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Vintage Hawaiian Fabric Knitting Tote
Very Simple, I think I got this pattern out of original Stitch n' Bitch book, but I am not sure :| I sorta scribbled down the measurements and combined my own sewing experience w/ her instructions,and it is easy to follow and I love it. I get soooo many compliments on it! The fabric I bought at a now-defunct small business in SLC called Grunts and Postures, and it is Vintage Hawaiian, with the stickers right on the corners! I just love it.

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Step 1
For the body of the bag, you need two pieces of fabric that each are 15 1/2 inches x 16 inches, or one piece of fabric that's 16" x 31" (and you can cut that in half- whatever's easier). Then you need straps; 4 1/2" wide x 25 " long. If you use the same fabric, get a yard, fold it in half and cut the measured pieces, as it will make your life much easier.
Step 2
I don't want to copy this tutorial from the Stitch N Bitch book, since I went from memory and a hodge-podge of other totes, but I did use her basic design and the measurements- I looked up the woman who created the pattern and her name is Hilda Erb and she sounds very talented!!
Step 3
Pin the right sides of the bag together, and sew the sides with about a 1/2" seam allowance.
Step 4
Next, fold and press the top hem, about an inch....make sure you fold about 1/8-1/4" FIRST, press, and THEN you make your hem. Otherwise your lovely tote will fray. Not good.
Step 5
Squaring off your tote:
with the hem on top sewn, the side seams sewn, you now have two more quick steps and you're done!!

Fold your side seam, so you have a little triangle against the bottom of the tote. Measure about 2" down from the point, and sew a line perpendicular to the side seam. If this is confusing, google "squaring a tote" and you'll get image results and instructions...one great one is Tarilyn's Show'n Tell: Easy Tote Bag http://esostarikaknitfo.blogspot.com/2007/05/easy-tote-bag.html (its sooo detailed that I'm not sure I'd call it easy, but maybe all those details help some people, rather than intimidate them!) Here's a picture of Tarilyn from her blog ;)
Step 6
Now you will be folding your handles lengthwise, wrong-side facing out, 1/2 " seam allowance. Turn them right side in, hem them and attach them on the insides of the tote. Place each side of the handle about 2 and a half to 3 " from the side seam, at the top hemline. Sew a square, with an "x" thru it to secure it. Do this on each side of the tote and you are now done with the basic version!! If you want to line it, or add pockets, do so here. I've even done purses and totes with levi's as the lining so I could use the pockets....see in the picture there. But as I said at the start, this is the BASIC version, and once you've made a couple of totes, you'll decide what bells and whistles you like and don't like. Happy crafting!!!