This EASY tote design is based on two 24”X18” rectangles. You can make it from whole cloth and embellish with embroidery, fabric paints, or whatever strikes your fancy. You can piece the exterior rectangles using the piecing design of your choice. The comfortable fabric covered rope handles are worn on your shoulder where you can easily control your bag and navigate through crowds. There are lots of EASY pockets inside. This is a GREAT first bag project!

This kit contains the following: Detailed instructions with lots of diagrams, pattern, 5’ of Large GreatDrape (1/2” braided polyester rope) for the handles, plus Susa’s Little Turning Tool for covering the rope with fabric.

You will need to supply:

1 yard of fabric for the bag exterior (generous, allows for design centering). Can be pieced from blocks or can be foundation pieced onto the interfacing.

1 yard of companion fabric for the lining and interior pockets

1/ 4 yard (fat quarter, 22”X18”) of companion fabric to cover the rope handles. Do not use a fabric that is heavier weight than a light weight denim. Avoid fabrics with texture.

1 yard of fusible fleece. Heavier weight sew-in interfacings will not work because the bag is gathered onto the handle.

Liquid starch to prepare the fabric used to cover the rope handles.

Use a rotary cutter and mat to cut the fabrics and interfacings

Use a walking foot (if you have one) to machine quilt the fabric exterior to the sew-in interfacing (optional step, the bag on the front cover was not quilted!)

Optional: 24 inches of 1/2” wide ribbon for a tie closure

Embroidery designs are sold separately.