Day 10- Tiny Tote

On the 10th Day of Christmas, Made for Mermaids Gave to Me… a Tiny Tote! 🎄👜

Who doesn’t love a perfectly pint-sized accessory? Mini bags are having their moment, and I’m loving it! Today’s freebie is an absolutely adorable Tiny Tote pattern! Whether you’re adding the sweet optional ruffle or keeping it simple, this freebie is the perfect gift for anyone on your list.

These little totes are as versatile as they are cute. Fill them with makeup, scrunchies, snacks, gift cards, hand sanitizer, or other goodies to create the ultimate frilly gift for teens, friends, teachers, or friends. Need something for a little one? Use it as a doll accessory or play bag—you could put a few doll accessories or play jewelry inside- they’ll love it! Plus, with endless fabric possibilities, you can easily tailor it to match your recipient’s personality.

These freebies would go perfectly inside or with the tiny tote- eye mask, heatless curlers, key fob, cord keepers, scarf & bow scrunchie, knotted hair bow, Sydney sailor bow, fabric bow, or a keychain wallet.

Whether for play, practical use, or simply for gifting, this Tiny Tote will surely bring smiles this holiday season. Let’s get started on this tiny tote treasure! 🎁

SUPPLIES:

Fabric – woven fabric like quilting cotton, satin, denim, etc. A variety of fabrics can be used.
1/4 yard non ruffle tote
3/8 yard ruffle tote
1/4 yard lining
Fusible fleece
Light to medium weight fusible interfacing
Depending on how structured you want your bag, you can add interfacing and/or the fusible fleece. If you don’t add anything, it will be floppy.

LET’S GET STARTED!

3/8″ seam allowances included

Step 1: PREPPING

Go grab the pattern here! The pattern is 100% free, but you do need to add it to your cart and checkout. Then, it will always be available to download from your account. The pattern is a no trim pattern; if you need help putting the pattern together, pop over to the faqs and troubleshooting page , check out the blog post here, or ask in our Facebook group .

Print and assemble the pattern. Alternatively, you can use the projector file if you’re using a projector. Pattern layout below:

Step 2: CUTTING

All in inches.
Main fabric:
- Cut 2 main bag pieces with fusible fleece (I like to add the fusible fleece/interfacing prior to cutting the pieces)
- 1 bottom bag with fusible fleece (2.75 x 13.75)
- Cut 2 straps with interfacing (6 x 2)
- Optional Ruffle- Cut 2 (3.25 x 29.5)
Lining fabric:
- Cut 2 main bag pieces
- 1 bottom bag (2.75 x 13.75)

Step 3: SEWING

Optional ruffle- Press short ends 1/4″ to wrong side. Then press in half wrong sides together long ways.

Edge stitch short ends closed.

Run gathering stitches at the top of the ruffle

Find the center of the ruffle and the center of the main bag.

Pin with right sides together at the center and pin 5/8″ space at the top of each side of the main bag. Gather ruffle to fit.

Baste in place. Repeat with the other ruffle and main bag pieces.

Pin the bottom bag to one main bag piece. If you’re adding the ruffle, the ruffle will be sandwiched between. I like to find the center of the bottom and main piece, then pin each side to the bag.

Stitch together. Clip curves to smooth, being careful not to clip into the seam.

Repeat with the other main bag piece and the other side of the bottom bag. Then, set aside.

Repeat with the lining main bag and the lining bottom bag piece. Leave a 3″ opening at the bottom of one side to flip later.

Press the unsewn portion 3/8″ toward the wrong side. Set aside.

Press straps as if making bias. Press in half to create a center crease. Press ends toward the center. Press in half to enclose raw edges. Repeat with other strap. Edge stitch around ties.

Pin the strap pieces to the main bag, using the strap placement markings from the pattern piece. Baste in place.

Flip the main bag wrong side out. Place the lining bag inside so they are right sides together. Stitch together along the top edge.

Clip seams, then flip right side out through the opening in the lining. Then stitch the lining closed by hand or with your machine.

Press the lining inside the bag. Use a pressing ham or stuff bag with towel/extra fabric to help press all seams on the bag. Optional- topstitch along top edge.