Small Fur Tote – A Sweet Gift For The Holidays

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.

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.

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

• Sewing machine
• Loop turner
• Ball point needle, Size 14
• Sharp scissors
• Sewing needle
• Long sewing pins

Fabric recommendations

Pattern layout and finished measurements

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

Pattern Download

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

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.  

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. 

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.

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″.  

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.

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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