Disclosure: Some links in this post are my affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission on purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Welcome to Day 4 of the Caravan Tote Sew Along.  Today we’ll make both the Needle Pocket and the Interior Slip Pocket, plus create the lining of the bag.  Check out Day 1 to get started and learn about fabric and interfacing selection, and Day 2 to begin cutting and making handles. Day 3 is where we really get started with sewing. You can purchase the PDF from the Noodlehead shop, and use code HOSAL at checkout to save 20%. Or if you want some help picking your fabric, there’s a kit including the paper pattern and fabric from Craftsy, on sale right now, save 35%.

The pattern suggests adding a bias along the top of the needle pocket; this is a nice decorative element. If you don’t want to fuss with binding, you can make the pocket by pressing in half right sides together, sewing along long raw edge and then turning right sides out. The binding really is a quick way to add an accent fabric and since it’s along a straight line doesn’t need to be on the bias, so it’s easy to add. Start by creating your binding. If you have a binding maker, now’s the time to use it. Otherwise, just press in half lengthwise, open up, and then bring in raw edges to center crease and fold again, matching folded edges.

To attach the binding, open up again and match one long raw edge to the back of the top of your needle pocket and sew along the top crease. Now flip over your pocket and bring the binding to the front, folding it in place, then sew binding in place about 1/8″ from the bottom folded edge of the binding.

Measure and mark a horizontal line 6 1/2″ down from the top of the Zippered Pocket Lining, pin the pocket in place and sew along bottom edge. You’ll also need to baste the sides of the pocket in place. I like to do this all at once, by starting at one side with a long stitch length, going down the side, then reducing my stitch length to sew across the bottom of the pocket, and increasing to basting stitch for the last side. Now you’ll need to divide the pocket. Start at 3 1/2″ from either side and mark vertical lines. I use my Hera marker and quilting ruler here, so I’m sure not to leave any visible lines. The pattern suggested 3/4″ apart for needles. I won’t be using my bag for needles, so I marked my lines a bit wider. You can use whichever items you will be putting in the pockets to help guide how wide you need them.

Place Exterior Front right side up on top of Zippered Pocket Lining right side up and baste together along all sides. If you want to add a ribbon or loop to your bag, add that now and baste in place too. Set aside for now.

Place both Interior Slip Pocket pieces right sides together and sew in along top and bottom edge. Turn right side out, and press. I rolled my pocket slightly before pressing to reveal the colourful lining of my pocket at the top, then pressed in place; you can try this too, it’s a quick way to add an accent. Now topstitch along top edge and add other rows of topstitchingas desired. If you want to add grommets like in the pattern, make your second row of stitching 1″ below the first and install your grommets according to manufacturer’s instructions 1 1/2″ from each side between the rows of stitching.

Measure and mark a horizontal line 3 1/2″ from the top of the Lining Center Panel and place slip pocket, with the top of the pocket along that line and then just as you sewed the needle pocket, sew bottom and baste sides of pocket in place.

To attach the lining sides, I like to do them at the same time. Pin or clip the sides on each side of the center, sew, then open and press with seams toward sides; topstitch on sides. Once your lining panel is assembled, you can now fuse the optional layer of fusible fleece you cut for the lining in Day 2 (if you chose to add it) to each lining piece. You can cut the fleece 1/2″ smaller to keep it out of the seam allowance to help reduce bulk.

Take both Exterior Front and Back pieces and place right sides together, matching the Contrast Tops at the sides. Pin or clip along both sides and bottom, then sew together. Repeat for lining panels, being sure that your pocket is open at the top – ask me how I know to be careful about that one! For the lining, the pattern states to leave a turning gap along the side. I like to do that in the top
of the bag, but if you’d rather do that here, then feel free. A simple way to do that is by switching your stitch to a basting length instead of lifting your needle off to leave the hole; either way you’ll need to backstitch at start and stop of the turning hole.

To give the bag shape and depth, we’ll box the corners. Start by marking a 2 1/2″ square on each bottom corner and cutting them out. Press bottom and side seams open.

Now pinch the corner, matching the side seam with the bottom seam. Pin or clip and sew in place. I like to add another close row of stitching inside the seam allowance for added durability.

Repeat these steps to box the corners of the lining.

That’s it for today! Next time we’ll add the magnetic snap and handles, and finish the bag. We’ll also complete the sew along with the companion pouch.

I’d love to see your progress! Tag me and use #CaravanToteSAL on Instagram.

Feel free to leave a comment if you have any questions, or suggestions. Do you have any tips? Let us know!

To enter to win the Noodlehead patterns, submit a photo of your completed bag by July 3, either by uploading it on my contact page, or using #CaravanToteSAL on Instagram by July 3, 2016.