Please use this tutorial for personal use only not to make items to be sold for commercial use. If you share this tutorial please credit me and link back to this page.
Here goes then. Instructions for making this:
External fabric - 2 pieces 50cm (20 in) wide by 41cm (16 in) long (interfaced with firm iron-on interfacing)
2 pieces 10 cm (4in) wide by 80cm (31.5 in) long. This is for the handles (if you prefer wider handles increase the width, the finished handle will be a quarter of the raw pattern width)
Internal lining fabric - 2 pieces 50cm (20 in) wide by 41cm (16 in) long
External piece
1 - Mark every 10cm (4 in) along one of the 50cm (20 in) edges (If you want more pleats make more marks) on both of the external pieces. As per image below at each mark fold the fabric and measure 1cm (1/2 in) from the fold then stitch a 5cm (2 in) vertical line 1cm (1/2 in) in from the fold.
2 - Flatten out the little pockets you have made
3 - Iron the pleats and then stitch a line across the whole top edge using a 0.5cm (1/4 in) seam allowance.
4 - Do this for both the external pieces.
5 - Make a mark 9cms (3.5 in) from the top on both sides. This 9cm (3.5 in) top section will remain unstitched.
6 - Put the 2 external pieces right side together and match up the sides. Stitch along both side edges and the bottom using a 1.5cm (3/4 in) seam allowance leaving the top 9cms (3.5 in) unstitched.
7 - You now need to create a flat bottom to the bag. This makes it stand up easier and also gives you more space for your stuff. Take one of the bottom corners, match the side and bottom seam and then flatten to form a triangle. Measure 6 cms (2.5 in) from the point and mark a line straight across the triangle. Sew straight across this line then trim it down. Repeat for the other corner.
Handles
1 - Take 1 of your handle pieces and fold it in half lengthwise. Iron it to ensure you have a nice crease along the centre.
2 - Fold each edge in towards the centre line to create a 'Book fold'
3 - Fold this in half lengthwise and edge stitch along both long sides
Lining
1 - Stitch the pleats as for the exterior
2 - Place right side together and stitch along both sides and most of the bottom leaving a 15cm (6 in) gap for turning out later
Making up
1 - With the exterior RSO and the lining WSO place the exterior inside the lining and pin around the top edge and the side pieces you left unstitched
2 - Stitch along the side pieces and the top edge using a 1.5cm (3/4 in) seam allowance
3 - Turn out using the hole in the bottom. Make sure all corners are properly turned out.
4 - Stitch up the hole in the bottom of the lining
Finishing touch
Edge stitch around the top and open side pieces using a contrasting thread for a neat finish
