Amsterdam Tote Bag with Lining and Pocket
Practical, comfortable, beautiful, and one of our most sought-after projects. Now you can learn how to make this waterproof tote bag with a lining, exterior pocket, and magnetic closure.
Video class
This video is for members
Join Lulu Ferris to watch the complete class and sew along at your own pace.
What you’ll make
Make a roomy lined tote with an exterior pocket, webbing handles, a magnetic closure, and a boxed base.
The demonstrated bag can carry a laptop, folders, books, or a change of clothes. Its lining adds structure, while the exterior pocket keeps frequently used items accessible.
The sample combines a waterproof canvas exterior with coordinating fabrics for the lining and pocket.
What you’ll learn in this class
- Interface and position an exterior patch pocket.
- Center the pocket and align matching handles.
- Reinforce the side and base seams.
- Support and install a magnetic closure.
- Box the base of the exterior and lining.
- Join the lining and close the turning opening.
- Cover and attach optional decorative buttons.
Fabric and materials
The sample uses waterproof canvas outside and poplin for the lining, plus coordinating pocket fabric backed with fusible interfacing.
You will also need strong webbing, a magnetic closure, and small scraps of interfacing and batting to reinforce the closure.
Covered buttons and a button-covering tool are optional decorative additions.
Make it your own
Use one fabric throughout or contrast the pocket and lining. Covered buttons can highlight meaningful parts of a print, or they can be omitted.
Measure the webbing against your body so the bag hangs at your preferred height. Keep both handles equal and untwisted.
You can alter the bag dimensions or the depth of the boxed base. A deeper boxed corner produces a wider base.
Verified pattern measurements
The PDF specifies a 45 × 70 cm exterior piece, a 45 × 70 cm lining piece, and a 16 × 23 cm pocket piece.
The demonstrated handles use two 1.75 m lengths of webbing. Adjust the length to your height and preferred carrying position before sewing.
The class includes one video lesson and a downloadable PDF with cutting measurements and a numbered guide.
Pattern & materials
Patterns are included with membership
Active members can download every available PDF and materials list.