The Leah is a large tote bag with a divider for a water bottle up to 40 oz! It is an intermediate-level pattern, however, a confident beginner can certainly tackle the project to improve their sewing skills.
The exterior of your bag can be made from cotton, cotton canvas, faux leather, or genuine leather. One exterior fabric can be used, or a contrasting fabric can be added for the bottom, piping, handle connectors, and handles (crossbody).
The interior features a built-in divider for a water bottle, umbrella, set of workout clothes, or whatever you need to tote and keep separate from your valuables. The main compartment is an 11" zippered closure with plenty of room for all of your essentials. It features one interior zipper pocket and one interior slip pocket.
Finished Size: 15" W x 11" H x 4.5" D
Skill Level: Intermediate
Video Tutorial: The Leah Tutorial
Materials List
- 1 yard of material for the exterior (if you are using vinyl, faux leather, or cork, this is two 18” rolls. If you want to use contrasting fabric, one 18” roll of main and one 18” roll of accent fabric are needed)
- 1 yard of woven interfacing for the exterior (only if using cotton, cotton canvas, or other similar-weight fabric)
- 1 yard of lining material (waterproof canvas is great for the water bottle section!)
- 1 yard of woven interfacing for the lining (if using cotton, linen, or other similar fabric)
- 18” of 36” wide Decovil Light stabilizer
- 5” of 36” wide Decovil Heavy stabilizer
- 2 ¼ yards of 3/8” to 1/2” cording
Hardware
- 1 – #5 zipper cut to 14”
- 1 – #5 zipper cut to 9”
- 2 – 1” D-rings
- 4 – 1” Rectangle or O-Rings
- 2 – 1” Swivel Clasps
- 1 – Slide Adjuster
- 1 – Zipper End
- 1 – ½” Swivel Clasp (optional key fob)
- Rivets (optional for slip pockets)
- Purse feet (optional)
- Edge paint as indicated (optional)