Slim Tote

[MonicaJacobson]

So, my dad mentioned he wanted something that wasn't a briefcase, but more like a tote. He didn't want a flap, and he didn't want something too big, just a bag with handles to carry papers. A lot of people have been making totes, so I thought I'd give it a try. I don't really like the unfinished edges at the top of most totes, so I tried to remedy the situation by putting an extra strip at the top. I like the look of the seams on the outside, and I like that I could get a finished top edge, but I don't particularly like the corners. Any suggestions would be welcome!

[billybopp]

It looks quite nice!

For the top corners you might skive the strip and front/side down in the corners so that they are closer to thickness of a single piece combined.

Bound edges would look nice too, but that would drastically change the look of the bag.

Bill

[MonicaJacobson]

Thank you, BillyB- I think you're right about the skiving. Thanks for the suggestion!

[DavidL]

Very nice looking bag.

You could thin down the edges for the gusset part and sew it flesh side to flesh side with piping in the middle. When the piping is 3-5cm away from the top edge sandwich the piping in between the two pieces so it no longer shows and stitch it up like same way, just like the first thumbnail.

Alternatively, you can sew it up like the second thumbnail with "bias tape" except using leather instead of fabric. Pretty much the exact opposite of the tote you have where the edges turn in instead of out on your pictures.

The thinner the edges of the gusset the less bulky it will look.

Edited August 14, 2014 by DavidL

[MonicaJacobson]

Thank you for the detailed advice, David. Flesh side to flesh side with piping on the inside? That would leave two visible edges with piping in between? I don't think I've ever seen that done. I've never tried piping, but I've been meaning to learn how to do it. It certainly looks great.

The bias tape is a good idea. I feel like it would work best on 1-2 oz, while my leather is 3-4 oz. However, I could be wrong, and it does give it a nice, clean look. I'll save the thumbs for future reference.

[rosiart]

Lovely tote, Monica. I'll bet your dad is really pleased.

I'm not sure it would do what you want, but in addition to some skiving, you could just slightly round the edges where they come together at the corners. I think I saw it on one of Nigel's videos and I have found in my own stuff, it makes the edge look more polished. Bumping the corner off seems a little more pleasing to my eye than when I leave things squared off. Just my 2 cents, you can take it for what it's worth 'cause it is decidely a personal preference thing....

[MonicaJacobson]

Rosie, that is an excellent idea. I think I'm going to skive the corners, resew them, and round them as you suggest. That's a great idea. In fact, I really need to go back and watch more of Nigel's videos. I think I've only watched one or two. Thanks!

[WScott]

Nice little bag indeed good construction and stitch details

It isn't quite a Murse, how about calling it a Mote

[MonicaJacobson]

Ha! Thanks WScott - in retrospect, if one were to make a perfectly masculine tote, ore mote, one should use veg tanned, and make two slender briefcase-like handles in the middle that attach to the sides with metal hardware. In which case, maybe it would be called a Totecase, or Tiefcase. Hmm... definitely lacks the ring.

[thefanninator]

Very nice. What did you use inside the handles?