Sew A Designer Hobo Tote
When it’s time to sew a new tote, choose a fabric border print and let the artistic design simplify the sewing process.
Border print fabrics are easy to fussy-cut. If you aren’t familiar with the term, fussy-cut, it means to feature a certain portion of the textile print in your sewing design. Using the Trace ’n Create Hobo Tote Template collection, a border print designer upgrade is quite simple.
Supplies, fabric, and notions:
- Pellon Peltex Interfacing: One-Sided Fusible
- Fine-tip non-permanent marking pen
- Border Print Fabric
Use the fabric requirements listed on the Hobo Tote pattern. Keep in mind that you may need extra yardage to center the design. The fabric from Lecien is, unfortunately, no longer available. Shop at your local fabric retailer for the newest in border prints.
Modify the Template
- To easily fussy-cut the border print, we’ll create a full front/full back template from the provided pattern as described in the Hobo Tote: Style B.
- Lay the bag template on the Peltex Interfacing.
- Use a non-permanent marking pen to trace around the template marking center front/back. Notice the center is not the edge of the template, but rather the marked seam allowance line shown in yellow.
- Flip the template to the left-hand side.
- Align the center front markings and trace the left side of the bag.
- Make two Peltex interfacing templates: one front and one back.
- Cut out the Peltex interfacing templates.
- Position each interfacing shape over the border print.
- Cut the shape.
- Fuse the Peltex Interfacing to the wrong side of the fabric, following the manufacturer’s directions.
- Repeat these steps to create a bag front and bag back.
- Join the bag front and back by stitching the bottom seam.
Watch Hobo Totes—Casual To Classic on Sewing With Nancy online.
For a chance to win a Trace ’n Create Hobo Tote Bag Template from Clover Needlecraft, Inc., please leave a comment below sharing your Hobo Tote stitching plans.
Her comment is: Thanks for the inspiration! I will use this to make gifts for graduates going to college or to their first home away from home. My kids may find these bags helpful for carrying pet supplies when traveling–one for cats and one for dogs!
Happy Sewing,
Team Nancy Zieman
Nancy Zieman Productions. LLC.
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Rebecca Christie
I have a few border prints, I have been trying to figure out what to do with… This Hobo bag Template would be perfect for one or m ore of them.
Louise Wagner
Oh, I love this idea, will have to really look for some lovely border print fabric to make one or two! (one for me one for my sister)! thanks for the tips!!
Kathryn Englebretsen
I will look for a cute border print for this tote. You can’t have too many totes. This is a nice one.
IOLA JONES
I have the perfect fabric for that tote, would live to win pattern.
Ann West
I have a perfect border print that I have been saving for a very special project – this Hobo bag would fit the bill! Thanks.
Twyla Johnson
The Hobo bag template would be a nice addition to the purses I have made. Always looking for new tips in sewing them up.
Barbara Gearin
This tote has a very nice shape and I love the way the fabric looks.My daughter and I get together and sew this would make a great project, we each always do our own version of a pattern.
Clovis
I have some jean fabric with purple border print. That just might work.
Gayle Shumaker
My local quilt shop had several tote bags for sale one was made with this pattern. The price was way more thanI could afford. I would love to make my own tote. I have fabric that would work great.
Shelly G
I would love to win this Hobo bag Template. You can never have too many bags. One for everyday of the weekk
Lorraine
The Hobo Bag pattern/template is perfect for both dressed up and dressed down fabric. A perfect bag for all seasons and activities.
Linda Holmstrom
I enjoy making totes & purses but this is new to me and would love to use a border fabric I have in my stash to make this one.
Debbie Beauchamp
Very classy looking tote. It has a nice structure. I imagine it would be useful for carrying a tablet and magazines on a trip.
Cynthia T
I have always wanted to make this tote. I love the idea of using a border print.
LizF
A saw a beautiful floral border print just the other day while browsing fabrics that would be perfect for this project.
Rebecca Monnin
Very classy! I like to take my knitting projects with me when I travel and this size bag would be perfect for that. I’d even put my knitting needles down long enough to make one! Nice project!
Debbie Dorombozi
This bag looks very classy. I think I need to make one for my upcoming trip
Ruth
I would like to make a simple tote such as this to carry hand sewing projects with me when I travel.
MaryLou W
Love the green floral print- a great looking bag- I would make one for my quilting “stuff” when I go off to a friends for a quilt day or one of our scrap club classes. My Granddaughter who is a knitter would probably love one for a Christmas gift too-guess I better get busy!!!:)
heather hogan
thank you. I am making totes, but am still learning how to sew them better. Thanks for the chance
Joyce Migliore
I love totes and this one is really nice!
CarolR
I love this border print tote!
Mary Green
I can see me using some of my quilt piecing to make up the sides of a tote…luv it!
Donna W
I have some fabric with owls that I think would make a fantastic Hobo Tote.
Charlotte Brown
I have never made a tote before, but this pattern looks easy and doable. I also love this fabric .
Cheryl Coccaro
I so happy to see this pattern in her blog. It is a perfect representative of Nancy’s simple and easy patterns and creations. Since her passing I have re-watched her shows on tv. I always learn something new and she shows us a better way to create unique and beautiful projects….just like this one. I would be so lucky to win this pattern.
Jean Palionis
Would I ever be able to put this template to good use. I have bought so many patterns, but never finished one because they were so complicated. This tote will be just right. I am convinced after I read the directions.
Susan Spiers
Love this Hobo Tote – style B! I have just the spring fabric to make this as beautiful as this one! Thank you, Susan
Candice
As I was reading through the post, I remembered a border print up in the sewing stash! Mine is a darker fabric, with bright colors – it will be perfect for using when out and about with the grandkids! Thanks for sharing this great idea. If I’m not the lucky winner, I’ll be purchasing this template.
Florence Dupuis
I love this tote. I have been looking for a pattern for a tote that is easy to sew and classy looking.
Clynn Altemus
I want to try tote using denim and red bandana fabric and possibly a silhouette appliqué. This will be for a friend of mine. The denim will be from a pair of her deceased husband’s jeans and her aunt gave her the red handkerchief fabric quite a while ago. I have the idea and just need a pattern to help me along.
Jan Gill
What a brilliant use of those beautiful border prints! Thanks for putting out this inspirational idea.
Julia Mitchell
I have a beautiful white with red flower border fabric that has been waiting for the perfect project. I believe this is it!
Jan C
I love totes! This is a feat pattern to make for gifts.
Kathleen Lamb
Beautiful way to use border fabric!
Janet johnson
I love this tote. I don’t usually buy border prints unless I have a specific use for them so I may have to go fabric shopping. The green print would be beautiful for spring. I am thinking maybe I can find something for autumn/winter.
Shirley C
I have been wanting to make a tote bag but didn’t really know how, and this border print tote pattern is spectacular! I have a border print that is just waiting to be used. Thanks, Nancy.
Bee
This blog post has inspired me to use a set of dandelion embroidery files I have and create my own border fabric with canvas. I like sturdier fabrics for totes and I don’t seem to be lucky finding what I envision at stores. So, this was a fantastic idea. Thank you very much for the inspiration. You guys are great!
Bobbie Mowery
I am addicted to bags and have decided to make a variety of bags for various purposes. I don’t usually use border prints but your instructions make it seem so easy. Now to get the template and fabric and get busy.
Becky C
Thanks for the inspiration to make a fun bag. I have made several totes from home dec fabric.
Linda
I like that there are so many options to choose from with this pattern. I have put outside pockets on and I like the contrasting colors for trim and handles
Fay
You can always trust Nancy’s patterns to be doable and easy. I would not worry at all about diving into the pattern, and using the templates to make birthday gifts for my friends. Thank you, Nancy.
Nancy H
I am always attracted to border prints and have quite a few of them in my stash. I would love to win this Hobo Tote template to help me make some designer inspired tote bags. Nancy’s patterns are always so detailed and interesting, and I appreciate the opportunity to win
Kathryn Smotryski
Love the style. I think I’ll make one for each season.
Sandra N
I have a beautiful border print that I would love to use for this bag!
Bernadette Dizzine
I’ve been waiting for such a a simple yet pretty bag that I can make as I like! Great bag , can’t wait to start.
Rosie
This would be the perfect tote to carry supplies to and from school. I’d make one in school colors.
Sandra Easley
Our quilt guild recently adopted an elementary school & made curtains for the Principal’s office & teachers lounge. I want to make a bag to match the curtains for the Principal & this would be a wonderful one for her.
Martha
I would like to make these totes as gifts for the volunteers who lead my girls’ groups.
Anne Z.
This border print Hobo Tote is very stylish. I would love to make several as gifts for the ladies in my family.
beth d.
I make bags from my quilting fabric and I bet I have a border prints not used. I would love the hobo bag template to make one of these bags.
Carol
I have never made a tote before but these are so nice looking that I want to sew them. The border print is clever and that would be my 1st one to sew.
Sara
I love that this pattern is sturdy enough for making multiple bags, and that the design is simple but functional. So many color style options, it will be hard to decide which one to do first.
Diane L. Putzer
What a fun Hobo Bag pattern! I’d love to try it!
Susan shaffer
I have never made a tote or purse before but seeing this tutorial, I think it may be possible. I also have some Lucien Yoko Saito fabric … now I know what to use it for…making this tote! Thanks.
Julee Kolman
I’ve been wanting to make a bag. This one looks amazing! I have black fabric with red flowers that would look great.
Francine Silver
I would like to make the bag and hand embroider the fabric on one side & a design border print on the other side or combine both depending on the fabric I can find.
Michelle Hall
i have wanted to try making a tote and love the idea of showcasing a border print
Gail Beam
I have never used a border print, but I think this tote is fabulous! This would be a wonderful book to have!
Kay Leighty
I have some exquisite faux leather I plan to use!! So exciting. Amazing pattern!!
Sandy
Love this style of bag. Can think of so many ways to use it. Makes for a great gift.
Bonnie
Love this hobo tote! Using a border print is an easy way to create a unique design. I would make one for each season and several for gifts for family and friends. One can never have too many totes. Thanks for the great giveaway.
Ina
WOW get tote. Would love to make this one! I really enjoy making totes.
Barbara Jacobs
Genius!!! Wow …. what a great way to use border prints!! Love it!!! Really want to win this!!
Jan Nelson
What a lovely tote! I would absolutely love this one as it is so handy and simple to make. Thanks for a chance to win. Happy sewing all and we surely miss our sweet Nancy!
Denice
I make a tote bag for my daughter for Christmas each year. This would be a nice one!
Jody R
This tote is nice and large for my next Lake Mi crossing on the car ferry! Great idea with the border print. Can’t wait to try it!
Doreen Linehan
I’d make the border print for my girlfriends. Nice big size.
Patti
I love making totes and purses. This one is really cute!
Susan
Appreciate the simplicity of the pattern and would love to make these bags in a variety of fabrics to compliment the wardrobe.
CAROL
HOPE I’M NOT TOO LATE TO ENTER. I’D LOVE TO MAKE THIS
TOTE, AS I LOVE TOTES! I LIKE THE BORDER PRINT LOOK.