August Tote Sewing Pattern

Description

The August Tote is a great size for an everyday bag with room for all the essentials. There are two types of pockets inside, a zippered pocket and a slip pocket to keep things organized while the large outside pocket is great for easy access items. The unique handles were designed to be comfortable and sturdy but are still easy to sew with heavier weight fabrics. The bag features denim-inspired seams and finishes and a recessed zipper closes the main opening up for extra security.

Difficulty

Advanced beginner to Intermediate – Techniques include sewing a zippered pocket, a recessed zipper, sewing double topstitching and sewing bulky layers.

Fabric

Midweight to heavy weight woven fabrics like 10-12oz cotton canvas, bull denim, cotton twill or corduroy for the outer bag. Note: Picking a fabric weight heavier than 10oz can make sewing some steps a little more difficult (specifically the recessed zipper).

Lightweight to midweight woven fabric for the bag lining.
Interfacing the outer bag or lining is an option to add more structure to the bag.

Sample Details: Brown tote made in 9oz fine wale corduroy (both outer bag and lining are interfaced). Dark green tote made in a 12oz stonewashed cotton canvas. White tote made in a 10oz cotton canvas.

Notions

• 15” (or longer) nylon zipper for recessed zipper
• 7” nylon zipper for inside zipper pocket
• Light to medium weight fusible interfacing for the zipper pocket step – 2” x 9” (5 cm x 22.8 cm) and if you choose to interface the bag for additional structure
• A denim needle (helpful for some steps if using heavier weight fabric)
• Optional: 1/4” fusible double sided tape (helpful when sewing the zipper pocket)
• Optional: 1.25” or 1.5” (3.2 cm or 3.8 cm) wide webbing for straps (1.3 yards / 1.2 m)

Finished Dimensions / W x H

Laying Flat – 15” x 13” (38.1 cm x 33 cm)
Base – 10” x 5” (25.4 cm x 12.7 cm)
Straps – 1.25” x 23.25” (3.2 cm x 59 cm) (strap is folded in half)

PDF Downloads

You will receive four PDF files after purchasing
• Sewing Instructions
• Print at home tiled pattern (Letter and A4 compatible)
• Copy shop/A0 pattern
• Projector pattern

There are two companion tutorials for the zipper steps in the pattern if you need an extra visual. You can find them here: How To Sew a Zippered Pocket and How to Sew a Recessed Zipper. For tips on downloading, printing and assembling your PDF pattern this tutorial walks you through step by step.  

You can find me on Instagram @bethanylynne_makes. If you decide to share your finished bag, tag your photos with the hashtag #augusttote. I would love to see your version of the August Tote! You can see photos of other sewists’ versions of the August Tote here.

All Rights Reserved ©2023 Bethany Lynne Makes
This pattern may not be reprinted or resold without permission and is for individual personal use only. You may not sell finished products made using this pattern.