Sew Alongs / All / Sun Tote

Welcome to the Sun Tote Sew Along! Over the next four posts, we will be showing you how to sew this unlined bag with flat-felled seams. We will be sewing the size medium but the construction is the same for all sizes. You’ll learn to sew flat felled seams, french seams, and patched pockets. We hope that this sew along will provide all of the information you need to sew this pattern. In addition to the sew along, we also have community lead sewing support in our Facebook group, or you can email directly for additional support.

GATHERING SUPPLIES

Before we begin sewing, here’s what you’ll need for your Sun Tote:

  • The Sun Tote pdf pattern in your preferred size.
  • Washed and pressed woven fabric. If you’d like more inspiration and links to fabric and notions, check out our Sun Tote fabric post here.
  • Make sure to use a needle that corresponds to the weight of your fabric. A 90/14 is suitable for medium weight fabrics and 100/16 or 110/18 is suitable for heavy weight fabrics.
  • 5/8” (16 mm) Metal Snap for the exterior pocket. There are lots of snap kits on amazon.
  • Tailor’s Chalk or Washable Fabric Marker to mark your pocket placements. I love this chalk from Etsy.
  • Point Turner to get your pocket corners square.
  • Safety Pin or tube turner for turning the straps.
  • Bulky Seam Jumper for sewing over bulky seams. We have seen these called The Hump Jumper and Jean-A-Ma-Jigs
Paper pattern pieces, denim fabric, and sewing supplies for the Sun Tote are shown on a white background.

TIPS FOR CUTTING

When cutting your fabric and pattern, here are a few important notes to remember:

  • Your fabric should be pre-washed the same way you plan to launder your garment.
  • Read the information on each pattern piece.
  • Grainlines are indicated on the pattern pieces. Place pattern pieces on the grainline, parallel to the selvage or fold. Pattern pieces can be cut on the cross grain if you would like to change the stripe or print direction. 
  • If the pattern says “Cut 2,” the pieces are mirror images of each other.
  • If the pattern says “Cut on FOLD,” place the pattern edge exactly along the fold of the fabric.
  • Clip all notches at 1/4” (0.6 cm) or less.
  • Transfer all pattern markings to your fabric with a washable marker or chalk.

CUT LISTS

SIZE SMALL

MAIN CUT LIST

#1 – FRONT & BACK TOTE – CUT 2 
#4 – INTERIOR POCKET – CUT 1 
#7 – EXTERIOR POCKET – CUT 1 
#10 – SHORT STRAPS – CUT 2 

SIZE MEDIUM

MAIN CUT LIST

#2 – FRONT & BACK TOTE – CUT 2 
#5 – INTERIOR POCKET – CUT 1 
#8 – EXTERIOR POCKET – CUT 1 
*#10 – SHORT STRAPS – CUT 2 
*#11 – LONG STRAPS – CUT 2 
* You can add one set or both sets of straps to your tote 

SIZE LARGE

MAIN CUT LIST

#3 – FRONT & BACK TOTE – CUT 2 
#6 – INTERIOR POCKET – CUT 1 
#9 – EXTERIOR POCKET – CUT 1 
*#10 – SHORT STRAPS – CUT 2 
*#11 – LONG STRAPS – CUT 2 
* You can add one set or both sets of straps to your tote 

Sun Tote Sew Along Posts: Getting Started | Sew the Straps & Pockets | Sew the Flat Felled Seams & French Seams | Attach the Straps & Hem the Top