An easy tote bag to sew with lining and optional pocket. The bag can be made longer or shorter or wider as you wish. Use as a craft bag, shopping bag or purse.

You will need two pieces of material, one for the tote bag and one for the lining, each measuring 38" long by 16" wide. Choose a strong, sturdy fabric for the tote bag and lining of the same of contrast colour. Cut as shown in the diagram.

Stitch the outside fabric and the lining fabric separately around the bottom as shown on the stitch line. Turn the outside piece inside out. Leaving the lining as is and slip inside the outside piece.

To finish the handle, turn under a hem around the curved handle part of both the outside and lining, and then stitch them together. Ease the hem with with darts made by scissors as you go to avoid puckering.

If you wish pockets, cut square or oblong pieces the size you wish. Then under edges and stitch to the bag.