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Welcome to Day 1 of the Caravan Tote Sew Along. To get started, you’ll need the pattern. You can purchase the PDF from the Noodlehead shop, and use code HOSAL at checkout to save 20%. I also noticed that you can get a kit including the paper pattern and fabric from Craftsy, on sale right now, save 35%.

Today I’ll focus on choosing fabrics and pattern options. If you create your bag exactly per pattern with exact fabric and interfacing suggestions, plus all the options, you will be making a perfect knitting project bag. The pattern includes knitting needle pockets and yarn guides. There is one large zippered pocket at the front (containing the needle pockets) plus a front flap pocket. Inside the main compartment of the bag is a slip pocket with 2 yarn guides. With the suggested interfacing, the bag will be sturdy, yet slouchy. Of course, if you don’t knit, you can use those pockets for pens. The yarn guides add a style feature as well.

The pattern suggests using a heavier weight fabric as the exterior fabric. Examples include: Essex linen, denim, twill, and canvas. If you choose to use quilting cotton, I suggest adding a layer of woven interfacing, for increased stability. The fun part about this fabric is that you can mix and match several different fabrics and prints. I’ve created this labelled image to help you pick fabrics for your bag. I find sometimes it’s hard to visualize bag parts before I sew one up the first time. Hopefully this helps you narrow down your options.

 You’ll notice I used a couple different fabrics for my lining – you can too! You can even use fat quarters for some of the pieces. I also used 2 different fabrics for my handles. I will go over a few different handle options on Day 2, but the fabric requirement doesn’t change much. You can also use leather handles, like the ones offered in the Noodlehead shop. I can review a couple different ways to attach those as well.

As for pattern options, you can omit the front flap pocket if you want to make a more simple tote and/or feature a large print on your bag. You can also use that front space for a fun quilt block, like I did with one of mine, using the Hazel Hedgehog block.

Are you going to be making the companion pouch as well? Have fun with it and match or alternate your fabric choices for the pouch.

Your interfacing choices will determine the stability and body of your bag. If you want the feel of a traditional tote, use the suggested list. I really like Pellon Shapeflex 101 as the woven interfacing. It fuses so well and adds stability without bulk. I also like Paccana‘s fusible woven as a great substitute; the only difference I see is width and price. Pellon Craft Fuse 808 or Decor Bond 809 is an inexpensive way to add body to your fabric. I do find it hard to fuse and it can crease, so adding it the lining is a good option. If you’d like your bag to stand up on its own, I suggest an additional layer of fusible fleece on the lining.

For the zippers, you can use either metal or poly coil. The metal zipper really gives the bag a classic feel, and the zipper tabs in the pattern make it a bit less scary to sew in.

Go ahead and download your pattern and order your fabric or sort through your stash. We’ll meet back here in a few days to get started with cutting and fusing all the interfacing and making the handles. Here’s what I’ll be using for my bag:
Art Gallery denim and Paperie quilting cotton, plus some solids for the lining and accents.

Do you have yours picked out yet? I can’t wait to see them all. Let me know if you have any questions, either leave me a comment, or send me a message through my contact page.

To enter to win the Noodlehead patterns, submit a photo of your completed bag by July 3, either by uploading it on my contact page, or using #CaravanToteSAL on Instagram by July 3, 2016.