Sew Sweetness Video+PDF Pattern Clydebank Tote
Bags, Bags, Tutorials

FREE Clydebank Tote Video+PDF Pattern

I’m very excited to introduce you to the Clydebank Tote, my FREE Video+PDF Pattern to complement our Sew Sweetness Book Club discussion of Book #1. If you read the first book along with us, ‘The Sewing Machine’ by Natalie Fergie, you may remember that the Singer sewing machine factory in the book was located in Clydebank, hence the name of this free project.

Sew Sweetness FREE Video+PDF Pattern Clydebank Tote
Before you begin watching the video, please download the free Clydebank Tote PDF Pattern here: PATTERN – Clydebank Tote

Sew Sweetness FREE Video+PDF Pattern Clydebank Tote
This tote features cut-out handles and comes in two different sizes; size small is a great handbag size, and size large would make a great large work tote or a bag for a day at the beach! The bag features two lining zippered pockets, a recessed zip closure at the top of the lining, and the ability to coordinate your fabric with a complimentary side panel on the exterior of the bag.


As the book was set beginning in the early 1900’s, I felt the Clydebank Tote was a classic design that I could see one of the main characters using for their bag (perhaps Jean, Kathleen, or Connie). I used a vintage-inspired fabric for my pattern cover samples from the ‘Outback Wife’ fabric line designed by Gertrude Made for Ella Blue Fabrics. The fabric that I used in my video sample was a succulent fabric from Windham Fabrics. I also used cork fabric for the sides of the bags.

Sew Sweetness FREE Video+PDF Pattern Clydebank Tote
Finished Size:

small – 9-1/2” long x 14” tall x 3” wide (24cm x 35.5cm x 7.6cm)
large – 13” long x 21-1/4” tall x 5” wide (33cm x 54cm x 12.7cm)

Sew Sweetness FREE Video+PDF Pattern Clydebank Tote
No purse hardware is necessary to make this bag, just a few zippers! Here is the Supply List for the bag:

  • 1 yard/metre of exterior fabric OR 1-1/2 yard/metre if fussycutting for size large
    fat quarter of fabric for the exterior side panels
  • 1 yard/metre of lining fabric (please increase to 1-1/2 yard/metre for size large or if fussycutting size small)
  • 1 yard/metre of foam interfacing (By Annie’s Soft and Stable, Pellon Flex Foam, Bosal In-R-Form, or automotive headliner; if purchasing Flex Foam, please purchase at least double the amount as it is only 20” wide)
  • 2-1/2 yard/metre 20” wide Pellon SF-101 Shape Flex fusible woven interfacing (medium-weight fusible)
  • Optional: 15” x 6” piece of Pellon #71 Peltex ultra-firm fusible interfacing (for a firm bottom)
  • 20” handbag zipper
  • Two 12” zippers

Design Idea: If you prefer, you can use fusible fleece or Pellon Thermolam instead of the foam interfacing if you would prefer a slouchier bag.

Sew Sweetness FREE Video+PDF Pattern Clydebank Tote
I found it very helpful to use a Hemostat for turning the handles of this bag, although another turning tool like a latch hook or tube with wooden dowel will also work!

Sew Sweetness FREE Video+PDF Pattern Clydebank Tote

Sew Sweetness FREE Video+PDF Pattern Clydebank Tote

Sew Sweetness FREE Video+PDF Pattern Clydebank Tote

Sew Sweetness FREE Video+PDF Pattern Clydebank Tote

Sew Sweetness FREE Video+PDF Pattern Clydebank Tote

Thank you so very much to my pattern testers for coming through yet again!

Sew Sweetness Video+PDF Pattern Clydebank Toteby Katherine

Sew Sweetness Video + PDF Pattern Clydebank Toteby Bronwyn

Sew Sweetness Video+PDF Pattern Clydebank Toteby Claudia

Sew Sweetness Video+PDF Pattern Clydebank Toteby Alejandra

Sew Sweetness Video + PDF Pattern Clydebank Tote
by Sarah

Sew Sweetness Video+PDF Pattern Clydebank Toteby Tamara

Sew Sweetness Video+PDF Pattern Clydebank Toteby Michelle

Sew Sweetness Video+PDF Pattern Clydebank Toteby Diane

Sew Sweetness Video+PDF Pattern Clydebank Toteby Charlie

Sew Sweetness Video+PDF Pattern Clydebank Toteby Whitney

Sew Sweetness Video+PDF Pattern Clydebank Toteby BJ

Sew Sweetness Video+PDF Pattern Clydebank Toteby Amber

Sew Sweetness Video+PDF Patternby Harriet

Sew Sweetness Video+PDF Pattern Clydebank Tote

by Sandie

Sew Sweetness Video+PDF Pattern Clydebank Toteby Nikki

by Nancy

 

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65 thoughts on “FREE Clydebank Tote Video+PDF Pattern

  1. kashili says:

    loved them tho I don’t know how it’s made!!!!

  2. Amy Farquhar says:

    I love this bag! What a nice bag to get for free . I am going to make this for me aunt as a boat bag ! Thank you so much and I also enjoyed the book.

    Amy

    1. Sara Lawson says:

      Awesome! Can’t wait to see your bag!

  3. Lisa says:

    really lovely bags! I just might try and make one 🙂

    1. Sara Lawson says:

      Thank you so much, Lisa!

  4. Thank you so much. Great pattern and the book was excellent. I was a bit slow off the mark but hVe the next book on my wish list.

    1. Sara Lawson says:

      Excellent! So happy to have you on board for Book Club!

  5. Chefti says:

    Great pattern, thank you and I am looking forward to getting one cut out later today! However, I am in the UK and use A4 and I found it cuts off one edge when printing because A4 is narrower than US paper. Not found that before on your patterns. I had to print on A3 to get it all.

    1. Sara Lawson says:

      Hi Chefti! I’m so sorry that you’re having trouble! The patterns should also work for A4 paper, as the artwork is 7″ x 10″. Did you print using Adobe Reader? Perhaps also with the ‘Auto Portrait/Landscape’ box checked?

  6. I really enjoy seeing all the different versions, especially BJ’s. I read the book and enjoyed your vid review.

  7. slmrn1 says:

    This tote is awesome. Looking at all the samples is truly inspiring. Enjoyed the book very much and see that my library has the next one. Ready to run off and borrow it today. Thanks for Book Club, Sara. It’s so much fun.

  8. Ingrid Dalziel says:

    Thank you so much for this FREE STUNNING BAG !!! Love looking at all the different versions of this bag, and can hardly wait to make some. Now to look for fabric choices. Thank you again.

  9. Liz says:

    I love how this bag showcases a favorite fabric.

  10. Vicki says:

    Just found this and I had to show it to my husband. He agreed I have to make it because it is “named after him.”

  11. Richard Hartman says:

    Definitely added this to my “bags to make” list! Always great designs from Sara.

  12. This bag looks amazing! Your pattern testers show it off well too.

  13. Diana M Gildner says:

    I have some cork that I’ve been saving for just the right pattern. Where did you get the gorgeous floral fabric?

    1. sewsweetness says:

      The fabric line is called Outback Wife, and you can still find some on Etsy!

  14. Tina Peterson says:

    I just bought some neat fabric at Joann’s last night that I was thinking “purse” and had no pattern for. This will be perfect. Both sizes are adorable! Love love love! I’ll share your link to my sewing page on FB.

    1. Sara Lawson says:

      Thank you so much, Tina!

  15. Linda Millwee Benton says:

    Love the new bag pattern, will be late in starting but hopefully will catch up. Love the book also. I have been very impressed with you and Danny and your business, and the way you are including your children, very good parenting there. Hoping to continue following you and making bags for years to come!

  16. Mary Martin says:

    Just wondering.., on the instructions.., are the supply amounts, when you say yard/metre (e.g, 1-1/2 yard/meter) are you saying, “1-1/2 yards per metre” or “1-1/2 yards and metres interchangeable units”. I believe a metre is slighly shorter than a yard so this confused me. I’d like to sew my first of your purses and want to make sure I get the correct measurements.

    Thank you.

    1. Sara Lawson says:

      Hi Mary, it is 1-1/2 metres. I understood that yards and metres aren’t exactly the same, but 1 yard=0.9144 metres, so I thought to make things less confusing (and without taking up so much space in the supply list!) to just list it as 1 yard/metre (or what have you).

  17. Sue says:

    Hi, Firstly thank you very much for the free Clydebank tote pattern. I am going to make this for Mother’s day. Bit new to bags – only done a couple – so could you please help me? I am using faux leather for the side panels so what do I interface this with? Many thanks, Sue x

    1. Sara Lawson says:

      Hi Sue! You can either use foam interfacing (that’s what I did with my cork Side Panels), or you can do the faux leather with no interfacing. Hope this helps!

  18. Heather Sundstrom says:

    Thank you for the pattern and video. What kind of fabric did you use in the photos for the pattern? I love the blue fabric but it doesn’t look like quilting cotton.

  19. Robin says:

    Hi! Newby viewer, and not so great sewer here. I must say you are an excellent teacher. At first was puzzled as to why the bag zipper was so long and why you didn’t make those zip panels the same length as the long zipper. LOL. Kept watching and saw my answer. Lol. Lol. I came across you on FB feed and was mesmarized watching you create this bag. I primarily digitize and machine embroider and only have dabbled with regular sewing. I’ll keep watching to gain knowledge

    You should have a tv show like sewing with Nancy had. You have a calm voice that makes following along ez. Thank you!

  20. Jenny says:

    Looks beautiful Sara. I was wondering if there’s any way you can post the PDF pattern intact eg untiled. I’m planning on making this in the Cricut Maker and it would be much easier with the large PDF. Plan to cut the fabric on the fold with 505 basting spray to get it to fit in the Maker. Thanks.

    1. Using the Cricut Maker is a great idea.

    2. jewelz says:

      Jenny, how would you use crickey maker?

  21. Karen J Dsupin says:

    Where can I find the video for the Clydebank tote?

  22. Carol Morem says:

    Thanks…looks like a fun project. The video was great!!!

  23. Diana says:

    I noticed on Facebook that one lady made the Clydebank, but was having problems with the iron on foam causing wrinkling of the fabric. Do you have any ideas on how to pre vent that?

    1. Sara Lawson says:

      I prefer using sew-in foam for this very reason (I use By Annie’s Soft and Stable).

  24. patmonjaz says:

    Love this pattern and I am going to make it for one of my teacher, trying to do 4 things at once but this one I will finish thank you so very much Sara Lawson

  25. Grace Blankenship says:

    Hello! Thank you for the pattern, I can’t wait to pull fabrics for it! Can you tell me what the name is of the fabric in the sample that has the cats on a fence? I love it!

  26. Gail Elliott says:

    Beautiful bags! Thank you for the pattern. Now I know what to do with all of that Outback Wife I have been hoarding! Is the lining of your succulents bag Grunge Basics Cabbage??

      1. Gail Elliott says:

        Thanks Sara! Such a lovely colour, it makes me feel like spring might just arrive after all!

  27. Leah Holland says:

    Might need to make this one to replace my aging Lapin Noir bag. Love the recessed zipper.

  28. Kelley Manley says:

    Thank you so much for another free tutorial and pattern! You are talented AND generous. Made a few of your Oriole bags and love your attention to detail in the pattern and directions. Just purchased some of your pearl gray cork for the side panels on the Clydebank. So excited to up my bag-making game. Thanks again from your newest bag lady!!

  29. ashlee_escutia says:

    This pattern and video was extremely easy to follow! I made an awesome beach bag and lined it with water resistant material! So excited for how it came out!

    1. Betty Theut says:

      I have no printer I would like to buy the pattern clydebank tote

  30. laurasstitches says:

    Great pattern working on my 3rd set! Truly a great pattern and your tutorial is very clear and easy to follow.
    Which makes you want to do more and more!
    How do I enter my bags in the contest, trying to find it and need help.

    Thank you
    Baglady Laura Ann

    1. Sara Lawson says:

      Hi Laura Ann! You can enter them at the bottom of this blog post: https://sewsweetness.com/2019/01/sew-sweetness-book-club.html

  31. MissPriss*1 says:

    I haven’t read the book yet but, I watched the video for the Clydebank tote and that was where I discovered your natural gift of sewing. I watched the video last night and just sent hubby out for ink so I can print the PDF. I’m thinking of using batiks in the tote. What do you think about that, Sara? I really love batiks!
    I noticed you mentioned using Soft and Stable. I just ordered some “naked” as in no tricot over it, foam stabilizer from Amazon and it was only $4.99 per package. I believe it was 18″ x 58″. I’ve also used Bosal In-R-Form Plus. It’s fusible on both sides but, I just sew it in. It’s quite a bit cheaper than Soft and Stable as is Peltex. I’m always the bargain hunter!

    1. Sara Lawson says:

      I think batiks would be just beautiful in this bag! Personally, I think the Naked Foam is quite a pain to deal with; you may consider fusing Shape Flex to it first so that it doesn’t drag along your feed dogs.

  32. Vera Ann Miles says:

    How do I get started in bag making?

  33. Susan Molnar says:

    Hi Sara! I am in love with this bag however I am not a garment maker or seamstress… I quilt which gives one a lot of grace while sewing. Anyway I am going to attempt making the bag. I have never worked with foam so I’m wondering if the Pellon Flex Foam is one sided or two sided fusible. That is all that was available at my local Joann. I have both now. And what order is it attached to the main panels. Do I fuse the foam to the material and then attach the Shape Flex? I’m really confused about that. I would appreciate some input. I will check back to see if you’ve answered. Thanks!

    1. Sara Lawson says:

      Hi Susan! The Flex Foam one-sided fusible will be fine. The foam will be fused to the Exterior Main Panels, Exterior Side Panels, and Exterior Bottom Panel. Please check Steps #1-3 in the pattern instructions for which fabric gets attached to which interfacing. Thank you!

      1. Susan Molnar says:

        Thanks! I didn’t understand somehow as to where I was using the foam…. and I thought I was using the shape flex with those parts too….

  34. Y. Lemard says:

    Thank you so much, I love this bag. I made the small as is, then hacked it for a medium, then just completed the large with multiple inner and outer pockets to take to work in January. Thanks again.

  35. Zina says:

    Thank you so much for this bag pattern. I’ve never made a bag before so I’m excited to make this. Guess I need to go to Joann’s now. Darn I hate that lol.

  36. Julie Anderson says:

    Thank you so much for sharing this pattern, nearly completed my first bag and love it, so much so that I intend to make another one to gift to my mum. Thanks again.

    1. Sara Lawson says:

      I’m so happy that you are enjoying this pattern!!

  37. twirlingdervish says:

    Sara, you are a sewing diva to say the least. This is a perfectly detailed tutorial made by literally exquisite hands-. You could model them for big bucks. Thank you for sharing your art.

  38. Frances says:

    Where is the video ? It says free viendo but I can’t find it

  39. Nathalie says:

    Hello, Love this pattern, it is very beautiful. I would like some help though please. When I print pages 11 through 18 at actual size, on my sheets, there is one side where the image is cut off, thus not showing one of the arrows required to piece the papers together. I don’t know how I can fix this. Seems like the papers on the file don’t have the same size as my 8,5″ x 11″. Is that possible ? Should I go to our local printer shop to get it printed ? Thank you 🙂

    1. sewsweetness says:

      Hi Nathalie! Are you already using Adobe Reader to print, and printing at ‘Actual Size’? If so, have you already tried the ‘Auto’ checkbox? Thank you!

  40. Koki says:

    This is just the type of bag I’ve been looking for, but everyone else charges for the pattern!! I’ve made the other normal types, but thank you so much for sharing this pattern!! Can’t wait to make it! I hope it looks as you’re really professional looking ones

  41. Cindee Maynard says:

    Hey I am confused about something how big is the Exterior Bottom Panel I can’t find an answer in the instructions.

  42. sewsweetness says:

    Hello Cindee! On page 2 of the Cutting Instructions you’ll find a blue box near the top of the page; the Bottom Panel measurements are within that section. Thank you!

  43. berangere.pailler says:

    merci pour le partage , je viens de finir le mien 🙂

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