Tips & Tricks: Super Tote Swap

Jun 14, 2016

Hello and welcome! If you're reading as a #supertoteswap participant, I hope you find some useful info in this blog post. I've scoured the web to come up with some tips, resources, and lots of links for you to help you make your tote. This will be especially helpful for first-time makers of the Super Tote, even if you aren't in the swap or plan to be in Round 2 (September 2016).

Photo Credit: Ana Graham / Noodlehead

The Pattern

You can find the Super Tote pattern, which is the ONLY pattern were using for the swap, at Noodle-head.com. Purchase the PDF version so it is delivered via email to eliminate shipping charges for a paper pattern. 

Sew-A-Long

Reece at happyokapi did a sew-a-long last year. If you need visual help, or step-by-step picture tutorials to aid in making your Super Tote then THIS is the blog for you!
I purchased cheap sets of bag hardware, interfacing, etc all from Etsy. Although I did have to pay a little shipping, it was cheaper for me to do this than to buy everything individually at my local quilt shop or craft store (I'm in the U.S.). So do a little research before running off to buy everything. 

I get a lot more for my money by buying from these stores...

Favorite Fabric Shops

Suggestions:

  1. Use a nice interfacing like Stiff Stuff by LazyGirlDesigns or Annie's Soft & Stable so your bag stands on it's own and has that nice "bounce back" effect when folded or crumpled. This will add lots of stability and durability to the bag as well.
  2. Linen and canvas are great options for the outer panels and gussets - when using this 2 layers of interfacing (woven and a more stiff one) are NOT needed, only the stiffer interfacing will do just fine. It also saves you money since you don't have to interface 2x.
  3. Don't be afraid of the zipper, it's one of the easiest I've ever installed - use the sew-a-long links from earlier in this post to get visual help.
  4. Go slow.. read and re-read a step before starting it so you don't make mistakes.
Photo Credit: Ana Graham / Noodlehead

That's all! Please refer to your partner emails for swap timeline and information. I will also be updating you and doing check-ins on my Instagram account (@amistabaker). I can't wait to see what everyone will be making!

4 comments

  1. Great tips! I have never made a sidekick bag, but I made other noodlehead bag and the instructions were great.

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    Replies
    1. I made the Sidekick last year and loved it :) its a really nice size cross body bag. Noodle head definitely has great patterns.

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  2. Love your colour choices in this bag - very bright!

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  3. Great tips. Thanks for sharing such a useful post.

    non woven bag machine

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