LARGE TOTE BAG TUTORIAL!!!!

A few months ago I wanted a larger size Gift bag.  When I went surfing around the internet I could only find Tote Bags that would be large enough for Note cards or similar.  So I created my own! I wanted to share this Tutorial with you before Christmas – but it didn’t happen.  The other day I created another one and put together some step-by-step photos to help you.  I have to apologise in advance for the quality of the photos.  It was a very overcast day when I took them.  I hope it gives you an idea though.

Here is the Tote Bag that I had created previously.

I used the Rich Razzleberry Paper from the Brights DSP stack.  The tag is from the hostess set ‘Posy Punch’.  The design of the tote is based around the Box in a Bag you may have seen around.

Now do you want to make one??  Here is the tutorial.  I hope it is clear enough. 🙂  The finished size is ~ Width: 18cm at the base (approx. 7″), Height: 15cm to the top of the bag not including the handles (approx 6″), Depth is 8cm at the base (approx. 3″).  EDITED: I have now updated the tutorial to include the Imperial Measurements. I have also added a new version. You can see that post HERE.

LARGE TOTE BAG

BASE: Card measuring 27.5cmx17.5cm (11″x7″)

On the 27.5cm side score at 5cm and 22.5cm (2″ and 9″) On the 17.5cm side score at 5cm and 12.5cm (2″ and 5″).  Fold on the score lines and then cut the score lines on the long side up to the score line running across to create 2 small tabs on each end. 

Add Sticky Strip to the small tabs and fold in and assemble the box.

DSP (patterned paper) FOR SIDES: 2 pieces @ 15cmx27cm (6″x10 1/2″).  

Place sticky strip along the 15cm (6″) side and join the 2 pieces together to make one long length.

CARD STRIP: for along bottom edge.  2 pieces measuring 3.5cmx27cm (1 1/2″ x11″). Join the two pieces together and scallop along the top edge of the long piece.  It’s a bit hard to see because it is so long but this shows the joined strip with the scallop edge!

CARD STRIP: for along top edge. 2 pieces measuring 1.6cmx27cm (1/2″x11 1/2″). Join the 2 pieces together to make a long strip.

HANDLES: 2 card strips measuring 2.4cmx29.5cm (1″x11 1/2″)

Score both pieces lengthways at 1.2cm (1/2″).  This is from the 3cm (1 1/4″) mark at the top down to 3cm (1 1/4″) from the bottom edge. (ie 26.5cm mark on cutter).  That is, you don’t want to score right to each end.   Check the photos out.

Here is a close-up of the ends to get an idea of the scoring.  So you stop 3cm (1 1/4″) short of the end.

Fold along score line but flatten out the ends. Round the corners with the corner punch. 

Now when you get to the finished bag below you will notice that the handles I have made are different to the tote above.  To create the ends of these handles I have used the Scallop Oval Punch.  To do this I slipped the ends of the handle strips in through the top of the punch.  I put it in on the side first and then turned the strip to the end of the scallop.  Make sense???  Here are some photos to show you what I have done.

Slip the card strip into the top of the Punch on the side.

Gently turn the strip to the end and punch the end of the strip.

Here are the punched ends.

Now all the pieces are prepared you are ready to assemble the Tote.

Add Sticky Strip along the bottom edge of the DSP piece and along one of the short sides.  (Don’t take the red backing off the side piece yet!!!!).   Lay box along the edge of DSP and slowly wrap the DSP around the box. (See the photo below). Stop before you get to the end so you can remove the backing off the side piece.  Now you can finish wrapping the DSP around the bottom and then adhere the side pieces together.  I do it this way because if you remove the backing of the Sticky strip on the side piece at the same time as the bottom you get it stuck to everything (believe me it happens!! You might be more skilled than me :)).

Adhere the scallop edge strip and wrap this around the outside of your DSP covered box at the bottom.

Adhere the other long strip along the top edge of the bag as a trim.

Now you can add the handles.  You can pierce holes through the top of the bag to attach the brads and handles together, or attach the brads to the handles and then adhere the handles with sticky strip or dimensionals.  Whatever you prefer. 

Here is the finished bag.

You are wondering what that DSP is from????  Well, you can get that for FREE!  This is part of the DSP pack (Everyday Enchantment) that you can select for Free during Sale-A-Bration when you place a $100 order.  It is just gorgeous paper!

Here is the inside of the tote.

Here is a side view.

Thought I would show you a close-up of the tag on the bag.  This is using the Hostess set ‘Posy Punch’.

Hope you enjoy this project.  If you create one of these Totes, I would love to see your version.  Drop me a link or a photo.  I like to share with my creative friends but please, don’t forget to give credit if you do create one 🙂

If you have any questions just drop me a note in the Comment section.

Happy Creating!

Jenny x