When I was growing up, every time our family went somewhere, we had to wait for my mom to change purses so that her purse matched her outfit. I never would have guessed that I would be doing the same thing 30 years later! I have had so much fun making Tag Along Totes that every time I’m in a quilt shop I grab three fat quarters to make another one. It’s addicting! These are a few of my favorites.
I like to put an extra pocket on the inside of my totes for glasses and a pen. There was room in the pattern instructions for either an optional zipper OR an optional pocket, and it took me forever to decide which one to leave out! The zipper won the spot in the pattern so here are instructions for the pocket:
Cut a 5" x 12" rectangle from leftover fabric. Fold it in half and stitch 1/4" seams along the sides.
Turn it right side out and press. Fold the raw edges up 1/4" and press. The pocket in the photo is kind of upside down with the raw edges along the top edge - but you are smart and you probably already figured that out!
Mark a line 1" from the edge - this is where you'll stitch to make the pen pocket.
Place the pocket on the lining side of your bag back, with the folded top edge of the pocket 1-3/4" from the top edge of the bag. Stitch in place close to the sides and bottom the pocket. Stitch on the marked 1" line to make the pen pocket.
Finish the bag according to the pattern instructions, and voila! I couldn't wait to show you the pocket - now I'll have to go back and attach the handles . . . but my glasses are right there so I can see to do it.
Maybe I missed this in the instructions, but are the seams all 1/4" or 5/8" in the Tag-Along tote?
Posted by: Teresa | February 18, 2012 at 10:22 PM
I purchased this pattern a couple of years ago and have had so much fun making bags for everyone. You are absolutely right! They are addicting! ~karen
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A problem? – I worry about the charming chef’s tobacco addiction – he should live a long life – he’s does good stuff, but at the rate he puffing them down, who knows?
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Posted by: Louis Vuittion handbags | March 30, 2010 at 04:31 AM
Just got my pattern for tag along tote on Tuesday and I am on tote number 4. Thanks for the idea of the inside pocket. The next one will have it for sure.
Posted by: Jeanette Burch | January 02, 2010 at 10:56 PM
How adorable for the hard to get gals, with maybe a gift card tucked inside!!! Thanks for the additional info on the pocket - love those!!!
Posted by: lovetostitch | November 30, 2008 at 04:10 PM
These are so cute! I haven't seen this pattern, but I must get one.
Posted by: MichelleB | November 30, 2008 at 10:42 AM
Love your Tag Along Tote! I'm going to have to make myself one. Thanks for sharing the instructions with us.
Posted by: Nancy E | November 29, 2008 at 09:47 PM
Just keep churning out those cute patterns Terry ... pockets or not! We love them all.
Posted by: Roseann Kermes | November 29, 2008 at 02:52 PM
Hi Terry, Love the new addition to the Take a long tote. What a great gift! I also think that several people are getting the Fat Sack.
Posted by: Jackie | November 29, 2008 at 08:59 AM
love these tag along tote bags, my teenage girls would love these. maybe I will just have to make them a few for Christmas...
Posted by: kathie | November 29, 2008 at 04:28 AM
Hi Terry, Love your new blog site. I have made 3 Tag Along Totes and I'm starting number 4 for a Christmas present. The inside pocket is a great idea. I might as well make another one for me with a pocket. They are addicting!
Posted by: Chris | November 28, 2008 at 05:11 PM