In this video tutorial, I will show you how to make the Leah, a large tote bag with a divider that holds a water bottle up to 40 oz. We will walk through the pattern pieces, the bag’s features, and the construction process. I will give you a step-by-step guide to making this unique tote bag, including constructing the handle and strap, gusset, exterior, zipper placket, and lining.
The Leah tote features a built-in divider for a water bottle, umbrella, set of workout clothes, or whatever you need to tote and keep separate from your valuables. The main compartment is an 11" zippered closure with plenty of room for all of your essentials. It features one interior zipper pocket and one interior slip pocket, as well as a key fob. The bag finishes at approximately 15" W x 11" H x 4.5" D.
The pattern is designed for intermediate level sewists, but a confident beginner can certainly tackle the project to improve their sewing skills. The exterior of your bag can be made from cotton, cotton canvas, faux leather, or genuine leather. You can use a single exterior fabric or add a contrasting fabric for the bottom, piping, handle connectors, and handles.
Download the Leah pattern here: https://www.simplyclassic.net/product-page/the-leah-tote
Get the Leah Hardware Kit: https://www.simplyclassic.net/product-page/the-leah-tote-hardware-kit-1
Get the Leah Maker’s Kit in Rose/Black Leather: https://www.simplyclassic.net/product-page/the-leah-maker-s-kit-rose-black-leather
Finally, please join us in the Simply Classic Inspiration Group on Facebook and share a photo of your finished Leah! It's a wonderful, supportive community of bag makers, and we would love to have you. https://www.facebook.com/groups/simplyclassic
Happy sewing!
Chris
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FEATURED PRODUCTS
This list may include affiliate links. By purchasing products through my affiliate links, you help support my channel at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products that I personally use and enjoy.
▶ Metallic Snake Vinyl
https://www.simplyclassic.net/product-page/metallic-snake-vinyl
▶ Faux Leather in Navy
https://www.simplyclassic.net/product-page/faux-leather
▶ Lining: Ottertex Waterproof Canvas
https://www.fabricwholesaledirect.com/products/ottertex-waterproof-canvas-fabric
▶ WAWAK 1/8" Double Sided Tape
https://www.wawak.com/garment-construction/tapes/basting/wawak-hyperstik-super-strong-double-sided-vinylleather-basting-tape-clear/#sku=tpe29
MATERIALS LIST
1 yard of material for the exterior (if you are using vinyl, faux leather, or cork, this is two 18” rolls. If you want to use contrasting fabric, one 18” roll of main and one 18” roll of accent fabric are needed
1 yard of woven interfacing for the exterior (only if using cotton, cotton canvas, or other similar-weight fabric)
1 yard of lining material (waterproof canvas is great for the water bottle section!)
1 yard of woven interfacing for the lining (if using cotton, linen, or other similar fabric)
18” of 36” wide Decovil Light stabilizer
5” of 36” wide Decovil Heavy stabilizer
2 ¼ yards of 3/8” to 1/2” cording
1 – #5 zipper cut to 14”
1 – #5 zipper cut to 9”
2 – 1” D-rings
4 – 1” Rectangle or O-Rings
2 – 1” Swivel Clasps
1 – Slide Adjuster
1 – Zipper End
1 – ½” Swivel Clasp (optional key fob)
Rivets (optional for slip pockets)
Purse feet (optional)
Edge paint (optional)
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
00:00 Introduction
03:28 Pattern Pieces
11:34 Step 1: Handle and Strap Construction
25:02 Step 2: Gusset Construction
40:59 Step 3: Front and Back Construction
1:00:45 Step 4: Exterior Construction
1:11:24 Step 5: Zipper Placket
1:27:31 Step 6: Lining Construction
2:28:19 Step 7: Finishing
2:41:49 Final Thoughts