My first love will always be sewing clothes, but sometimes, I like to mix it up and sew some bags to accessorize my handmade wardrobe.  Most of the bag sewing patterns that I have seen out in the market are made from vibrant printed quilting cottons, but I’m more of a minimalist at heart so I tend to favor sleek, Scandi- or Japanese-style bags in neutral colors.  My absolute favorite is to make bags that look like leather, either because they are actually made out of leather, or because they are made from a leather look-a-like material.  Case in point?  This large tote, which is perfectly sized for a trip to the local farmer’s market.  This version is made from a white faux leather lined with pale pink Ultrasuede fabric.

The tote bag pairs perfectly with a breezy summer maxi, some flats, and a pair of sunglasses.

You can download the free pattern for this bag here.

Now that you have the pattern, learn how to make the tote bag by checking out my series of posts that walk you through the process step-by-step:

1. Choosing your materials

2. Collecting your equipment

3. Cutting and prepping the pieces

4. Constructing the bag

5. Finishing the edges

Have you made the tote bag? If so, please let me know in the comments and send me pics so I can admire your work!

P.S.: Are you interested in learning more about leather bagmaking? If so, check out my Introduction to Leather Bagmaking course, in which I walk you through each step of making a simple leather tote bag. See you there!