The Redwood Tote from Noodlehead

In my Bigger Box of Fabulous for July was a bag pattern for the Redwood Tote by Noodlehead, and this is my make. I have used the fabrics which were in the subscription box, Midnight Garden from Dashwood Studio. These are a cotton and linen mix and are a great fabric for this style of bag, two zips and some bag hardware complete the project.

If you received July's Subscription Box with this pattern I have a few hints and tips for you! Or if you would like to try making this bag you can purchase the pattern here on my website.

The fabric suggested on the pattern is based on 112cm wide fabric, the fabric I chose for the bag is 147cm wide. I cut all my exterior bag pieces including the base, handles and strap out of the rain cloud print, the piece I used was 50cm in length, and I used the stripe for the lining which was 60cm. With careful planning and measuring, I was able to fit the relevant pieces onto the different fabrics. There aren't any pattern pieces to cut and lay out, everything is cut with a ruler and rotary cutter or scissors, there is a suggested layout in the instructions.

The zips which were included were from zipping by the metre, I always use this kind of zipping, generally a #5 so I can cut it to whatever size I need. I allow a bit more then cut off the excess. Sometimes you need to put the zip pull onto the tape and I use the kitchen fork method! Below is a video showing how to do this, it's in German but it is only 1 minute long and visually very easy to follow.

The video below shows how to shorten a zip to the length you need. You could also sew some stitches the other end of the zip as well which would be the top of your zip. As the end of the zip will be enclosed in the fabric I don't usually do this but if you are worried about the pull coming off while you are working with it then go ahead. This method can only be used for nylon/plastic zips as metal ones are much more difficult to shorten!

Here is Hazel modelling the bag so you can get a better idea of the size.

This is the lining of the bag which has a double slip pocket sewn onto it.
It's a fairly straightforward bag to make and if you are using directional fabric make sure you cut all the pieces out the same way, and sew together facing the same way, ask me how I know!

Happy sewing!