Sequoia Travel Tote - debut!
We are SO excited to get this bag out into the world! We've been patterning, testing, iterating and reiterating this bag for what feels like years....definitely months. Sequoia is like the big, mature sister to Arrowwood - packed with more features but still construction friendly and fun to sew.
A major feature of this bag is the full zip closure. Sometimes, you just want your bag to close up and feel secure, ya know? And if you're bothering to put in a zipper in the first place, might as well make it a fancy double head zipper right? And because we like options - you can leave it out completely and it doesn't change the construction at all.
Speaking of zippers - one thing we love about Arrowwood is the simplicity with which the zippers are set in the pockets. We made sure to carry that simplicity over to Sequoia. Yes, there are two more zippered pockets. And the zippers go in flat, simply, and without all the fuss zippers unfortunately have acquired in reputation. If you purchase the notions kit from us, we've even been so kind as to thread your zipper heads for you!
Let's look at those pockets, shall we? These are some pretty cool pockets - on the outside we have a large slip pocket that, of course, can be customized with patchwork. A 9" block (with borders added) fits perfectly - if you need ideas or instructions we launched the Block Repository to go along with this tote, where you can find several classic quilt blocks in sizes that fit our patterns.
On the other side we have a luggage pocket that slips over the handle of a rolling suitcase. Again - if you're going to bother with a pocket, let's make it functional! It features a lovely little zippered pocket to stash your boarding pass, passport, or in our world...snacks we don't want the kids to see.
The inside is just as good! We have a padded tablet sleeve that fits up to a 13" tablet or laptop while still allowing the bag to zip closed. Personally, we dislike water bottles sloshing around a large bag so we added a structured bottle sleeve to hold them in place. It simply folds out of the way when not in use. (Also., it's easy to leave out or double for additional bottle storage without modifying construction!)
The other side has what we call the multipocket - a zippered bottom pocket for all the little essentials you don't want to lose in the large bag and two slip pockets on top for your phone, glasses, or other items you need quick access to.
This bag is constructed nearly completely flat before the final assembly brings it to a 3D shape. That allows us to wrap the webbing around the bottom for weight distribution. Trust me, I've had this bag so loaded down I could barely carry it and it handled it without blinking!
We have loved this bag for months, testing it as a work and play bag. It's final test was as a vacation bag in Key West...I think that should be a requirement of each pattern, don't you? Me next!
We hope you enjoy this pattern as much as we do. We love seeing what you make - please share!
Happy Sewing!
Rebecca and Cait
Fabric Details
- Main fabric: Summer Stripe canvas by Suzy Quilts for Art Gallery Fabrics
- Lining fabric: Misc floral from stash
Pattern Details
Sequoia isn't just a tote bag - it's a the fully featured, multi-pocketed, zippered bag you'll find yourself carrying everywhere! Choose from a PDF download or mailed paper pattern.
- Enjoy six different pocket types and sizes, all intuitively constructed
- Protect up to a 13" tablet or laptop in an interior padded slip sleeve
- Save your shoulder with a convenient luggage sleeve that slips over a rolling suitcase handle
Need notions? We carry a precut notions kit for Sequoia in the Pattern Shop!
