Hello!

We're glad to see you here. Thank you for taking on this free beginner project.

Sewing is a craft enjoyed by many since the beginning of time. We find satisfaction in the process of creating. Sewing is one of the best ways of creative expression. Every project finished is uniquely yours. Sewing projects are pieces of art that we wear, decorate space with, or gift to family and friends. It is a beautiful hobby. And we are happy that you choose us to be a part of your sewing journey.

Here is a little bit of a story about us. We are Thimball. Thimball is a printable sewing pattern brand. We pride ourselves on our fresh, modern, and minimalist sewing patterns. We love to help people discover the joys of sewing. We plan to release a series of FREE beginner-friendly projects. This is the first of many.

This project will guide you from the beginning, so it is perfect if you have never sewed before. The project will guide you through:

  • Printing your free sewing pattern

  • How to assemble your sewing pattern

  • The tools you need

  • How to use your sewing machine

  • How to choose your fabric for this project

  • The basics of how to read your sewing pattern

  • How to transfer & cut the sewing pattern details onto your fabric

  • How to sew a straight stitch

  • Accuracy tips to make your project professional looking

Please enjoy! We hope you will love your very own tote bag.

If you need any help at all, contact us. We are always here to help.

STEP 1

Download and Print

1. Download the pattern PDF file

 

2. Open the 8.5” x 11” print file in Adobe Acrobat

  • If you don’t already have Adobe Acrobat, download it here.

 

3. Open the print panel

 

4. Print page 1 only

  • Under the Pages to Print section, select ‘Pages’ and type “1”

  • Under the Page sizing & handling section, ensure ‘Actual size’ is selected

 

5. Measure the square

  • If incorrect, adjust the print settings until the square measures correct.

 

6. Print the remaining pages

  • Under the Pages to Print section, select ‘Pages’ and type 2 - [total pages]

STEP 2

Assemble the pattern

1. Lay the pages out as required

  • Row 1 = A1, A2, A3…

  • Row 2 = B1, B2, B3…

  • Row 3 = C1, C2, C3…

 

2. Cut out the rectangles on each page

 

3. Arrange and tape the rectangles together

  • For accurate alignment, match the diamonds along the edges

STEP 3

Round up your tools

  • Sewing machine

  • Scissors

  • Ruler

  • Sticky Tape

  • Pins

  • Fabric pen or chalk

  • Fabric Scissors or Rotary Cutter

  • Measuring Tape

  • Tracing Wheel

  • Carbon Paper

  • Iron and ironing board

The video helpers in this project are from Made to Sew Youtube Channel. We love their beginner-friendly tutorials! Thank you, Made to Sew, for helping beginner sewers take the first steps in their sewing journey.

STEP 4

Gather your materials

Product measurements

  • Width: 15 in.

  • Height: 12 in.

  • Depth: 6 in.

  • Strap length: 26.5 in.

Fabric

  • Required: 1.75 yds. of 44 in. wide

  • Recommendations: Woven fabrics such as Broadcloth & Cotton, Linen, Chambray, Canvas & Duck or Cotton Blends.

STEP 5

Cut out the paper pattern pieces

A - Body
B - Sides
C - Straps

STEP 6

Cut out the fabric pieces

  • Seam allowance and hem allowance are already included.

  • Follow the cut instructions on the paper pieces

STEP 7

Label your fabric pieces

  • For clarity, we made the wrong side of our fabric darker.

  • For a closer look, you can click or double-tap on the images to activate zoom.

BEFORE YOU SEW

Watch these 3 video tutorials

STEP 8

Fold the center

STEP 9

Fold the base

  • Fold 3 inches up from the center fold; total base width is 6 inches

STEP 10

Hem the edges

  • There is 3/4 inch hem allowance

  • We chose a double-fold hem and finished it with a straight stitch What should I choose?

STEP 11

Sew the side seam

  • Use 1/4 inch seam allowance

  • We chose a straight stitch

  • Align with notches

STEP 12

Fold the allowance

  • Use 1/4 inch seam allowance

  • Fold and press

STEP 13

Fold the center

  • Fold and press

STEP 14

Attach the strap

  • Use 1/4 inch seam allowance

  • We chose a straight stitch

  • Align the folded seam allowance of the straps to the seam allowance of the side panels

STEP 15

Close the strap

  • We chose a straight stitch

  • Sandwich all the seam allowances inside the folded strap

STEP 16

Fold the edges

  • Align the folded edges over the sewn strap

STEP 17

Attach the strap

  • Use 1/4 inch seam allowance

  • We chose a straight stitch

  • Align the folded seam allowance of the straps to the seam allowance of the side panels

STEP 18

Close the strap

  • We chose a straight stitch

  • Sandwich all the seam allowances inside the folded strap

COMPLETE

You did it!

  • Be a pro! Trim any excess thread and allowances, then, give it a good iron.