Bag sewing patterns

The boxed tote comes in regular (15 by 16 in, fits a 13 in laptop) and large (18 by 18 in). The zipper pouch comes in 7 by 5, 9 by 6.5 and 11 by 8 inches. The drawstring bag is cut from one folded piece. The slouchy hobo bag is the most work of the four, at about 3 hours, and looks good in old jeans.

The puffer bag is quilted in channels over high-loft batting. The mini is 9 by 7½ inches and holds a phone, wallet and keys; the tote is 13 by 11 inches and takes a 13 in laptop. Nylon, ripstop, velvet and corduroy all work for the outer.

The wipes pouch and the dog treat pouch both have a wipe-clean lining (laminated cotton, PUL or ripstop), so crumbs and leaks come straight out.

Interfacing and zippers

If your outer fabric is light, iron a medium fusible interfacing onto the back before you cut. It is what makes a cotton tote stand up. For zippers, the pouch guide uses zipper tabs at each end, which makes the corners much neater. A zipper longer than the pouch is fine; you trim it after it is sewn in.

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