Summer Tote with a Pineapple Stencil
Today we’re making a beautiful summer tote and using freezer paper to stencil a pineapple onto it. Perfect for customizing!
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 lined summer tote with a boxed base, reinforced handles, and a pineapple design stenciled with fabric paint.
The featured version has a top zipper, an interior patch pocket, and a bias-tape strap with a snap hook for keeping keys within reach.
What you’ll learn in this class
- Cut and iron on a freezer-paper stencil.
- Apply, dry, and heat-set fabric paint.
- Form the boxed base and reinforce the handles.
- Sew an optional patch pocket and key strap.
- Shorten a zipper and add fabric tabs.
- Install the zipper between the exterior and lining.
- Turn the bag and finish the lining opening.
Fabric and materials
The sample pairs sturdy exterior fabric with a lightweight printed lining. Decovil Light gives the handles structure while being thinner and easier to handle than standard Decovil.
For the stencil, use freezer paper, fabric paint, a detail knife, and a sponge or brush. Follow the paint manufacturer’s directions for drying and heat setting.
Make it your own
Change the stencil motif, lettering, or paint colors, or use the freezer-paper technique on another fabric project.
The pocket and zipper are optional. Move or resize the pocket, hem its upper edge instead of adding bias tape, or lengthen the handles to suit how you carry the bag.
Useful measurements
The demonstrated tote is about 43 cm wide. The zipper is shortened to 39 cm, leaving roughly 2 cm at each side. Test the handle placement and length before stitching.
The video class includes a downloadable project pattern with the tote, pineapple stencil, and lettering used for the featured design.
Pattern & materials
Patterns are included with membership
Active members can download every available PDF and materials list.