This post has been updated and is no longer linked to the tutorial on Sew Mama Sew. It is linked to a new color block totes tutorial here on my blog.
It’s been a little quiet for me and my sewing machine lately. I’ve had dozens of projects on my mind, but I’ve wanted to make modern, colorful totes FOREVER. With a family trip to California on the horizon, I thought it was the perfect time to make a few different color combinations and then bring along my favorite one.
It started with a half square triangle and I took it from there…
Each bag has 4 colors. This is a project you can have a lot of fun with! At first, I was very deliberate in my color selection. By the 3rd bag I put all my solid fabrics in a pile and went crazy choosing the colors. The best combinations are those that don’t quite match!
I love the asymmetrical feel to the handles and front of totes. The lining and back of the straps really pop. The outside of the bag and straps are from 2 half square triangles. Fun, right? My husband likes the green/blue combination while I love the coral/grey. Think of all the color combinations you can make. Here is the new link to the Asymmetrical color block tote tutorial. It is the same tutorial I created for Sew Mama sew, now living here on my blog. Yay!
Finished size – 14.5″ L x 3″W x 11.5″
Want to see other tote bag tutorials? Click here for my Reversible 1 Hour Tote. Great news – the tutorial includes a free PDF pattern.
Let me know if you have any questions or comments. Happy Sewing.
Wow, these are gorgeous! You need a store
gorgeous! I think I may need to try this one…
can I buy one of these from you??? Adorable! Please email if so
HI Sally,
Thank you for the comment – you made my day! I will email you about the totes 🙂
Marni
These are awesome! I want to go make some for my kids for their swim lesson bags coming up in a few weeks.
Thanks Kati! These would make awesome swim bags. I’d love to see finished images of your bags… Please send via Facebook if they get made 🙂
Have a great day – Marni
I love these! They have a nautical feel, but are subtle about it. I think I need one for spring!
I love these! I wish I had the sewing skills to do these.
great tute. I made mine this morning for the SewMamaSew giveaway day -starting tomorrow!
Thank you for very clear directions.
http://runningwithrocket.blogspot.com/2015/05/sewmamasew-giveaway-day-spring-2015.html
Hi Kathy – Thanks for sharing! I just visited your blog and your tote looks awesome. I love the colors you selected! If you feel like sharing on my Facebook page, please come over https://www.facebook.com/HaberdasheryFun
– Marni
these are such fun – i’ll have to try one out! questions on the interfacing you used – it calls for a lightweight fusible interfacing, but i didn’t see anywhere in the directions where that goes in the bag. Did I miss it? is there a brand of sew-in interfacing that you recommend? thanks!
Hi Bee – Sorry about that. Use the fusible interfacing for the straps to make them sturdier. I used Pellon SF101. It’s a little bit tedious, but cut the straps as per the tutorial, then iron the long interfacing piece to the long strap piece. I made straps with and without the interfacing – but liked how they turned out WITH the interfacing. Let me know how it goes and please send images of your finished bag [ https://www.facebook.com/HaberdasheryFun ]
Thanks for stopping by 🙂 – Marni
Wow those bags are gorgeous! I need to make more stuff in plain fabrics 🙂
Hi Anna – thanks for stopping by.. It was fun to play with my solids stack and come up with color combinations! Have a great week – Marni
I’m loving this! I’m so impressed by your masterpiece. Pinned and tweeted. We appreciate you taking the time to party with us. I hope to see you on Monday at 7. Happy Mother’s Day! Lou Lou Girls
These color block totes are awesome! I would love for you to link up at the Stitch It, Blog It, Share It Link Party going on now at behindtheseamssewing.com.
~Bonnie
These are AMAZING! I definitely need to make one
Hi Lisa – Thank you so much! I saw your boxy pouch for the ribbon retreat love everything about it!
Those straps do pop! Thanks for posting. Hello from Busy Monday.
They are just lovely. Such great colour combinations, they look so stylish and modern.
Hi – I made this out of pleather and I love, love it. So easy & so cute. Thank you for the pattern! (PS – I’ve gotten a TON of compliments on it.)
Hi Peggy – Awesome!! Thanks for letting me know. 🙂 I’d love to see images? if you want to post to my Facebook page that would be great https://www.facebook.com/HaberdasheryFun
Love the colors! Might need to try them…
I absolutely adore these! I wanted to let you know that this project is one of my features over at The Handmade Hangout! My post with features and this week’s linky goes live today at 6pm ET. Thanks so much for linking up- great job!
Hi Valerie,
Thanks so much! I appreciate your meeting me know. Have a great weekend. – Marni