Colleen Tote Bag Pattern

The Colleen Tote is a classic semi-structured bag with clean lines perfect for everyday use. This pattern is intended for the confident beginner sewist who is looking to build on some new bag-making skills while showcasing your favourite fabrics. You will learn how to make elegant rolled handles, create an in-panel zipper pocket, work with different fabrics, all while building your bag expertise. In the end, you’ll have a new go-to accessory to wear with pride!

With two different views, this multi-purpose tote can be changed up to show off large scale prints or you can add interest with a contrasting bottom and handles. The interior band was designed to help support the weight of many different types of handles. There is a large zipper pocket to stowaway the essentials and two easy access slip pockets to hold a cell phone or lip balm. The key fob was designed not only to manage keys, but the open loop is left open as a hook for sunglasses. 

For the Main Exterior, this pattern was written for home decor and/or bottom weight fabrics such as cotton canvas, duck cloth, and denim with weights of ~6-8 oz/sq yard. The Lining is based on quilt cotton and woven fabrics with similar weights of ~4 oz/sq yard, such as linen or chambray.

View A uses contrasting fabric for a colour-block design and also allows the opportunity to use a heavier fabric for more base protection. This is a great time to mix and match substrates, but please test to see if your machine can handle the fabric bulk. 

The Rolled Handles, as part of these instructions, use a double-fold construction method. With the addition of interfacing, they can get thick quickly. Using vinyl/cork/leather, as shown, may not be suitable for all domestic machines (I use a semi-industrial machine.) However, if you would still like to use these fabrics, you can try a single-fold construction technique to reduce bulk. Alternatively, you can also use 1 1/2” webbing. Videos are found on the YouTube channel. 

Finished Dimensions: 13 1/2”L (18 1/2” at longest) x 12”H (23” with handles) x 7”D"