Closable Tote Bag

This tote bag is perfect for any occasion as it's multipurpose. Not only is it big enough to fit a 13-inch laptop but it will also fit all groceries, without straining your back because of its unique design.

1. canvas fabric- approximately 82*102 cm and 30*68 cm (without shrinkage from washing)
2. pins- approximately 25
3. Sewing thread
4. fabric scissors
5. iron machine
6. iron mat
7. fabric dye (optional)
8. parchment paper (optional to make the pattern)
9. ruler
10. pencil
11. fabric chalk
12. 2 buttons
13. string

Optional step- approx. 25 minutes, however, is recommended

1. On a large sheet of parchment paper, using a ruler outline a rectangle that is 82 by 102 cm.
2. Leave a ___ cm gap downward from where the rectangle ends and mark with two dots on each side of the rectangle and make sure to align them exactly under the first rectangle.
3. Draw a second rectangle below the first. ___ cm below the first rectangle, Use these dots as a guide for the second rectangle, as the measurements for rectangle #2 should be the same as rectangle #1.
4. Mesure 2 cm inwards the rectangles and make it with a dot on all eight sides (both rectangles are separated by the two middle lines, hence there are four corners on two rectangles)
5. Using the ruler and the eight dots as a guid, draw a dotted line 2cm inside both rectangles.
6. Leave a bit of space in between the rectangles to draw the strap; one rectangle sized 15 by 34 cm. 4 cm into the rectangle draw one straight line downwards. Do this on both sides
7. Then find the middle of both lines and draw a dotted line down.
8. Cut out the pattern

Above is what the pattern should look like

1. Iron fabric above an ironing mat, according to the fabric specific instructions

For canvas fabric- approximately at 170 degrees C, softly press and apply even pressure in circular motions.

Note; if a pattern isn't made use the measurements from step 1 to draw an outline onto the fabric.

1. Attach the fabric and pattern together using pins.
2. Trace the pattern onto the fabric using fabric chalk
3. Lift a few pins. Holding it in the same position slide it down to mark where the seam lines are with chalk. Do this on every corner.
4. Using a ruler and the marks as a guide, draw seam lines.

1. Use fabric scissors to cut the parts of the bag.

Note that above there are two straps, however, only one is required.

1. Fold the straps outwards along the two lines facing outside (the two lines that are 4cm into the strap)
2. Secure with pins
3. Repeat step 1 and 2 for both sides of the strap
4. Sew the along with the pins. REMEBER forwards backwards at the beginning an start of each new 'sewing line'
5. Fold the strap in half (both open ends facing each other) then iron it.
6. Because its ironed together, there is no need to pin both sides together, hence both sides should be sewn sew together

1. On the two horizontal lines of the bag (marking the body/stability place) sew twice. Disregard the vertical seam lines and sew through them. (the first and second picture demonstrates where to sew- the straight line)
2. Along the seam line, pin the seams for the bag inwards.
3. Sew on the seam line along with the pins.
4. Trim the 'leftover' seam evenly around the whole bag using fabric scissors
5. Using a zick-zack stitch attach the trimmed seam with the bag by sewing it together.
6. Lay the 'bad' side of the bag facing up. Take the bottom rectangle and lay it below the top to align the front of the bag with the back. (like on picture 4)
7. Pin both sides together, but not pin the bottom of the bag.
8. Sew the bag on the seam line on both sides.

1. Hold the bottom opening of the bag like above.
2. sew the left side and right side separately so that they don't connect in the middle
3. repeat steps 1 and 2 for the second opening of the bag
4. Flip bag inside out

1. Use a ruler and measure out the desired length of the strap.
2. Sew the strap on both sides of the bag with approximately the same distance from the side.
3. Hand stitch a button on the front of the bag, then stich one on the front of the flap.
4. Stich a string in with the button at the flap

The bag is finished :)