Reach To Recovery
Tote Bag Instructions -- Page 2

Lining:  Cut a pocket from excess lining material about 6" x 8".  Hem the top of the pocket, and iron under 1/4" on the three other sides.  Center pocket on lining and machine stitch in place, making a triangle at the beginning and ending of stitching (similar to the reinforcement on a man's shirt pocket). 

With right sides together, sew the short sides of the lining together, forming a tube.  Match the seam to the center of the lining, and then sew across the bottom, twice.  Squish the corners to form a triangle and sew as you did for the denim bag bottom.

Handles:  Fold handle in half (right sides together), length-wise.  Stitch across one short end and down the long side.  Usse a pencil to push against the stitching at the short end when you turn the handle right-side out.

Cut off the stitched short end and press handle with seam centered on the back of the handle.   Top-stitch 1/4" from long edges on both sides of both handles.

Final Assembly:  Find center of quilted panel and center of large denim piece, mark with pins.  Pin right sides of handles to right side of bag, 3" from the center point.  With right sides together, place seam of lining at the center point of the quilted panel.  Pin all around the top of the bag.


Machine stitch twice for reinforcement. Leave 4-5" space between handles on a side for turning right side out. Turn bag right side out; with fingers, roll seam out and press top of bag. Pin opening shut and top stitch 1/8" from top edge.

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