Make Your Own Monogrammed Tote

 

It's college acceptance season and as I patiently wait for our friends' kids to announce where they will be attending, I'm scouring the various online fabric stores (moment of silence for Joann) for the right colors of canvas so I can make them each a tote.  

I made these adorable monogrammed tote bags for my nieces for Christmas using my Picnic Tote Sewing Pattern.  My sister reports that the kids LOVE them and I've seen them in action when they come to visit and have their own toys and snacks packed in their bag. 

For these bags I used the mini size dimensions and ended up modifying the pattern a little bit so that the bag will stand up on it's own.  I've updated the pattern instructions to show how to do that, but here's a sneak peek.

For main body of the bag, I used #12 Natural Cotton Duck Fabric from Online Fabric Store.  Since this is a really sturdy canvas, you'll want to use a heavy duty needle.  I used a Universal Needle size 90/14, but a 100/16 or a jeans needle would probably work better.

The main difference in the pattern is that you'll cut the natural canvas to be the full size of the bag front and back and then sew the contrasting band on top rather than sewing them together.

You have to do a little bit of planning in terms of the strap placement and sewing order, but I have added all those instructions to the pattern.  The space between the straps is just about 5 inches, so when you do your letter cut out, you want to be mindful of that.  I sized my letters to about 3.5 inches across.

For the "M" and "P" bags for my nieces, I used Canva as there are a lot more font options than Google Docs.  The only down side is that you can't add a ruler in inches in the free version so you have to do a little trial and error to get the sizing right.  I used size 322 Cabria in case that helps get you started.

There are a lot of different ways you can add the letter but my preferred method is to use Pellon Wonder Under.  It's a wonderful product that basically turns your fabric into an iron-on patch.  

I cut a square of fabric just slightly bigger then the letter, iron the wonder under onto the wrong side, trace and cut my letter with the paper backing still attached, remove the paper and iron the letter into place.  You have to be aware of whether your letter will be backwards or not so you'll want to pay attention to that when you're tracing.  Then I use a narrow zig-zag stitch all the way around.  My machine has speed control which I turn down a little bit as it helps me go more slowly and carefully.

One added advantage to sewing the bag as one solid piece of canvas is that there are fewer seams to finish on the inside.  I serge my seams but you could also encase then in bias tape or even make a simple lining.  There are so many great possibilities for this pattern.

This bag has been my go-to for packing snacks for road trips, the kids track and cross-country meets, book club, you name it!  A college themed bag would make a great gift or even Easter basket. So versatile!!

So what are you waiting for?  Go grab your pattern and get sewing!

Weekend Duffle Bag for the College Girl

 After my daughter saw my recent Cargo Duffle, she put in a request for a duffle bag she could use when she comes home from college for the weekend.  She goes to school close by and will come home for quick one or two-night visit, so doesn't need a huge bag.  And.....though I LOVE my Cargo Duffle, it was quite a project.  

I spent a long time on Etsy looking for a pattern that would be a little less time consuming but still check all the boxes.  This pattern from PNCouture ended up being perfect!  (Pattern is on sale until end of January 2026 - I am not receiving any compensation for promoting this pattern)

The bag came together shockingly quickly and the result is really great.  No exposed seams to bind and it is fully lined.  If you are a beginner sewist, this one might be a little tricky but the shop owner is very responsive and willing to help if needed. 

My daughter's favorite feature is the cute zipper pull.  It's a fun little touch that really makes the bag extra special.  

The finished bag dimensions were spot on to the pattern listing at 17 inches wide, 9 inches deep and 10 inches tall.  I made a matching toiletries bag using my free Boxed Zip Pouch Pattern.  I've been lining my zip pouches with this great lightweight water resistant canvas from Sullivans Trim.  

And just to make sure we're keeping things real, here's Zoe the almost 6 year old puppy needing to get in on the action and check things out.  She approves.

I'll be sending my girl back to school later this week (once we dig ourselves out of nearly 2 feet of snow) and hoping to see her back soon with her new bag.

Happy sewing.

Boxed Pouch FREE Sewing Pattern

After making my version of the Cargo Duffle, I really wanted to make a matching boxed travel pouch.  For some reason, in all my years of sewing I've never made one and I had no idea what a journey it would be conquering this make.  This is how my first try came out!  My brain just couldn't fully comprehend the construction.  

I finally was able to find a tutorial that made sense to me and then tried to optimize the size for what I wanted.  I used a online calculator tool from Sarah Kirsten but her assembly method is a little different so these weren't exactly the size I was looking for.  Though it was super fun pulling out this old Amy Butler (I think?) fabric.  

So, after much trial and error, I was able to make the size I wanted.  I made a couple of these for friends for holiday gifts, but still wasn't totally satisfied.  The interior "wings" were just really bothering me and I felt like there had to be a way to put this bag together without having exposed seams, wings or needing to use bias tape. 

Honestly, I got really stuck on this one.  I spent a lot of time and made A LOT of pouches.  But, the good news is I feel like I really optimized the construction and have put it all together in a FREE tutorial!  The tutorial has dimensions for 3 sizes of pouches and walks you through the assembly, including a video (my first one ever!) showing how to box the corners.  The method is the same for all 3 sizes which includes a small pouch, standard size pouch and a pouch sized for hair tools. 

Download FREE PDF Pattern

 I would love to know what you think of the pattern.  Leave a comment or tag me on Instagram @Zaaberry.