Who says functional can’t also be fabulous?! This generously-sized tote is a perfect carryall for everything from daily chores to weekend getaways. The popular pattern originally debuted “way back when” on the S4H site and was then updated to be featured in our debut Bags & Totes book. We’ve now brought it back, making it available for individual purchase by all our Sew4Home fans and followers as an exclusive pattern in our Etsy shop.
The bold combination of graphic chevrons and a metallic faux leather is a winner that works year ‘round. As always, the final fabric choices are yours, but a strong blend of motifs and textures is the mark of designer bags you find in boutiques for top dollar. You can make it your own and make it for less.
Clever double handles made from wide cotton webbing allow you to grab and carry the bag with one hand or sling it over your shoulder.
The top opening of the tote is secured with a full inset zipper. Before you break out in a sweat hearing the words, “inset zipper” – take a deep breath; we give you the detailed instructions you need to make it happen. You’ll also get to practice making deep box corners.
As an ePattern, the S4H Gilded Tote includes instructions and photos to take you through each step of the construction. It does not include materials. As with our site-based projects, there are additional links within the downloadable PDF pattern that take you to our in-depth, step-by-step tutorials for all the specialty techniques.
You’ll love the extra details that add to a pro finish inside and out, like the easy-to-grab zipper end tabs, fussy cutting that matches our motif along both sides and across the inset zipper, and a large, divided pocket in the lining.
The tote finishes at approximately 15″ high x 18″ wide at the base and 23″ wide at the top x 5″ in depth with 15″ shoulder straps and 10″ handle loops.
There are two PDF files included in this $5.50 pattern purchase. As a digital download, we understand you are providing the paper and ink and so have included flexible printing alternatives. The first file contains all the steps and all the full color instructional photos; it’s a great option for viewing on your computer or other digital device to fully understand the construction process. The second file is condensed to black and white with just the steps (no photos) to make printing even more efficient. Both files can be printed on either US Letter paper or A4 paper, using Adobe Acrobat Reader (a free program).
As with just about everything out there these days, our project creation costs are rising, sourcing fabrics and notions is challenging, and competition for sponsorship dollars fierce. We’re grateful to be able to explore other opportunities such as our Etsy Shop offerings. If you’re a regular Sew4Home visitor, you know we work very hard to keep virtually all of our content free to you as the end user, and we are determined to keep the cost of our Etsy Shop patterns affordable. It’s all about being able to continue to do what we love, in order to bring you what you love.
The full Gilded Tote pattern set is just $5.50, which is a fraction of the cost of most independent and commercial patterns.
Click to our Etsy Shop to purchase the Gilded Tote pattern or any of our other available patterns, our cool Sewing Survival patch, or our popular Cheat Card Set.
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My daughter wants a bag like this for her teaching and grad school supplies. Would it be difficult to add an outside pocket for sunglasses and pockets on both sides of the interior. I haven’t seen for a couple of decades but would really like to make this for her. Thank you! I really enjoy your IG and website.~Debbie
Hi Debbie – adding more pockets on the lining would be easy. Adding an exterior pocket would take a little more thought – unless you just want it to be a patch pocket. If just an overlaid patch pocket without a closure, that should be pretty easy as well. You’d just need to pay attention to the process so you’re adding the pockets at the appropriate time to layer everything together. You could also browse through out main Bags project category above – perhaps there’s an existing design that would be even more on target to what you’re hoping for.
Thank you!
thanks so much for this pattern – I have heaps of tote bag patterns but none of them this big and with a zip closure – perfect size for toting around my laptop 🙂
Hi leanne – Thank you! This is a very popular pattern. Let us know how yours turns out. If you follow us on social, we’d love you to post a picture or two so we can all be inspired!