Artisan Series · Mini Tote Bag Kit
Seven pattern pieces. Your fabric. Your stitch. Raw selvedge denim, waxed canvas or leather — one pattern, made your way.
The MINI Tote pattern includes every piece drafted at full cut size with ½" seam allowance built in. Solid outer lines = cut. Dashed inner lines = sew. Dotted lines = fold or hem.
Transfer all placement marks to your fabric with chalk before cutting. Work in order, press every seam, and this bag builds itself.
Dimensions include ½" seam allowance. Cut from main fabric; repeat in lining (omit pocket on lining if used).
Follow along with the complete step-by-step build — from flat fabric to finished tote. See every cut, press, and topstitch in real time.
Use a ½" seam allowance throughout. Press every seam after stitching — this makes the difference between a good bag and a great one. Work in the order below.
Fuse medium-weight interfacing to the wrong side of each main fabric piece. Trim ½" from all edges so interfacing stays clear of the seams. Let cool before marking placement guides.
Fold the top raw edge down 1" to the wrong side and press. Fold down again ½" and press — stitch this double hem. Fold the remaining three raw edges in ½" and press flat.
Place Piece 1 right side up. Position the pocket on the placement guide marks. Topstitch along the folded sides and bottom edge, close to the fold. Backstitch firmly at both top corners.
Fold each long edge in toward the centre line and press. Fold the strap in half enclosing all raw edges and press firmly. Topstitch both long edges close to the fold. Repeat for the second handle.
Align the raw ends of each handle with placement marks near the top of Piece 1 and Piece 2. Stitch down with a box or X-stitch for maximum strength. Add rivets for a polished, durable finish.
Place one top strip right side down on the top of Piece 1, raw edges aligned. Stitch ½" seam, press strip upward. Repeat on Piece 2. This adds 2" to the finished bag height.
Attach one side panel to each side edge of the front panel, then attach the back panel to the open sides of both side panels. This creates a continuous loop: front – side – back – side. Press all seams.
Pin the bottom panel right sides together to the four bottom raw edges of the assembled loop. Ease carefully around each corner. Stitch all four seams to create the flat base and structured box shape.
Without top strips: Double-fold the top raw edge ½" inward twice and stitch a clean double hem.
With top strips: Fold the raw edge ½" inward, then fold the entire strip to the bag interior and topstitch to secure.
Turn right side out, push out all corners firmly, and give the finished bag a final press.
| 1 YARD | Main fabric | Canvas, denim, or leather |
| ¾ YARD | Lining fabric | Optional |
| ¾ YARD | Fusible interfacing | Optional — adds structure |
| 1 SPOOL | All-purpose thread | Match or contrast colour |
| 4 PCS | Rivets | Optional handle hardware |
MINI: 8.5" W × 11.5" H × 4" D
MEDIUM: 10" W × 15" H × 4" D — same construction, scaled pieces
Leather: use clips not pins, a Teflon presser foot, and a leather needle. Denim: use a size 90/14 jeans needle and press seams open for the flattest possible finish.