Handbags Designer TOTE OUTSIDE

3 Pin one handle to the right side of one body piece at placement lines, raw edges of handle even with the bottom of the bag .
4 Topstitch in place close to each edge of the handles. Topstitch across the handle, matching the stitching line of the band. [FIGURE 2]

TOTE OUTSIDE
5 Pin the tote body pieces, with right sides together and raw edges even, along the two side edges. Stitch and press the seam open.
6 Pin the tote bottom to the bottom edge of the tote, with right sides together and raw edges even, matching the dots and seams. Stitch and press seam toward the tote bottom. [FIGURE 3]

ZIPPER
7 Place zipper tape along the edge of one of the facing pieces with right sides together. The top of the zipper should be 1/4 inch (6 mm) from one short end of the band, and the end of the zipper will extend beyond the band by several inches. The edge of the zipper tape should be even with the raw edge of the band. [FIGURE 4]
8 Place the zipper lining band over the zipper (so the zipper is sandwiched between the fabric and lining). Align the edges, pin then stitch through all three layers, about 1/a inch (3 mm) from the zipper teeth. Finger press the lining away from the zipper.
9 Repeat with the remaining edge of the zipper.
10 Edge st itch from the right side of the lining fabric through all layers. [FIGURES]
11 Turn under 1/4 inch (6 mm) along all edges of the zipper tab, and press. Fold in half over the end of the zipper with wrong sides together, matching the short ends. Stitch around all edges. [FIGURE 6]

SINGER SEWING TIP
When a project calls for a 1/4-inch (6-mm) seam, we recommend using a 1/4-inch foot, which is very popular with machine quilters. If you can't find this foot, then try positioning your needle so that it sews exactly 1/4 of an inch (6 mm) from the edge of your standard zigzag foot. A zipper foot will also work well for this task.