https://www.cutoutandkeep.net/projects/anthropologie-inspired-tote • Posted by Ms. Nikell
I learned a fringe technique from the show "Martha's Sewing Room" and was eager to try it out. When I saw this bag on the Anthro website, I knew it was perfect for trying the new technique. The original bag isn't really a tote. So, I was a bit confused as to why they called it a tote. But...whatever ^_^ Their bag is much bigger than my bag. But, I'll provide the demensions for their's in the how to if you want a bigger bag. I made the jacket last week and decided to make the bag to match the jacket. The bag's SUPER easy to make. So you can stick around and make one here or hop over to their site and shell out 198 bucks for theirs...it's up to you ^_^ **Note** All seam allowances 1/2" unless otherwise noted.
I learned a fringe technique from the show "Martha's Sewing Room" and was eager to try it out. When I saw this bag on the Anthro website, I knew it was perfect for trying the new technique. The original bag isn't really a tote. So, I was a bit confused as to why they called it a tote. But...whatever ^_^ Their bag is much bigger than my bag. But, I'll provide the demensions for their's in the how to if you want a bigger bag. I made the jacket last week and decided to make the bag to match the jacket. The bag's SUPER easy to make. So you can stick around and make one here or hop over to their site and shell out 198 bucks for theirs...it's up to you ^_^ **Note** All seam allowances 1/2" unless otherwise noted.
Let's cut your fabric. You'll need to cut two pieces of both your outer and your lining fabric with the following measurements. These measurements have the 1/2" seam allowance added already... For the bigger bag like the original 13" X 19 1/2" For a smaller version like mine 12 1/2" X 15 1/2"
Start with the Lining... If adding pockets to your bag do this now. I tried a pocket technique by priti (http://www.cutoutandkeep.net/projects/how-to-make-roomy-3-d-pockets-for-purses-totes) If you want to try that go on over there and make the pockets...I'll be here when you get back ^_^
After you've gotten your pockets and what not added to your bag, place the lining pieces right sides together . Pin and sew leave an opening at the bottom for turning later. Place the lining to the side for now.
Let's make the straps... You can use a sturdy upholstery fabric or leather scraps for the straps Cut two rectangles that are 4" by 16" Fold and press them 1/2" on each side. Next, fold the entire strip in half so you have a strip that is 1 1/2" wide. Stitch down the side of the strip with a 1/4" seam allowance.
Mark one inch from each end. Fold the strip in half again and stitch it together along the previous stitches starting from one mark and ending at the other. Fold the ends in half and round the edges so it looks like the picture to the left. Use fray check, zig zag stitch or serge the ends o they wont't fray.
Place your handles about 1 1/2" to 2" from the top of the outer pieces on the right side. Make sure they are centered Pin and sew **Note** I waited until the very end to sew my handles on because my outer fabric was very fragile and frayed A LOT. You can wait until the end or sew them on now...it's up to you ^_^
Let's make the fringe... You'll need to cut two strips of fabric that are the length of your bag minus one inch by 1". For example if you're doing the bigger bag, your strip will be 12" X 1" You'll also need to gather your yarn. Gather several strings that are at least 1 yard long. For thicker fringe gather more strings, for thinner fringe gather less.
Fold your fabric in half and press it then open it up and flip it over to the opposite side. This helps you to see the center and gives you a guide to follow when sewing Lay your yarn across the top of the fabric horizontally. With a small stitch length, stitch down the center of your fabric following the fold line. Once you get close to the end of your yarn, fold it back in the opposite direction and stitch again. Continue this until you have reached the end of your fabric. (As illustrated) When folding your yarn smaller folds will give you shorter fringe. You will need two of these fringe strips.
Your fringe strip should look like the one to the left.
Cut the loops to create the fringe
Fold the fabric scrap in half along the previous fold and press. Trim the fringe to the desired length. My fringe is a little longer than the fringe on the original bag. It's up to you ^_^
Grab one of your outer pieces... Measure 1/2" from the fringe on your strip and mark it. This marks your seam allowance. Place your fringe strip on the right side of your outer piece with the fringe facing inward. Line the fringe strip up with the bottom of the outer piece. Make sure your mark is also lined up (as illustrated) Pin in place. Sew the fringe strip to the outer piece making sure to stitch as close as possible to the fringe. Repeat this process on the other side.
Place the other outer piece on top so the right sides are facing. Pin in place. Now, flip over to the opposite side and sew in place along the previous stitches. Turn you bag right side out.
Finally, let's put it all together... Place the outer bag INSIDE of the lining right sides together. Line the side seams up and pin it all together. If you've already attached your handles, make sure they are folded down so they don't get sewn. Sew with a 1/2" seam allowance
Use the opening your left in the lining to turn your bag right side out. Tuck the lining inside of the bag and press the seam so it's flat. Finally, stitch around the top edge using a 1/4" seam allowance. Attach your handles if you need to. The original bag didn't have any closure so I didn't put one on my bag. But if you want you can add a closure I know you guys will come up with something good. That's a wrap folks ^_^
Take pictures of your super cute Antro Inspired Tote and post your version here. If you have any questions please message me and I'll get back you ASAP. If you have any suggestions on how I could make this better, or even a future project send em' my way. Now go make your bag already ^_^