Tips & Tricks: Super Tote Swap

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!

• Day 1: Planning, cutting, and fusing
• Day 2: Straps, pocket, and zipper
• Day 3: Assembling the bag

Supplies

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...

• 10 sets of magnetic snaps for $5.00
• Entire bag hardware set for $7.00 (includes 20" metal zipper, d-rings or rectangular rings with slider for making an adjustable cross-body strap, magnetic snaps, and 2 swivel hooks.)
• Essex yarn died linen (best price I've found with shipping)
• Suede tassel zipper charms, 10 for $3.25
• Bulk zippers from ZipIt
• Piping cord, $0.30 cents per yard!
• Pellon SF101 Shape Flex interfacing (woven), $2.60 per yard

Favorite Fabric Shops

• StarlitQuilts, free mini charm with ever order & GREAT prices
• SewStitchingHappy, large variety
• IndeedFabric, lots of organic & modern prints
• Check the #thegreatfabricdestash hashtag on Instagram frequently.

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!