the tote front and back. Diagram D

Step Six

Press sewing tape to the wrong side of the inside pocket along one edge. Remove the paper backing from the tape and turn under 1 inch, pressing tape to secure. Fold the pocket right sides out with the hemmed edge 3 inches below the unfinished edge. Top stitch down either side of the pocket. Diagram E

Step Seven

Press sewing tape to the wrong side of the tote back and front along the inside edges. Remove the paper backing from the tape on one side, fold the edge over 1 1/2 inches, before pressing the tape into place, insert the top edge of the inside pocket against the fold, centering it and placing it against the fold line, press the tape into place. Remove the paper backing from the tape along the opposite side of the bag and press into place. Topstitch; 1 ¼ inches from the top edge and again 1 inch from the top. Diagram F

Step Eight

Press sewing tape to the wrong side of the 3 edges of the outside pocket. Turn the edges in ½ inch, fold back and remove the paper backing from the tape, refold and press tape to secure. Press sewing tape to the wrong side along the remaining edge. Turn the edge in 1 ½ inches, remove the paper backing from the tape and refold pressing the tape to secure. Top stitch; 1 ¼ inches from the top edge and again 1 inch from the top. Diagram G

Step Nine

Center the pocket on the front of the bag, against the bag bottom. Use sewing tape to hold in place if desired. Top stitch. Diagram H

Step Ten

Fold each of the handles in half lengthwise, open the fold and fold each of the edges towards the center fold. Refold in half and use sewing clips or sewing tape to secure. Topstitch down either side. Diagram I

Step Eleven

Sew straps to the front and back of the bag, placing them 5 inches in from each edge. Sew an ‘x’ to secure straps. Diagram J

Step Twelve

With right sides together stitch the side seams of the bag. Take the time to match the bag bottom seams carefully for a professional look. Press the seams open using a pressing cloth. Diagram K

Step Thirteen

Fold the bottom corners of the bag and stitch. Diagram L

Step Fourteen

Turn the bag right side out. Measure the bottom of the bag and cut a piece of cardboard or other stiff material ¼ inch smaller all around and insert into the bottom of the bag to provide additional support.

Step Fifteen

Sew snap closure to center front opening of the bag.