Today, I have a simple, stash busting variation of the bucket tote to share with you. This hack is inspired by one that one of my testers made that was inspired by the L.L. Bean Boat and Tote. This bag uses fabric for the handles and has a contrast band of fabric around the bottom.

This post has two parts. First, I share how to colorblock this pattern, including the fabrics and dimensions I used for this hack. Then in the second part, I show how to cut and sew fabric to make your own handles (instead of using pre-made webbing).

Today, I'm excited to share a hack for my Bucket Tote sewing pattern. This variation of the pattern adds a recessed zipper to the lining and an adjustable strap. To make the recessed zipper, the lining is lowered inside the bag and a zipper with fabric extensions is sewn into the lining. The extensions on either side of the zipper allow the bag more depth when closed, meaning you can put more stuff in your bag. When the zipper is closed, the lining is nearly invisible. Below, you'll find a step-by-step video tutorial, a list of supplies and fabric dimensions.

Today is the fifth and final installment of the Bucket Tote Sewalong. In this video, I’ll show how to sew the rounded bottom of the bag to the body and share two different methods for attaching the lining to the exterior. Sewing the rounded corners of the bottom of the bag can be one of the trickiest steps when sewing this pattern, so I make sure to include all of my techniques for sewing the curves with ease.

For sewing the lining of the bag to the exterior, I first demonstrate the method that I use in the instruction booklet which uses a hole in the lining to turn the bag right side out. During the testing of this bag, a couple of testers used a “drop-in” method where they topstitched the lining and exterior together in one step. This is not my personal preferred method BUT it is easier if you are using especially thick layers of fabric. Both methods are included in the video and you can use the time stamps to skip ahead to the section you’re interested in.