New Tote Bag with Plain Pockets

From Sewn Tote Bags

I made a tote bag for DH, and added two plain pockets to one side. To copy this pocket method, here's what you need:

• for each pocket, cut a 6" x 6" square of fabric
• My tote bag pattern - replace those pocket instructions with these instructions below
  

Each pocket piece is serged on opposite edges. One serged edge is turned under 1" and hemmed. The other serged edge is turned under and pressed.

The pocket pieces are sized to be stitched into the straps. The straps are first stitched onto the tote bag along the outer edges, leaving the inner edges free. Each pocket is placed on the bag so that the raw edges will be enclosed by the straps.

The first pocket is placed about 4" from the top hem edge of the tote bag. It is basted along the sides and stitched firmly across the bottom of the pocket. Do not stitch through the straps at this point.

The next pocket is placed at least 1" below the previous pocket, and basted and stitched in the same way. Additional pockets are attached in the same way. The bottom of the last pocket should be at least 1" above the top edge of the side cutout.