Expanding Nautical Tote Bag FREE sewing pattern
We love this expanding bag design. The sides have snaps that keep the bag neat and together when you don’t have too much to carry, but when the kids are with you, and you are off to swimming, the beach, or anywhere you need to carry more – then the sides open up to give you much more space.
With rope handles and a sturdy adjustable shoulder strap too, plus lots of pockets inside and out, this could be your perfect go-to bag this summer. The bright shiny hardware gives this bag a smart look, and certainly makes this bag look like you bought it somewhere nice!
There is also a complete step-by-step video tutorial for the bag below (split over two videos), so you can learn any bag sewing techniques that might be new to you. You’ll learn how to use rope handles, which are ideal for beach bags and casual bags, along with the use of the large grommets.
What you will need to make an Expanding Nautical Tote Bag:-
- Fabric – see instructions for full details,
- Your choice of interfacing and stabilisers,
- 2-yards of rope for handles or use regular fabric handles,
- Four grommets sized to suit your rope handles (optional),
- Two snaps or magnetic closures,
- One 9-inch zipper for the outer pocket,
- Two 1-inch d-rings (optional),
- Two 1¼ inch strap swivel hooks (optional),
- One 1¼ inch slider (optional),
- Four bag feet (optional),
- Foam core board or similar for the hard bottom (optional),
- Basic sewing supplies,
- A sewing machine.
Download the free pattern here
Find the original tutorial on So Sew Easy
