A simple tote bag using laminated cotton for the base. I LOVE this idea, it was the first one that popped into my brain. A perfect ‘set down on the wet ground bag’ for Pacific Northwest winters.
Here’s an example of where I topstitched on the laminate side. I used a #100 topstitching needle. It sewed just fine. A little thumping as the needle penetrated through the coating.
The pins will leave holes in the laminate. I used a half inch seam allowance and made sure to pin within that.
A shot of the inside tote bag seam. As I mentioned in yesterday’s post on laminated cotton sewing tips, the seams don’t really lay flat. In this case it was certainly good enough for the purpose.
I like the shape it gives to the bottom of the tote. I applied a layer of fusible interfacing to the lining of this tote giving the entire bag a nice structure. The bag stands up on its own.
As a side note: I plan to take the straps off this bag and flip them over. Silk Dupioni was not a good choice as a material to rest against the hand. I like the color and the texture but the material was too scratchy for me!
I have a feeling you’re going to ask about that barkcloth on the outside. A vintage eBay find from several years ago. I’m totally diggin’ the old with the new, silk with cotton, and suede with laminate.
Kathy Mack
Carrie + Diana
I LOVE it! those fabrics are awesome
Very pretty Kathy – I really like it!
So cute! I need to jump on this laminated cotton band wagon!
Really pretty bag Kathy.
Love the placement of the pocket! The whole bag is lovely.
I like it so much! I am very interested in working with some of the laminated cotton.
What a great tote and so practical and pretty. Happy weekend to you!!!
Love the bag. After looking at the seam, I wondered, did you finish the edges?
Pat: I did a pillowcase finish. My first step was to sew the lining and exterior together right sides together and turned it right side out. I then finished up by stitching up the side seams.
You definitely have pattern/texture party going on here! And I’m right with you about the laminate as a bag base — genius! Thanks for sharing fun projects — as always.
Gorgeous!
I have made rain hats out of the laminated cotton fabrics. The stiffness varies greatly depending on the manufacturer. Moda laminates are very stiff, Michael Miller laminates are a medium stiffnes, Anna Maria Horner and Kaffe Fassett laminates are butterly soft, and sew like regular fabric. I have used a simple “bucket” hat pattern for the rain hats. There are curved seams in the six crown sections, and a long curved seam around the brim and the lining. (I use the same laminate fabric for the brim lining.) The first thing to realize is that you cannot iron the seams. So, clip the curves, then top stitch with a narrow width. The topstitched seams hold the curves beaufifully. For the long brim seam, I clip the curve, then understitch close to the seam. It allows the turned seam to lie very nicely. I line the crown with regular cotton. I don’t attempt to handstitch, but top stitch. The result is very, very cute. I have given these as gifts and sold some. And I agree that ironing from the back using a pressing cloth works quite well.
I have that VERY barkcloth. It’s old, faded, and I still have some of it. Sun room curtains (our playroom) in an apartment in my childhood — I’ve taken over some of those second hand leftovers for repurposing, if they haven’t grown too fragile.
jpknits: that’s such a fantastic story! my fabric came in the form of curtain panels as well
xo kathy
Nice job! Great idea.
This is a very cool idea!
Thanks so much for clearing up the whole laminated cotton thing. I’m thinking of making tote bags, too, and was wondering how this stuff works with a sewing machine. I really appreciate your time & effort!
Can you recommend any particular place to buy it at a fair price? I know the shipping is probably high due to the weight of the fabric.
I was wondering if the “thunking” you described with the 100 size needle might be minimized by the use of a leather needle instead to sew on the laminate. Just a thought. I love the idea of combining many different textures and fabrics and plan to try other piecing to achieve interesting bags. Life never has to be boring or ho-hum this way!! Thanks for the pattern.
I love the colors and was wanting to make lunch bags. Does anybody have trouble embroidering on it???
I would love to know what pattern you used for this tote – it’s such a great shape. Thanks!