Small Fur Tote – A Sweet Gift For The Holidays

small fur tote

Welcome to one of our New Year's sewing projects! We'll be making a small tote bag that is perfect for carrying your essentials on the go. This project is suitable for beginner sewers, and can be completed in just a few hours. By the end of this tutorial, you will have a stylish and practical tote bag that you can use for years to come. Whether you're looking to kick off the new year with a new hobby or just want to add a personal touch to your everyday accessories, this small tote bag is the perfect project for you.

If you enjoyed our last project with faux fur making a winter hat, then you'll enjoy this small fur tote project as well.  This tote is really easy and fast to make.  It is both a perfect accessory and also a great New-Years gift.  It would also be a good place to start if you've not made many bags before.  You'll learn about how linings work as well as other key skills to then move on to more complex patterns and projects.

small fur tote

While this is a very easy tote to make, the knowledge of handling the faux fur fabric is essential.  If you are a beginner, please read this essential guide on how to work with fur.

sewing with fur

Materials

  • Medium-length hair faux fur 1/2 yard (there will be a bit of leftover but we will use it in the near future)
  • Quilting cotton 1/2 yard.
  • Medium fusible interfacing 1/4 yard
  • Thread to match the lining and the faux fur

Tools

small fur tote

Fabric recommendations

Pattern layout and finished measurements

small fur tote

The tote will measure 10 1/2″ X 6″ when finished, not including the handles.

Pattern Download

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Download the Free Pattern

You can download the pattern for this Small Fur Tote from our account at Payhip.

For help downloading and printing PDF patterns, please CLICK HERE.

The entire pattern is sewn at 3/8″.  Print the pattern and trace the pieces on the back of the fur.  Pay attention to the direction of the nap.  The desired direction is indicated on the pattern.

Step One:  Sew the front and back

small fur tote

Join the front and back together using long pins along the widest part of the pattern which is the bottom of the tote.  Push the hair down and pin the jersey part of the fur together.  Sew at 3/8″.

Step two: Sew the sides

Pin the sides together starting on the top and continue pinning every half an inch.  Sew at 3/8″.  Pay special attention when sewing the curves.  

small fur tote

Step three: Make the handles

Cut the handles.  One side can be longer than the other, but this is optional.  The pattern is drafted for the two size options. 

small fur tote

Sew the handles using a small zigzag.  Turn the handles inside out with the help of a loop turner.  Pin the handles to the fur side of the bag where the seams meet.

Step Four:  Making the lining

Fuse the medium weight interfacing to the lining pieces before sewing.  Then, sew the lining the same way you did the fur.  Except that you will leave a 2 1/2″ gap on one of the sides to be able to turn the small fur tote right side out.

small fur tote

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Step Five: Finishing the small fur tote

Turn the small fur tote wrong side out.  Pin the handles to the fur side where the seams meet.  Insert the lining print side out and pin all around.  The right side of the print should face the fur.

Pin all over the top of the bag.  Sew the top of the bag at 3/8″.  

small fur tote

Using the gap you left open, pull the bag right side out.  Do this step slowly because the fur is thick. Close the gap using a needle and thread.

As I finish this bag, I am thinking this pattern would be great to try in fabric even in leather.  I will definitely be trying a few options and share with you what I come up with.

small fur tote

But, one thing is for sure, if you try the project in something other than faux fur, make sure the interfacing is a little stiff so it holds the shape.

I hope you have enjoyed this new year's sewing project and that your small tote bag has turned out beautifully. As you celebrate the start of a new year, I hope you will find time to relax and enjoy the company of your loved ones. Happy sewing and happy new year!

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small fur tote


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layagaga
layagaga

Thanks Mayra for your lovely tutorial!
I made 1 bags, nearly like this.

layagaga
layagaga

Thank’s Mayra for your lovely tutorial!
I made 1 bags, nearly like this

Vicky
Vicky

I LOVE IT!!!! Absolutely PERFECT!!!!

Brenda
Brenda

Where do you get the tassel? I LOVE this!

So Sew Easy
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Reply to  Brenda
Brenda
Brenda
Reply to  So Sew Easy

Thanks! They are glorious! 🙂

Brenda Dawson
Brenda Dawson

Looks Great !! I will be trying this pattern very soon !!

vicky
vicky

I can’t post how much i LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS!!!! THE PERFECT PURSE!!!!! want to make mine a little larger with a satin lining LOVE LOVE LOVE

Tracey Adams
Tracey Adams

Adorable! What about the tassel? Was it purchased and attached (if so, where?) or did you make it also? (Instructions, please!)

Dolores Javitt
Dolores Javitt

I love the look of this darling little fur bag!! Can’t wait to make it in leopard fur!! Mayra, Thank you so much for the free patters?

Sheila

Mayra, I cannot find the free pattern for the faux fur purse,it said on the next page but there was no next page? Thanks Sheila

So Sew Easy
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Reply to  Sheila

Hi Sheila, sorry for the delayed reply. The page numbers are sometimes hard to see but are towards the bottom of the page. Here’s the direct link to page 2 with the download: https://so-sew-easy.com/small-fur-tote-great-christmas-gift/2/

Krysia
Krysia

Could I use some real fur from an old mink jacket that I have inherited?

Mary
Mary

I made one with fleece and lined it with a medium weight interfacing and cotton. Came out great! Thank you! It is going to make a great Christmas present for a special little girl.

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lorrie
lorrie

add an extra layer and make it a hand muff

Kris
Kris

How did you sew the clasp on?

aunt sue
aunt sue

How much fur material..1/4 or 1/2 yard? or is it right in front of me and I just missed it ; )

aunt sue
aunt sue
Reply to  Mayra Cecilia

Thank you Mayra

Ashley
Ashley

I can’t seem to find fabric requirements anywhere. How much fabric and lining fabric are needed for this bag?

Ashley
Ashley
Reply to  Mayra Cecilia

Thank you! I’ve only ever sewn clothing before but this bag has convinced me to stray.

charmainenyw
charmainenyw

Oooh, this is something new for my sewing obsessed Mum to try. Going to pass it on to her.
– Charmaine