Firefly Tote Pattern

An easy to use tote and project bag! The tote size is perfect for a day trip or a work bag, and the project size is great for knitting or crochet projects, or as a lunch bag! Both sizes feature a fun drawstring closure and an interior slip pocket. A handy front pocket with an additional zippered pocket makes this tote super functional!

Features:

  • two sizes to sew! "Project" size is the smaller of the two, "Tote" size is the larger.
  • front slip & zip pockets (great for featuring a favorite fabric and oh so useful!)
  • drawstring top closure to keep everything secure
  • interior pocket
  • simplified option for an even quicker sew!
  • so many possibilities!
  • made entirely of rectangles, no need to cut out templates (see below for details)

***VIDEO sew-along available here!

Skill Level/Dimensions/Materials:

Skill Level: Advanced Beginner

Approx. Finished Dimensions:

  • Tote Size: 10 ½” wide (measured at base), 5” deep, 14” tall [26.7 cm x 12.7 cm x 35.6 cm]
  • Project Size: 8” wide (measured at base), 5” deep, 10” tall [20.3 cm x 12.7 cm x 25.4 cm]

Materials needed: See image for list. *PLEASE NOTE: this pattern is written for fixed-length zippers (not zipper by the yard, if using zipper by the yard please add 1.5" to the length of each designated zipper)

Recommended Fabrics: Canvas (7-9 oz. weight) for Exterior^ fabric. Quilting cotton for Accent and Lining fabrics.

^Waxed canvas (8-10 oz.) or dry oilskin may be used for exterior fabric, omit medium-weight interfacing/fusible fleece and reduce fusible woven interfacing to 1 ½ yd [1.4 m] {1 yd [.91 m] for project size}. See notes in cutting instructions.

Additional supplies + tools: Polyester thread, water-soluble pen/tailor’s chalk, cutting mat, ruler, rotary cutter, size 14 or 16 denim or Microtex needle, (optional) four 8mm rivets & corresponding setting tool, 2 ½ yds [2.3m] {2 yds [1.83 m] for project size} twill tape/ribbon/cord (no wider than ¾”/ 1.9 cm) for drawstring closure

(*pattern assumes zipper tape width of 1”)

** My preference for the medium-weight fusible is Pellon 809. I like the structure it provides when combined with canvas weight fabric, be sure your canvas is within the recommended 7-9 oz. weight range. Big Sur Canvas by Robert Kaufman is my personal favorite. You could also substitute fusible fleece for a more padded structure.

Featured Fabrics are dry oilskin in Navy (Merchant & Mills), waxed canvas in Deep Rust (Fabric Funhouse), Quarry Trail by Anna Graham, Kismet by Sharon Holland

Pattern/Download Information:

This is a measure and cut pattern. This means that you don’t have any templates (pattern pieces) to print off and assemble! You will need a rotary cutter, gridded ruler, and self-healing cutting mat. Cut the pattern pieces straight from the fabric - saving time and paper. All pieces are rectangles. If you prefer, you can transfer the cutting measurements to paper (or a template material) to create your own paper template/pattern piece.

For Digital (PDF) Pattern:

  • Download (and save) the pattern file to your computer.
  • You will have 9 download attempts, keep in mind each time you open to view the file counts as an attempt. 
  • This PDF pattern contains rotary cutting instructions/measurements (NO pattern pieces to print and tape together!), printable label sheet for keeping organized (metric and imperial measurements), and includes detailed step-by-step instructions and professional illustrations. 
  • The file is and instant download. Please be sure to check the email address you entered at checkout, the instant download link will be sent to that email address. After purchase is complete you will also be redirected to a page with the download link.

For Paper (printed) pattern:

The PAPER pattern version includes: instruction booklet with step-by-step instructions and professional illustrations, rotary cutting instructions/measurements (just cut and sew, no need to cut out pattern pieces!!!), and a label sheet (metric and imperial label sheets both included) for keeping organized, all tucked into a resealable poly bag. 

Paper pattern is shipped via USPS.

Sell finished items! You (the purchaser of this pattern) can sell finished items made using this pattern (on a home-based scale), credit to Anna Graham/ www.noodle-head.com is appreciated!

NOTICE: It may not be possible to download a PDF file directly to your iPad or Android tablet/mobile device without a download app. I use Acrobat Reader in combination with Dropbox to download files using my mobile device.

Copyright © 2022 Anna Graham, Noodlehead, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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