1-Hour Tote Bag & The  

HI Vanessa, this was a great, fun video. More importantly, I’d like to congratulate you on your tremendous growth, video presence, and success on RU-vid. I first started watching you around 2012, I believe, when I first taught myself to sew. You played a big role in that evolution for me. When I first saw you, I hope you’re not offended if I say that you looked very young, and you were just getting going, but doing it very well. Now, you blow me away with your camera presence, your charisma, your teaching skills, and your very kind personality. I wish you many more years of continued success. I hope you achieve all your dreams... keep it up...

This was such a fun challenge and your 1-hour tote is AMAZING! Thanks for sewing along, Vanessa! 😉

Tripping down memory lane and somehow I missed hitting the like bottom on this one....but I do love it and caught it this time.

Ive always struggled the most with the boxed corners! I’m going to have to give your method a try for sure! I’ve avoided bag making because I’m more of a machine quilter and not the greatest at piecing. Thanks for the tutorial and the inspiration! I learned how to sew on your channel in 2012 and have followed Angela faithfully since I made the leap into machine quilting in 2013. You ladies have been such a blessing to so many!

I'm like to see more video's between you ladies like this. it looks fun!

Super tute here Ms Vanessa!!! Wow...a quick GO TO Gift for just about anyone. The final "polished" over all look of this great project design...is just the PROFESSIONAL WAY that has your name on it Ms Vanessa. I knew this would be a super fine video. Will be making several of these for the grands and anyone else I can think of. Thanks so much for your DESIGN and Presentation...always "TOP-NOTCH". I too have been watching your videos for a long time. You have really BLOSSOMED as a designer, teacher, presenter and friend. Such a delight, I congratulate you ...You are MOVING the sewing world indeed!!! God BLess Ken from Orlando, Florida, USA

You should make a tutorial on how to add pockets to this bag! I really enjoy your videos and you make things so clear and easy!

Vanessa, I have to say girl, you are amazing. That was so much fun. I’m on my way to store right now to start my tote..love me some tote bags . also can you make more videos on clothing and is there anyway that you and mimi g can get together and come up with something really fun and different to make. I have been following you both for three years now and my sewing has gotten so much better. Thank you for sharing your awesome talent and tips

What a good teacher! A very fun and attractive bag. Thanks.

As always AWESOME IDEA THANK YOU for SHARING LOVE LOVE LOVE the way this turned out

This will be my next sewing project, looks super fun & the tote super useful! Thanks for all your videos, I really enjoy your channel.

Beautiful bag! You did great with the challenge given to you. Love your choices of fabric colors Angela sent you. BJ

Angela is wonderful i watch he daily and i just bought. 3 fabrics which have to do with cute quilting fabrics with sewing quilt material consist of measuring tape one material has cute pins on it and one old fashion ruler material which i bought years ago to make a bag. I'm good to go great. Thanks for the demo

I've never done glue basting, it's sure becoming popular. Going to give it a go for sure. Cute bag :)

Hi. Im actually taking a sewing class and one of the assignments is to do a tote bag and this tutorial has helped me to do more than it is required for the class but it will give me the look I am looking for!! Thank you Crafty Gemini for the share :).

Hello Vanessa! Great tote! I want to share a tip that I use. It helps to lightly wet your fingers when you are trying to get the side and bottom seams to the edges before pressing. The wet fingers help grip the fabric and roll the seam right to the edge. Then you can press and the seam is ready for the 2nd stitch of the French seam.

How long for glue to dry before I start sewing, or does the iron take care of the dry time? I don't want to gum up my needles.

easy French seam formula - 1st seam is 1/4 inch (aka 2/8) turn and press; 2nd seam at 3/8 inch = 5/8 inch total Since I learned that formula/trick I use French seam everything except my quilts

What a great video with super clear instructions! I want to make about 25 of these for gift bags!

I have watched many videos on RU-vid with many different people showing how to sew and I honestly feel that you are the most thorough instructor and explain why you do things the way you do but also give options if we prefer to not do them. You are fantastic and I REALLY APPRECIATE you. A fan forever. Please don't ever stop your tutorials. Thank you and God bless you.

Love this and how you've finished the side seams gives it a really professional finish I've not seen before so thank you for sharing 😊😊

What a great idea!!! U two are both great. Honored to learn from you and happy u 2 partnered together for this :-) Thanks so much!

Have a suggestion for you. Some people who watch your videos DO NOT HAVE a sewing machine ,so can you help with giving some advice how to do it without a machine.

Venessa, bless your heart!! I'll bet you are a blast in person. You have an amazing gift for helping others make more of their life than the norm. Thank you for sharing these things and for making it fun!! God bless you and your family!!

Vanessa Rocks It as usual. I need a smaller tote for quick trips! Thanks, Vanessa ;-)

It's soooo cute Vanessa!!! I have been making bags from a Craftsy class I have, and I LOVE making them. I'll have to give this a go!! Thanks for a fun project and a great tutorial!

Wonderful bag! But I think it's going to take me more than an hour to make😊. I enjoy watching your sewing tutorials, they've helped me with some of my projects. Thanks for sharing!

Love your hair! Great tutorial! Going to try this one! Thank you!

Wow! Awesome bag, loved the French seams, love love the glue idea, and I will be making this bag! I truly need a beach bag, so mine will be larger with a plastic mesh in the bottom. Thanks again! I am subscribing to your RU-vid channel 😉 I am a Midnight quilter fan/Crafty Gemini fan.

This is a great project! If you press the seam open after your first stitching around before you trim down the seam allowance, it will be much easier when you press it before the second stitching. Just a little hint.

You're the best Vanessa! Thank you! Wondering...What is the finished size of the this tote?

Vanessa, I love the way you did this bag! A couple questions, though-1. What are the dimensions of all the pieces you cut & the total amts. needed of each of the fabrics & interfacing? 2. What are the dimensions of the completed bag? 3. Will it be thick enough to use as a reusable shopping bag the way it is, or do we need to put a lining with either another fabric or interfacing to make it sturdier? 4. Where do you get the hard plastic for the bottom and what is it called? 5. What do you call the harder, thicker, fusible interfacing that you use? Does it have a number or weight? 6. I thought I watched a video of yours where you just used two fat qtrs. to make a reusable shopping bag, but I can’t find it! Can you put a link to it, please? 7. Do you have the instructions or a pattern for these that is in a downloadable PDF format (preferably free)? Sorry for so many questions! Love your work!!!

Is it possible to do monogramming on a regular sewing machine, or do you have to have one specifically designed to do that? Also, do you have written instructions, pref. w/pics, too, for your projects? I like watching the videos, but when it comes time to see, I also need written instructions to follow. I guess I’m used to following patterns. I found a neat pattern for a bag, but it needs a lining that will be able to go in a microwave. I don’t think the PUL fabric will survive in the microwave without melting. Will the waterproof canvas? I’ve never worked w/it before. Love the videos I’ve watched so far!

I don’t know if anyone else had trouble turning the corner at the bottom boxed corner but I did. How do I turn so my corner points don’t have a tuck? Love the technique, I have 2 more to finish & practice or try something different for that sides/bottom box. I added pockets to all 3 bags. Super cute!

Hello Vanessa. You have a lot of very nice explaining videos about just everything , but can you consider to make video master class how to sew lining on zipper to tote bag. I mean detachable lining . Thank You in advance. (I couldn't fine this in any place)

Using just standard school glue, won't that gum up the needle?

Great job showing how to make a little purse.i had a little.trouble keeping up since It seems. To talk a.little too for me. This is the first time I.have ever tried to make this little purse before. Still.like the way I explained things.. The thumbs up.for u.🌼🌻💐😌🍑🍑

Hi Vanessa. Love your channel and all of your ideas. I can’t seem to box the bottom of the bag. The triangle goes off kilter and doesn’t match the opposite side. Any tips?

Another great tutorial Vanessa! Both you & Angela make a great team! Keep the challenges coming! Thx.

I want to make a tote to incorporate a 20” Dresden neighborhood block. Any suggestions?

This is great, Vanessa. You really are a wonderful teacher. Your explanations are so thoughtful and easy to follow. Thanks!

Cool! I follow Angela's channel. Love the bags y'all made so I see a couple of bags using my stash in my future!

Awesome, love the challenge shown by you both...a big fan

Hi, Are you using just normal white glue? and have you had problem gumming up your needle? Have been following you forever! You are doing a great job!

I love your tip of stitching down the sides! I've never thought of that before. Thank you for such a cute bag!

I never thought of using Elmers glue with fabric and an iron!!!

I love this! Thanks for sharing! Definitely going to try this! 💜

I love all the little refinements to make really make the it look professional even though it was a simple bag..... I can see a lot of people taking what you taught in this video as a spring board to come up with something really different.....

excellent instruction you alway make it sio clear

Did this really only took 1-hour to make? Amazing! Did a smaller one took me all day LOL.

Nice and clear video - thanks! If I wanted the sides to be stiffer, do I use interfacing or stabilizer, and if so which one?

Me encantó la bolsita!! Muy fácil y bien terminada..Gracias Genini.

Just discovered your channel. Great job!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Will be watching from now on.

Woo Hoo! Angela Walters has some Mad Quilting Skills! Love 1 hour projects!

This is my tomorrow project (Thursday 14Jun). Thank you so much Vanessa. 😊❤️

Vanessa, this was a terrific project. So functional and practical. I'm grateful you taught us techniques that we can use in any project we imagine.

AWESOME, Thank you for making this so simple and I love what you make and your explanation are very simple for me to follow.

I'm 1st to comment lol that's a 1st😂😂 ok always like how you explain everything in your videos .. Thank you

Great video! I'm going to make several of these to give as Christmas gifts (and some for myself). Thank you.

What a good scrap buster for those little pieces of cotton print you buy cuz it's cute but you didn't have a project for it :)

Great project. I have the same machine you are using in this video, what type or table are you using

Like your new style of presentaion Vanessa!

This looks like a fun tote & I luv your videos instructions! Blessings💕

Wow... !!! My best friend, Loved this video. Looking forward to see more. Awesome... Full watched.

Nice one! Would like bigger dimensions so will try and work it up!

Very cute bag!!!! Your both wonderful!!!

Vanessa, you never cease to amaze me. Everything you make is so attainable for me. Thank you.

Love this tutorial ! You are a really great teacher and the video taping is so clear ! Thank you ! I just finished my 1 Hour Tote ! Wish I knew how to attach a photo of it ! It turned out great !

I just have to say that this length hair on you looks so good and balanced!

Thank you so much for your vedio this is nice tutorian god bless...

I've only made one bag before at a local class- you just made it easy enough for me to confidently make tbis tote at home!

Vanessa, I have to say, girl, you are amazing. That was so much fun

Love your tote bag! Awesome!

Very good and informativ thanks..

thank you great explanation as always!

I love this simple tote bag n easy instructions.im gonna try n see if I can make it.ty for sharing n making it so simple.xoxo

Nice tips. Enjoyed watching this video

This little tote is so cute. I want to make one. Promise to tag you if I do.

The glue is a neat trick.

How do you decide how big the corner box on the bottom should be?

As always, easy to follow instructions and a great project!!

Angela said the tote she made we can find it free. but can’t find it.

Great but volume needs increasing

lmao good luck angela getting that wine in this tote. hehehehehe

Do you think foam would work for the bottom insert?

What do you think about making the bottom a casing for the bottom and shipping it shut to insert plastic which you could remove in case you wanted to wash the tote bag?

It just occurred to me that I belong to your bag a month club. I am 76 and sometimes I forget. So with this being said how do I get my bag of the month.

I love the colour bag which Angela made

loved this!!!!

New subbie. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you for this tutorial. Gave me great ideas and raised my confidence level as a beginner sewer.

👍 yet another one for the list 😆 TFS 🐢

Found this when looking for a tote project. I remember Vanessa when sh first started Crafty Gemini 😊. She’s come a long way and good for her!! ❤❤

Wonderful! Thank you, Vanessa! Your instructions are clear and easy to follow. I've book-marked this page to my laptop's desktop.

I really loved that!!

Good clear instructions, thank you

Your tote bag is ver pretty nice quick and easy enjoy the video!!! Thank you for sharing!! Hugs Liz.

Vanessa I do something like this on a quilt group I have on facebook. I call it the brown bag swap. We put 2 FQ's and a dozen jelly roll strips (2 1/2" X WOF) in a brown paper lunch size sack or a plain mailer envelope. Then mail them to an assigned person. They take the fabrics and make the sender a gift with them. Then mail the gift back to the person who sent them the fabrics. I just finished making a mat to go under a sewing machine for the gal who sent me her fabrics. It's a fun swap. Love your bag and the one that Angela made for you too. Thanks for all your neat tutorials.

Vanessa, Just found your channel a few days ago. THANK YOU SO MUCH!! Your instructions on French seams and professional looking boxed corners was nothing short of amazing. I am hooked, once again, on sewing due to mask making. I made my first French seams thanks to you. Also, sewed the sides to make bag look oh so professional! Take care and stay safe and a blessing 🙏

Excelente explicación de como hacer una bolsa que no es tan simple. Te felicito no hablo inglés pero tu paso a paso es fabuloso. Un abrazo fraterno. Yo sé poco de coser pero me gusta.

What's the easiest way to make the bag bigger?