Waxed Tote Bag FREE sewing pattern
Tote Bags are super popular with many sewers and here we have a fantastic example where the pattern as a real bonus is FREE. It’s super generous of the designer Vicky Myers Creations to give us this awesome sewing pattern!
This is a Waxed Tote Bag where the pattern comes in two sizes – large and medium. All you have to do is choose the size that suits you!
The larger bag is made from a synthetic waxed fabric that the designer bought from a market stall in France, it feels like the wrong side is coated with a thin layer of plastic, this fabric is often used for table cloths. The smaller tote is made from wax canvas.
Using waxed canvas can create a small problem. It’s not possible to successfully adhere the interfacing to the waxed canvas because of the wax in the fabric. So what should you use to add structure to the bag? The large bag is made of a fabric-lined with plastic so the designer used Decovil 1 on the inside of the outer fabric with interfacing for the lining.
While the medium bag is made with waxed fabric, due to the structure this already has (due to the fabric’s weight) and the size of the bag the designer chose to add fusible fleece to the lining. You should experiment with samples of your fabric and different interfacing options, bearing in mind the finished size of the bag and how structured you would like the finished bag to be. You should check out the designer’s post choosing the right interfacing for bags, by clicking HERE.
The designer also says that you should spend time testing the tension of your sewing machine with waxed canvas. Before starting to sew up this bag she tested three different sewing machine feet and chose to stitch with a denim thread for strength, due to the weight of the waxed canvas. For further hints and tips, you should check out her post 11 Top Tips For Sewing Waxed Canvas by clicking HERE.
Materials aside, if you like the design of the bag and DON’T want to use waxed canvas, no problem! The design would work well with other fabrics too. Just pick your interfacing to suit the fabric you are using.
Sizing info:
When you have finished making your very own Waxed Tote Bag it will measure approximately:-
- Large bag = 16½″ high, 15″ wide, and 4″ deep.
- Medium bag = 14″ high, 12½″ wide, and 3¼″ deep.
If you would like to download the FREE pattern you can click on the purple button below.
