Nancy Drew Blog Hop: Library Tote Tutorial + Giveaway
Despite the fact that I have known about this hop for months, March was suddenly upon me and a note in my inbox reminded me that March 7th was my day on the Nancy Drew Get a Clue blog hop.
Luckily, I had already designed my project and the paper pieced pattern I would use. And luckily, my husband is on spring break and could entertain our girls for a few hours today while I completed the project.
It seems that some of the other blog hop stops from yesterday were similarly inspired by the books featuring Nancy Drew to create a bag for books, but I do hope to give you a unique spin.
The fabric I ordered from Nancy Drew Get a Clue by Moda included a book cover panel and a charm pack of 42 5-inch squares. I also picked up some text fabrics because I thought those would play nicely with the whole book theme.
Make a Nancy Drew Library Tote
Supplies:
*Front and back panel of the tote: (2) rectangles, 14.5 x 18.5 inches. My panels are pieced, so some additional step are required. I’ll explain below.
*Lining: (2) rectangles, 14.5 x 18.5 inches. Do not use quilting weight cotton. We want this bag to hold books and we want it to last. The structure of the bag comes from the lining in this case, so use something heavy: denim, canvas, heavy twill, etc.
*Handles: (2) pieces of 1-inch wide webbing, 22 inches long.
*Basic sewing supplies.
Make the pieced front and back panel
Begin with a book cover from the fabric panel. This is cut to 10.5 x 14.5 inches.
For the opposite side, I made a paper pieced book with text fabric and solids that coordinated with the Nancy Drew fabric. Come back next week and I will show the tutorial for the paper pieced book and give you the PDF pattern to make your own!
Select 14 of the charms and cut them in quarters to makes 56 2.5-inch squares.
Using a 1/4 inch seam allowance, sew the 2.5-inch square together in strips of 7. You will have eight strips. Attach these strips along the edges of your front and back panel pieces.
You now have the front and back of your library tote. Each panel measures 14.5 x 18.5 inches.
Place the two pieces right sides together. Now that we are constructing the bag, rather than piecing, increase your seam allowance to 1/2 inch. Beginning at the top of the bag, begin sewing along one side. Back stitch 4-5 stitches and continue stitching along one side. Stop 1/2 inch from the bottom of the bag, leave the needle down, lift the presser foot, and turn the bag a quarter turn to stitch along the bottom of the bag. Repeat, stitching up the other side and back stitching when you reach the top edge of the bag.
At each bottom corner of the bag, mark 3/4 inch in from the side seam and 3/4 inch up from the bottom seam.
Pull the front and back panels away from each other and align the bottom seam with the side seam.
Sew across the corner of the bag along the line you just drew. Add another line of stitching about 1/8th inch further down. Trim off excess fabric.
While your bag is still inside out, fold the top edge 1/2 inch toward the wrong side and press.
Turn the bag right side out.
Make the lining
Remember, you will be using (2) rectangles 14.5 x 18.5 inches of a heavy weight fabric. I I used denim for this project.
Find the center of the wrong side of each lining piece. Mark a 1 inch line 2.5-3.5 inches from the center and 2 inches below the top edge of the lining.
If using synthetic webbing, seal the edges by quickly passing a match along the edge. Align your webbing pieces with the lines you just drew and pin in place. Be sure your webbing does not get twisted!
Attach the straps to the wrong side of the lining using an x-box. This will ensure your straps will stand up to hauling books around and will not rip from the bag.
Place your two lining pieces right sides together and sew along each side and the bottom with 1/2 inch seam allowance, as you did with the outside panels. Remember to backstitch at the beginning and end of your stitches.
Again, at each bottom corner, mark 3/4 inch in from the side seam and 3/4 inch up from the bottom seam. Pull the front and back away from each other to line up the bottom seam with the side seam. Sew along the line you drew to create the boxed bottom of the bag.
Fold the top edge toward the wrong side and press. If you are using synthetic webbing do not touch the iron to the webbing!!
Assemble the bag
Slip the lining into the outside of the bag with wrong sides together.
Align the top edge of the lining with the top edge of the outside of the bag and pin in place.
Edge stitch very close to the top edge of the bag. Repeat a second line of stitching about 1/8 inch below the first.
Finished!
Giveaway
Do you want to win this super cool, super sturdy library tote? Just leave me a comment and let me know what sort of handmade bags you would be inclined to buy.
For another chance to win, be a follower of this blog, or become a follower and let me know in another comment.
For a third chance to win, Like Sewing by Moonlight on Facebook and leave a comment saying that you do.
Giveaway will close Friday, March 15th at 9PM EDT.
Don’t forget to come back next week for the paper pieced book pattern!
Go check out the other stops on the Nancy Drew blog hop today!
ideal fabric for a library tote. I do not buy many bags or purses because I make my own.
I love your book! I would probably buy a book bag like this with a zipper closure. Thanks for the chance.
Love your paper pieced book and any fabric with words. Perfect size for a tote. Not too large.
Great job on the book bag, I will be back for the book file ! I like blingy leather cowboy bags. Thanks!
Wow,it`s super cool.Thanks for the tutoria!!l.
I love bags,purse and wallets.I love big bag
I liked you on FB ! You can find me on FB at More Stars in Comanche & Other Places
Your book bags are just wonderful and very unique! Your design is perfect for the fabric line. And I guess I wouldn’t buy a handmade bag because I would make my own.
What a wonderful tutorial, and fun bag. I know anyone would be the belle of the ball in the library with that bag! 🙂
I make totes – all kinds! Love bags, but would love to carry a “small” purse so I could find things in there when I want to!!
Looking at the Nancy Drew pictures reminds me of many days sitting on a window seat in my room reading her books over and over as a young girl. The simple times where as a child you entertained yourself by living out a fantacy by reading. I would love to give this bag to my granddaughter who is dyslexic and struggles with reading.
Nancy could be her companion too.
Great tutorial, thanks so much! I carry a bag everywhere I go (almost). I particularly carry totes because I can put everything in it and know where it all is. I also like to use twill for my lining because it makes it sturdy. Would love to win the give a way….
I follow you by email.
ohhhh terrific tutorial and I adore your book cover paper piecing…well done!
What a fun book tote. Love it. I loved reading Nancy Drew when I was a child. I had quite a few of them.
Nice bag! Thanks for sharing in the Nancy Drew fun!
The tote bags are awesome, esp the one with the Nancy Drew book cover! Totes are very versatile and come in many sizes so they have been my staple. I’ve recently learnt to sew really simple ones and your tutorial is helpful.
Wonderful bag! I think my favorite bag would be a purse with an inside pocket NOT ZIPPERED so that I could easily find my keys. They are always sinking to the bottom of my current purse, and of course a pocket for my iPhone. I don’t tend to carry too much in my purse. I could also use a project bag for my quilting take alongs. We all have some of those I think. I love EPP so small size is great.
I am drawn to bags with lots of pockets. I like to pretend I am organized!
What a great idea for the fabric, Em! Love it!
Love your tote and your paper pieced book. Thanks also for the tutorial on how to attach the webbing handles. I have seen those but never been quite clear on the best way to use them.
I have never bought a handmade bag because I have made more than I can use!
Your book is so cool! Your girls will be wanting their own tote bag!!!
I prefer bags with lots of pockets in variety of size…some pockets with closures… and for the handles to be flat and between 1 – 2 inches wide! Thanks for sharing such a great tutorial!!
Great tutorial and that bag looks perfect for toting around books. I love your paper pieced book! Thanks for hopping with us!
Hi Em!!! love that tote….I love bags of all kinds….more into shoulder type hobos.
Great project
I follow!!!
Your library bag looks great. I actually might buy a Coach Bag at some point but to buy a custom homemade bags, I do enjoy making them myself or use one when gifted by friend(s). Jane
I already follow you. Like dthe clean up of your space post, thanks for sharing. Jane
I love this tote! Thanks for the tutorial! I like totes that are sturdy enough for library books, and that have a literary theme. This sure fits that criteria!
Love your tote. I made one too so don’t include me in your give away, that would be greedy on my part. Love your paperpieced book. Nice touch.
I just signed up to follow your blog via email. I love your ideas!
I like your book bag and thanks for the tutorial. I would be inclined to buy bags that would hold my music, music stand, and other teaching supplies.\, and preferably with tops that can be closed.
Ok, I’m going to admit something here and now…I’ve never made a bag. I’m scared, so silly I know but I WILL be back to read your tutorial more carefully. I think I can do this, lining and all. I’m even going to become a follower since I snuck and read more of your posts and liked what I found. Here’s to a new quilting/stitching friendship. BTW, liked your sewing room clean-up. I need to do a Major revamp and soon!!
Blessings
Gmama Jane
I love your tote and would love to win. But if I don’t, I can always make me one using your very clear tutorial. Thanks so much.
I became a follower.
What a fantastically clever project! Thank you so much for sharing a tutorial for it!
I love your bag!! I would so take that to the library. I would have no problem buying that bag, because I know it would be sturdy. I also would buy handmade handbags.
I am a follower by email!
I also, liked you on Facebook!
Beautiful bag- congratulations on being in the top 2 this certainly earned that spot!
Love tote bags and this one is gorgeous!
Am a new facebook follower/like
Am a new follower
I am a new follower . I found your blog today via the hop. conn_and_vans_mom(at)yahoo(dot)com
Thanks for the tutorial! Nice work!
I liked your facebook page. And will be following you over on facebook now to. conn_and_vans_mom(at)yahoo(dot)com
I buy large bags that I can use for library books and to tote projects around in. conn_and_vans_mom(at)yahoo(dot)com
Love the bag and your tutorial. Thanks.
I’m a follower.
That is a very cute tote and great tutorial.
I love totes, purses, wristlets, all kinds of fabric bags. I like to be able to create something that is uniquely mine. Thanks for the opportunity!
I am a new follower. Looking forward to reading your blog often.
Perfect book bag. What a great idea. I love big bags that i can stuff lots in…Thanks for sharing and for the opportunity on a wonderful draw.
bonnielarson58@gmail.com
I love this book tote–perfect. I don’t usually buy totes because I make my own. This one would be a perfect gift for my daughter, who is working on her master’s degree in library science.
I am a follower.
I liked your page on fb–thanks for the great tutorial on your tote.
love homemade purses
thanks for chance to win this tote
ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com
I love your tote, I do not bags since I make my own, and also when I go to conferences, I seem to collect free bags.
I go to the library every Wednesday and check out 5 or so books, so it’s a bookings for me. Would love to win.
I am a follower.
I have liked you on Facebook.
Love your book bag, the paper pieced book is perfect!! I love bags with extra pockets 🙂
What a great bag! Thank you for the fabulous tutorial and of the up coming pp book, it’s too cute! The only thing I’d add would be a protective flap so books and projects would stay dry.
Thank you for the chance 🙂
beautiful! you’ll have fun going to the librairy with that tote. we have the same idea! my turn on the 15th!
have fun on the hop
I’m now following your lovely blog 🙂
Lov e your book bag ,nothing better then a stylish bag to take to the library and the paper pieced book is very creative.
I like your bag. You did a good job. I buy bags of all kinds, but think I buy more medium sized bags for groceries.
Love your Nancy Drew bag! Great tutorial to follow. Thank you for sharing today.
Judith, Texas
I love your library totes! So pretty and yet serviceable!
I never know what kind of bag will strike my fancy! I just go by what I have an emotional reaction to!
Great library tote! I love large totes and handbags. Thanks for sharing
Love your paper pieced book and any fabric with words. I want one of those bags that hangs, its like what you can carry a basketball in… I dont know what words I carry the same purse for years. But I am going shell hunting and thought about it.
Your book bag/tote is adorable. I love the way you did your paper pieced book. I did paper piecing once….not good at it. Guess I need more practice. Also, thank you for the step by step tutorial on making the tote. I was never quite sure of the handles.
Great tote! I love every kind of bag, and will not every day of the year to use each one I have. However, I keep buying patterns, books, bags!!!
Wonderful bag! I love the way you added the paper-pieced book…I’m going to have to make one for my mom who works in a library!
I’m a new follower!
Such a great looking library tote bag. I haven’t bought any bags in years because I make them. One of my weaknesses is making bags. If my name wins, please choose someone else to win your beautiful bag, as I really don’t need a bag and would rather someone else who would love to win have the chance. I just wanted to leave a comment.
Love your tote! Thank you so much for taking the time to show us how to make it.
Thanks for the tutorial! Your bag is super cute and I love the PP book.
I love your tote. It is sew awesome. Thanks for sharing
A bag I would consider buying would have plenty of pockets and either a zipper at the top or magnetic closure, long enough straps that I could wear it cross body but adjustable is nice so it could be carried in the normal manner too. And not TOO huge either that it weighs a ton.
I am following by email and may I said I love how your project turned out. The paper pieced book design is a wonderful addition. Congrats on making the top 2 today! Off to hook up with facebook now. I would love to win your bag!
I like the paper pieced book — that’s great!
Great tutorial and a wonderful project. It is perfect for the fabric.
Love the bag. Great tutorial too. I like bags with pockets.
I am a new follower.
I really like the bag and the panel of Nancy Drew is perfect. Nice job and thanks for ahving a give away.
Love the bags! I don’t buy bags or purses often (even though I love them), I tend to carry one till if falls apart. I have many patterns for them but have yet to make one.
Great tutorial. I don’t buy many totes, since I prefer to make my own. If I were to buy they’d have to be more like a purse (with tricky construction I either couldn’t or wouldn’t do myself).
Great tote!
I make most of my own bags but I’d probably buy a zippered bag!
Thanks for sharing!
Follower!
Just signing up!!
bags I would by – messanger bags, as long as they have a sturdy wide strap
I’m a follower
Thanks for the very clear instructions and pictures.
Aside from looking for a bag that incorporates great fabrics, I never buy any bag that doesn’t have sturdy handles. Somehow, I often underestimate how many books or groceries I will get, and I hate to have a handle break or tear.
Following!
Love the library tote!! I want to start making my own bags but I recently bought a grocery tote!
I love tote’s any size. From carring grocerys to sewing supplies. Yes even books. thanks for the fun time.
I just signed up to follow by email. Thanks
I went to fb and “LIKED” you on fb. thanks
I’ve bought several handmade bags – the most recent was Mail Sack by Pink Chalk Fabrics. I also have a little handbag I got off of eBay.
What a great tote! Thank you for including a great tutorial. I appreciate your details in your tutorial as to how to make the bag to really hold books. All the reinforcement (from you) and the stitching and the heavy lining are wonderful. It is frustrating to put the time and effort in a bag to have it not fit the purpose. It is great and I look forward to the paper pieced book pattern next week. Thanks for participating.
Love the bags and it would be wonderful to win one.
I am also a follower.
Well, I like sewing, so I make most of the bags I need. Though one of the large, structured, Amy Butler Weekender ones seems a bit intimidating to make, so if I had extra cash, maybe I’d buy one of those.
I like all kinds of bags/totes. Your bag is great!
What a great tote!
Yours is such a great tote. I would buy purses that have zippers on the inside which are very hard for me to make for myself.
Love your tote bag! I like purses with a lot of pockets.
I love your purses.
Thanks for the tote.
Your tote bag was wonderful. Because I am a booklover and am always carting books around, I am always looking for a sturdy bookbag with a mystery theme.
love the bag!!
I love your book bag! I would make one for my Kindle or IPad. Great idea. Thanks for sharing
This bag is very on trend with what I see online now, and of course Nancy is always trendy!
Wow, great tute and great tote! Can’t wait for the PP book pattern. Thanks for the chance to win and the inspiration!
I am a brand new follower.
And I like you on facebook!
I love all kinds of handmade bags. They are unique and you don’t see yourself coming and going! Love your book bag! Thank you for sharing.
I love this bag! I would buy just about any kind of bag with a zipper closure. thanks!
I’m a new follower. thanks
I liked you on Facebook. thanks
Nicely done! B-)
What a great bag! I guess we stitchers can never have enough bags – especially if they’re a variety of sizes. I use handmade bags for the library, my lunch, my projects, an overnight bag, a jewelry bag and even a purse. 🙂 blessings, marlene
I love the way your bag turned out. You did a great job. I would probably buy a bag like this. Thanks for the chance to in your great bag.
That’s a wonderful tote and you did a marvelous job lining up everything. The pp book block is perfect. Who wouldn’t love using this tote when going to the library or anywhere else?
your bag is fabulous! I am eagerly awaiting the tutorial for the paper piece book! Thanks for sharing!
oops I forgot I am most inclined to buy a bag that is roomy and sturdy- and super cute! 🙂
I love your bag. Thanks for sharing the how-to.
The types of bags I will buy …
(1) very small ones that hold only my cash and cards that will go around my neck and under my coat … I do not like handbags or pocketbooks.
(2) very large, sturdy ones for heavy totes when needed … I like denin or canvas with straps that go around the bottom and up the sides to form the handes on each side
(3) reusable shopping bags that fold small and open roomy
… also … they must be pretty … like yours!
Thanks for the chance to win … 🙂 Pat
I liked you on Facebook. 🙂
I love your Bookbag/Tote!!! Oooooh yes…I sure would Loooooove to win it!
I am soooo “addicted” to Totes!! LOL If it holds a project…or my books…I will always “have to have it!!” 🙂
I signed up as a new Follower too!! 🙂
Very cute. Thanks for tutorial. Text fabric looks great with it.
Your tote is nice. I really like the paper pieced book – clever! 🙂
Love your library tote. I made a book bag too and it is so fun to see how other’s have constructed theirs. I love your book block.
I love your Nancy Drew tote bag!
I would buy a tote that zippered across the top and had pockets on the front and inside and was made sturdily of a fabric that was classic/understated or was a novelty I couldn’t get myself.
Great job! Thanks for sharing and for the giveaway!
I like to buy grocery totes with flat bottoms, love the fabric and the tote you made. I need a new tote to carry library books back and forth. Thanks for the tutorial and for the giveaway.
I’m not much of a ” purse person.” But I do love tote bags. I like them big, colorful and pockets on the inside.
I love large totes that I can stuff lots of things in. But now I think carrying around these large bags have created back problems! Oh well, you can’t have everything 🙂
I would be tempted to buy a denim purse in a medium size. I’ve had two now and really like them, but they are not always easy to find, nor are they always as sturdy as I’d like.
Your tote is cute. 🙂
I already follow/like your page on Facebook. 😉
I would love a bag to tote my iPad in. This one is so cute.
I am now a new follower of your blog
I have to have this fabric! My book club has started up again & this would be a great tote to carry my book & ipad. Hmm, maybe an ipad cover in this fabric too!
Thank you for the tutorial! I usually go for the totes when I buy handmade bags.
I liked you on FB
I’m a follower 😉
I love big bags, the problem is the bigger the bag the more I pdut in it. Your tote is very nice and your tutorial is superb. Thanks for the chance to win. Felicia
I am now a follower of your blog. Felicia
I love the tut and the bag!! I recently purchased a feed bag tote and it’s a wonderful get about bag. And it’s Up-cycled which I love. I can put all kinds of things in it from books, groceries or my current hand quilting project. It’s easy to clean too.
Thank You for the chance to win your wonderful bag.
Sincerely,
Tricia
e-mail subscriber!
I forgot to say I love your bag & would love to have one like it for my library trips. I’ve made one tote in a quilting class.
Liked you on facebook: Nicole Sender.
I am notoriously difficult to buy bags/purses for! I want pockets – some with zippers, some without, maybe even a snap or two. And it can’t be too big or too small – enough to hold a book (or school books if a school bag), but not big enough for me to NEED to go buy other stuff with which to fill it. And it should be fully machine-washable and without velcro. thanks!
Absolutely beautiful!
I tend to go for book-bag types 😀
Thanks for sharing how to make your bag. I like to go the the library a lot so a bag would have to be really strudy. I like my purses to have a lot of pockets inside and a cross body handle. Thanks for the giveaway. vickise at gmail dot com