Meet your new everyday tote - roomy, practical, and finished with one pretty pocket detail that makes it feel special.
This tote comes in two sizes and includes useful inside pockets, a key holder, a firm bottom, and an optional recessed zipper closure. It looks polished, but the steps stay clear and friendly.
Meet the AVELA Tote!
A useful tote with tons of pretty details - without the guesswork.
The AVELA TOTE VIDEO Tutorial
First, a huge THANK-YOU to both Leanne @ClayandCoHandmade and Beth @Sew_Country who filmed video tutorials for the pattern:
The AVELA Tote is made for easy everyday carrying. Wide, comfortable handles, a roomy interior, and useful pockets make it the kind of tote you'll reach for again and again. Size large is a great travel size!
Why you'll love sewing the AVELA TOTE pattern
- practical, with useful pockets inside and out
- available in two sizes
- secure with a recessed zipper (but you can opt out of it)
- Minimal hardware, easy for domestic machines
- Beginner-friendly with a roomy, well-organized interior
- roomy enough for everyday carrying
- pretty enough to feel special
Useful, roomy, and fun to sew.
NEWER BAGMAKER?
The exterior slip pocket is great for showing off a favorite print and adds a bit of extra convenience while keeping the clean look of the tote.
Inside, AVELA keeps everything organized with a zipper pocket, divided slip pocket, and handy keyholder.
You're welcome to sell handmade bags made with AppleGreenCottage patterns. Credit is appreciated.
Skill Level - Confident Beginner
Don't worry - I walk you through every step with detailed photos and tips to get pro-level results. Just a few pages from the PDF sewing pattern:
Avela brings together simple steps and a standout design. You get that "store-bought" look, but the sewing stays approachable and domestic-machine friendly - the best of both worlds.
Customer reviews
Coming soon.
Finished Size
AVELA - 16" wide on top (14" bottom), 13" tall, 4" deep (40/36 x 30 x 10 cm)
AVELA SMALL: 13" wide on top (11" bottom), 10.5" tall, 4" deep (33/28 x 27 x 10 cm)
What is included in the pattern?
The pattern is printable on both letter and A4 size and all measurements are in inches and centimeters.
- 18+17 pattern pages
- 15 pages of instructions with clear photos for each step
- + diagrams and tips to help you along the way
- printing guide + cutting instructions for rectangular pieces
Yardage And Supplies
You'll need approx. up to 2.3 yard/metre of fabric total, or just 2 yards of fabric plus webbing. Minimal hardware: just 2 zippers and a swivel hook, that's all! Check the → description in the shop for interfacing requirements.
Pattern Tester Photos
Here are a few beautiful AVELA Totes made by our talented testers - each one unique and inspiring!
For her Avela Tote, Kay used vinyl for exterior and paired it with bonded nylon for accents (this beautiful hummingbirds print!) and lining. Stunning! For more photos visit her IG channel, @kaytriffitt.
Eleanor's Avela Tote is made in gorgeous cork and bonded nylon, with bonded vinyl layered over the webbing for the handles. You can find more of her bagmaking at @elsbelsboutique.
Noelle at @olddogsewing Noelle's AVELA Tote (full size) is a striking mix of vinyl and WPC, with white ripstop lining and beautifully centered quilting on the front pocket.
Leanne @ClayAndCoHandmade made the full-sized AVELA in a beautiful mix of WRC and vinyl - such a great color combination, and a really practical size for travel. She also took the time to film a full video sew-along while making hers - thank you!
Beth at @sew_country made her AVELA Tote as a vacation bag for herself. She made the slip pocket both on the front AND back, and she added fusible foam to her exterior top pieces, in case you were wondering how it looks with foam, it's pretty! I love how beautifully the two-tone handles blend with the rest of the bag. Did I mention she also filmed a full video sew-along while making it. So now, there are two videos for this pattern. Yay!
Ulrike at @thebusysewingroom made her Avela Tote in small size, using navy and powder blue faux leather with cotton accents. These blues are gorgeous!
Mellissa @whistleandstitchstudio made her AVELA Tote in the small size using stonewashed canvas, vinyl, and denim. The two-tone webbing looks perfect!
Cara @earlybirdstitches made the small AVELA Tote just in time for spooky season - such a beautiful October version with charcoal glitter vinyl and pretty, colorful spider print!
A few photos more are coming your way soon - I love how completely different this pattern can look with each fabric choice. A big thank-you to my amazing testers - your feedback and attention to detail made this pattern the best it could be.
More Patterns
Get the AVELA PATTERN here!
Get the pattern and sew this multi pocket tote bag pattern now. Tag me with #avelatote and #AppleGreenCottage on Instagram - I LOVE seeing your creations!
Ready to sew it?
Sew Your New Favorite
Check out more of AppleGreen Cottage sewing patterns:
Or make a few of my scrap-busting patterns for a matchy look: the Kalina mini Wallet is a popular choice among AppleGreen Cottage's mini patterns.
PS - And make sure to check out more photos from pattern testers ❤️
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