How to Make a Double Zipper Divided Tote

How to Make a Double Zipper Divided Tote

As those of you who follow Sew Very Crafty know I love to make handbags.  I came across this one at Sewing Times and decided to share it with you.  This Double Zipper Divided Tote is a cinch to make.   It is large tote that is very functional.  It is large enough to fit a small laptop, file folders and other necessities. I just love it.  This is a simple sewing project that an advances beginner who feels comfortable with zippers can make.  The rest of the bag is super simple to make and is a great bag making project for those of you who also love to make handbags.  

I used quilting cotton that I purchased at JOANN Fabric & Craft Stores but you could head to Hobby Lobby, Fabrics.com or onlinefabricstore.net to get exactly what you need for this project.  This post contains affiliate links that if you click on them and make a purchase I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.  As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.  

What you will Need: How to Make a Double Zipper Divided Tote

What you will need Double Zipper Divided Tote

Step 1: Cut Your Fabrics

  • Outer Fabrics
    • 2 pieces that measure 18 3/8″ x 14 1/4″
    • 2 pieces that measure 4 3/4″ x 23″
    • 2 pieces that measure 15 1/2″ x 20″
  • Lining Fabrics
    • 2 pieces that measure 15 1.2″ x 20″
    • 2 Pieces that measure 17 3/8″ x 14 1/4″
    • 4 pieces that measure 1 3/4″ x 12 1/4″
  • SF 101 Interfacing
    • 2 pieces that measure 18 3/8″ x 14 1/4″
    • 2 pieces that measure 15 1/2″ x 20
Cut your Fabrics

Step 2: Fuse the Interfacing

Fuse the interfacing to the corresponding outer pieces of fabric following the manufacturer’s instructions.

Fuse the Interfacing

Step 3: Cut The Bottom Corners

Take the 18 3/4″ x 14 1/4″ pieces and cut out 2″ x 2 ” squares from the bottom corners of the fabric pieces.  Take the lining pieces and cut 2″ x 1″ rectangles from the bottom corners of each piece.  

Cut the Corners
Cut the lining corners

Step 4: Create the Straps

Take the 4 3/4″ x 23″ pieces of outer fabric and fold the long edges to the center and press.  Fold in half to enclose the raw edges and press again.  Stitch both sides of the strap.  

Create the straps

Step 5: Add the Straps

Find the center of the main outer fabric pieces and make a mark.  Measure 5″ from either side of the center and make a mark.  Place each end of the strap on the marks you just made and tack the handles into place.

Add the straps

Step 6: Create the Zipper Pockets

Take the 15 1/2″ x 20″ outer pieces and lining pieces.  Find the center of the short sides and mark.  Find the center of the two 14″ zippers and mark.  Place the lining piece right sides up on your mark surface.  lay the zipper right sides up on the lining piece matching the center marks.  Place the outer piece right sides down on the zipper making a zipper sandwich.  Stitch the zipper through all layers.  Turn the piece right sides out and topstitch along the zipper.  Fold the lining up to the zipper and the outer fabric up to the zipper again creating a zipper sandwich.  Stitch zipper.  Turn right sides out and topstitch along the zipper.  

Add the Zipper
Fold up the bottom to the other half of the zipper
Finished zipper pocket

Step 7: Add the Pockets to the Lining

Measure up 3/4″ from the cut corner of one of the lining pieces and place the pocket matching the raw edges on each side.  You will notice that the lining piece is larger than the pocket piece.  This is correct.  Take the 1 3/4″ x 12 1/4″ piece and place it on top of the pocket piece matching the raw edges.  Repeat for both sides.  Stitch the sides using a 3/8″ seam allowance.   Topstitch along the seams on the strip side of the seam. Repeat this process for the other pocket piece and lining piece so that you have two identical pieces.

Place the zipper pocket on the lining
Add the side panels

Step 8: Stitch the Bag

Take the outer bag pieces and place them right sides together.  Stitch along the sides and bottom

Place outer bag right sides together

Step 9: Box the Corners

Box the corners by pinching the side seam and the bottom seam together so that the hole in the bottom disappears,  Stitch along the new seam using a 3/8″ seam allowance.  Do this for both sides.  Turn the bag right sides out.  

Box the Corners
Finished outer bag

Step 10: Stitch the Lining

Place the two lining pieces with the pockets attached right sides together.  Stitch along the sides and bottom.  Box the corners in the same way you did for the main bag.  

Place right lining right sides together
Box the corners

Step 11: Add the Add the Lining to the Outer Bag

Place the outer bag into the center of the lining bag between the pockets so that they are right sides together.  Match the top raw edges.  Stitch around the top leaving an opening on one side for turning. Use a 3/8″ seam allowance.  

Insert outer bag into lining bag

Step 12: Turn the Bag

Turn the bag through the opening you just left.  

Turn right sides out

Step 13: Topstitch Around the Top

Press around the top of the bag making sure to press under the opening that you left when you turned the bag.  Topstitch all the way around the top of the bag making sure to enclose the opening.  You have now finished this terrific double zipper divided tote.  

Topstitch along the rim of the bag

I hope you enjoyed this tote bag project. If you would like more sewing and crafting projects sign up for our newsletter and receive your free eBook of 15 handbag patterns and tutorials taken from the blog

 

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How to Make a Double Zipper Divided Tote

 

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2 Comments

  1. Hi Diana, been following your tutorials for awhile and you are my hero!!! I love sewing times videos and your putting them down on paper with the dimensions is absolutely divine!!! This tote with all the partitions is just what I need for all my printed sewing patterns!😁 thanks for your time and sharing! Sew Happy! Marie

    1. Thank you so much for the kind words. I love Sewing Times as well and when I run out of ideas I turn there to make things for the blog. I’m glad you like them too.

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