Sewing

Sidekick Tote Pattern

I love this bag, I’ve been using mine for well over a month and the exterior pocket is just perfect.  I don’t think I’ll ever carry another bag that doesn’t have an exterior pocket, you just NEED one.  It’s a perfect spot to stash your phone, keys, and even a pair of sunglasses.  Make it patchwork or use a single print, it’s beautiful either way.  Best of all, the recessed zipper keeps everything safely inside.  Wear it over your shoulder or cross-body style, the adjustable strap lets you choose.  Great for those busy days of errand running or kid chasing!
[left: small bag size, right: large bag size]
[Pocket option A]
The Sidekick Tote features:
  • 2 bag sizes
  • recessed zipper
  • 2 exterior pocket styles
  • adjustable strap (perfect for cross-body wearing)
In this pattern you’ll find:
  • step-by-step instructions with full color photos
  • 2 size options
  • recessed zipper instructions
  • instructions for 2 different exterior pocket styles
Materials Needed:
  • 3/4 yard exterior (includes strap)
  • 3/4 yard lining (1/2 yard if using an additional accent fabric)
  • 1 1/2 yards fusible interfacing – Pellon SF101
  • 12” zipper
  • 1.5” adjustable strap hardware (optional)
  • 1 yard 1/2” double fold bias tape – store bought or handmade using 2” strips of fabric cut on bias for pocket option B
  • thread
  • Hook & Loop Tape (Velcro) 3/4” wide by 1.25” long
  • water soluble pen
  • walking foot is helpful
  • size 16 needle (most helpful for topstitching)

Approx. Finished Bag Dimensions:
Small: 12” tall by 12.5” wide
Large: 15” tall by 14” wide

[Click here for more information and to Purchase]

Thank you to Umbrella Prints for sending me their Elephants Love Water fabric to play with! Available for purchase at their shop – Umbrella Prints.

55 thoughts on “Sidekick Tote Pattern

  1. Another great bag Anna!

  2. Jeni says:

    Eeeeek! It looks so awesome!

  3. Jenni says:

    So cute!! I especially love the glasses print. 😀

  4. erica says:

    Oh Anna, It’s perfect, as are all your patterns! Going into the cart right now! Awesome 🙂

  5. Anonymous says:

    OMG!!!!! I Love this pattern! If I want to make three bags, do I need to purchase three paterns?

    1. Anna says:

      Nope, just one pattern and you can make as many bags as your heart/hands desire! 🙂

  6. Carolyn says:

    You did it again! Another super cute bag pattern!

  7. Jessica says:

    Anna. What the hell? Stop being such a genius!!!! I mean, never stop being such a genius 🙂

  8. DKB says:

    Congrats! How exciting! And I like the green glasses too

  9. Brooke Crook says:

    Another amazing bag! You are a bag genius! 🙂 can’t wait to make this one!

  10. Palak says:

    oh gosh– I love the small version- so cute and chubby. I love a chubby bag.

  11. Kristie says:

    Adorable! What a cute bag! Thanks for sharing your talent!

  12. SoozeM says:

    Woohoo just bought mine! Can’t wait to make it 🙂

  13. Emily says:

    Love the elephants and the two sizes and the cross body option. Congrats on another awesome pattern!

  14. Charlotte says:

    love it, bought it. Thank you for another fab bag!

  15. Jo Sews says:

    My first comment on your blog, but I finally had to come out and say it: you’re a bag genius! I can’t believe how you keep coming up with such great designs!

  16. Fantastic bag Anna, you are so clever!!!

  17. marysza says:

    Ohhh!!! I love it!!! Ohh why oh why I don’t have any money on my account right now!!! ahhh!!!! but I hope I will buy it soon! very soon 😀

  18. Isisjem says:

    Loving the look of this! 🙂

  19. aneela says:

    Another must have!

  20. Katy Cameron says:

    These look great, and I love how you make up different options and sizes in your patterns

  21. chris says:

    Wow! I love it. Now to find the time to make one!

  22. JuneBug says:

    Yay! I’m glad it’s up and running, and the pictures of it look great… for those who *think* the bag might take a lot of time… it’s actually quicker than the 241 tote (in my opinion 🙂

  23. Sarah Bailey says:

    Love it because you included the zipper closure 😀 Bought it!

  24. kristin says:

    Oh Anna, it’s so fantastic!!! Can’t wait to make it. 😀

  25. dana says:

    really cute Anna. Gorgeous. You’re the bag-making queen. I love it!

  26. dana says:

    cute new header btw 🙂

  27. So cute! Well done… grace

  28. Looks awesome. I love the pleated pocket!

  29. Adrienne says:

    Fantabulous! Please stop feeding my bag addiction. 🙂

  30. OMG!! Anna, you are really amazing!!!!!
    this bag is sooooo cute!! i already have your “go anywhere bag pattern”, now i’m going to buy this pattern too!! I will buy them this weekend, when my husband is not looking.. heheh..

  31. Holy cow, I love this bag!!! I totally want to make this bag, right this very minute 🙂 So cute!

  32. Hot dang that’s an awesome bag! Luv!

  33. **nicke... says:

    and it is mine! xo awesome! cant wait to make one, possibly this weekend! xo

  34. ayumills says:

    LOVE it, Anna! Your pattern is always so cute!! The exterior pocket must be so useful and oh the round shape is just so perfectly cute!

  35. blehkitty says:

    Where did you ever get that amazing fabric with the glasses on it?

    This is so great! It looks easy, sounds easy, is amazingly cute, and I can’t stop myself from wishing for the pattern. Keep on sewing!

    1. Anna says:

      It’s and Echino print, it’s probably hard to find now, I’ve kept it for so long. But there some new prints of deer with glasses: http://www.etsy.com/search/supplies?q=echino+glasses&view_type=gallery&ship_to=US

    2. Anna says:

      it’s an echino print, but you might have a hard time finding it. I’d maybe suggest looking up echino on etsy under supplies. 🙂

  36. Tracy VT says:

    Terrific work by all of you! Isn’t it exciting to see the different looks and how we all interpret things! Fabulous! I think this one will get a workout with me too!

  37. Anonymous says:

    Hi Anna
    Have enjoyed your free tutorials and just purchased 2 patterns to say thank you and noodlehead is my fav site!
    Nicole Australia

    1. Anna says:

      thanks so much Nicole!

  38. whaletail says:

    This is a wonderful pattern! Do you think it would be possible to make the outside pocket with a zipper? (I don’t know how to do that but would love to know how.) THanks@

    1. Anna says:

      I’m sure it could be done! Maybe you could find a tutorial for a zippered pocket and mesh the two together?! 🙂

  39. GrecianUrns says:

    just ordered and downloaded two patterns… look super.. thanks
    from Adelaide, South Australia… 1am!!

  40. Vanssmomc says:

    Love this Sidekick Tote Pattern, however you have listed that a walking foot would be helpful, and I don’t have one. I sew on a old Singer 301 sewing machine that was my Grandmothers and I don’t even know if you can buy a walking foot for the machine. Thanks!

    1. Anna says:

      Hi Vanssmomc, Yes, a walking foot is helpful. There are a lot of layers especially when doing the final topstitching and handle areas. I actually think the old machines are usually very good at going through layers, so you might not have to worry about that! I would say that if you normally sew through a bunch of layers without much trouble then you’re good to go! 🙂 Hope that helps.

  41. Hi Anna,
    I’ve just stumbled across your website and love this bag, I just have a question. Do you think that a beginner could sew this or would it be better to choose another of your fab patterns to start with?
    Thanks!
    Kate Australia

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