Beginner II: Costa Tote Bag (Feb. 7 & 14, 9:30-11:30 a.m., 2025)

Fridays Feb. 7 & 14, 9:30-11:30 a.m. @ Anthology Studio, 77 Suffolk St. W.

If you've taken Beginner I: Sewing Machine Basics, take 20% off this class with code BEGINNER.

A simple, functional tote bag (with big pockets!) = the perfect first sewing project! If you've taken Sewing Machine Basics and are ready for the next step, or you've sewn a little bit but want a quick project to get back into it, this class is for you. 

Sewing the Costa Tote will give you practice reading and following a pattern, cutting fabric with accuracy, and basic techniques like sewing straight seams with a seam allowance, boxed corners, sewing lining, and topstitching. And you'll have a cute project finished in two mornings! This confidence-building class will set you up for sewing success, and send you home with a fun and practical bag you'll be excited to use.

You can rent a sewing machine for the class on a first-come, first-served basis (choose the rental option when checking out).

Level: Beginner. Only very basic sewing experience required - this is the perfect next step after Beginner I: Sewing Machine Basics. 

Supplies:

Fabric: Medium to heavy-weight woven fabrics with no stretch. Cotton broadcloth, denim, cotton twill, and canvas are all suitable options for the bag body and pocket. The bag lining can be slightly lighter weight fabric, such as quilting cotton. If you're using thrifted or upcycled fabric, a sturdy tablecloth or curtains would be a heavier weight woven fabric suitable for the bag body and pocket, whereas the lining could be made from a pillowcase or sheets (lighter weight).

Requirements are the same for narrow (45"/115 cm) or wide (57"/150 cm) fabric.

Costa Tote with Pockets:

Bag Body & Straps 0.8 m/yds
Bag Lining 0.5 m/yds
Pocket (View A) 0.5 m/yds
View A - All Pieces (same fabric) 1.8 m/yds

Costa Tote without Pockets:

Bag Body & Straps 0.8 m/yds
Bag Lining 0.5 m/yds

View B - All Pieces (same fabric) 1.3 m/yds

You'll also need:

Thread 

Sewing machine in good working order with new(ish) needle

Basic sewing kit - scissors, snips, seam ripper, straight pins, etc. (only if you have one - I have lots of tools to share!)

I will provide: a printed copy of the Costa Tote pattern and instructions, interfacing for bag straps, as well as shared tools including cutting mats, rulers, rotary cutters, irons, ironing boards, and studio supplies (pins, scissors, etc.).

Instructor: Becky Swainson (@gather.and.make)

Number of participants: Max. 7

Location: Studio Anthology, 77 Suffolk St. W., Guelph