Stylish Winter Accessory – Felt Tote Bag

Step 1

Felt is a pliable, tactile material: items made from it turn out comfortable and cozy. Bags are no exception 😉 Let's make a minimalist tote bag using a simple pattern.

Illustration 2

Step 3

For this project, you will need thick felt, a pocket zipper, inset handles, a pair of magnetic snaps, a chain strap with two D-rings, and any decal or patch to decorate the surface.

Illustration 4

Step 5

You can apply the heat transfer decal using an iron, and the front piece is ready.

Illustration 6

Step 7

Add a zipper and an interior pocket to the back of the tote. Baste the zipper to the opening. Front and back view:

Illustration 8

Illustration 9

Step 10

Also baste the pocket piece on top of the zipper.

Illustration 11

Step 12

Stitch the zipper in place, then position and stitch the second pocket piece on the inside.

Illustration 13

Illustration 14

Step 15

Wrong side and right side view

Illustration 16

Illustration 18

Step 19

Now you can align the two sides of the bag. Stitch them right sides together and sew the darts closed to create a boxed bottom. Turn the tote bag right side out and smooth out the corners—half the work is done!

Illustration 20

Illustration 21

Step 22

The interior of the bag is made in the exact same way. If you like, you can add a small pocket to it.

Illustration 23

Step 24

Install magnetic snaps along the edges of the main opening and prepare felt tabs with metal loops—the chain strap will attach to them.

Illustration 25

Illustration 26

Step 27

Assemble all the parts together, sewing in the tabs with loops and topstitching along the upper edge.

Illustration 28

Illustration 29

Step 30

The last thing to do is attach the metal handles. They simply snap into place. The chain clips on with removable clasps.

Illustration 31

Step 32

Now you can confidently head out for some stylish shopping 😍

Illustration 33