The Buckthorn Tote is the perfect size for a project bag!

I made this Buckthorn Tote to advertise my May 2025 bag-making class at Modern Domestic in Portland, Oregon. The construction is straightforward and the bag comes together quickly—it took me longer to cut and interface all the pieces than it did to sew them. This bag has a flat oval base, slip pockets, and a top zipper closure (you can tuck the free end of the zipper insider the bag if you prefer that look). The Buckthorn Tote is a great project bag for knitters and crafters (I recommend adding a second interior pocket and custom pocket dividers).

P.S. When I handed the bag over to Modern Domestic, my spouse—who is always complaining that we have too many bags—very sadly asked, “Wait, this one’s not for us? It’s so cute!” [that’s how I know it’s a good pattern].

Pattern

Buckthorn Tote (the pattern also includes a larger backpack view)

Need support? Watch the Buckthorn Sew-Along on YouTube.

Supplies

Fabric & Interfacing

Exterior fabric: Fableism Golden Hour Native Nectar in Eggplant yarn-dyed cotton woven (190 gsm / 5.6 oz)
Lining fabric: Fableism Golden Hour Spotted in Bronze reversible yarn-dyed cotton woven (165 gsm / 4.9 oz)
Pellon 987F Fusible Fleece
Pellon SF101 Shape Flex Fusible Interfacing

Notions

14” (#4.5) nylon coil handbag zipper in mustard
1” wide cotton webbing in taupe
Schmetz Jeans/Denim 90/14 needle

📌

If you can’t find the required notions at your local fabric store, you can order webbing and zippers directly from Noodlehead. You can also easily trim a longer nylon coil zipper to size.

Modifications

I used a lighter weight fabric for the exterior than the pattern recommends (5.6 oz cotton woven instead of a 7–10 oz canvas or waxed canvas), but the fusible fleece provides plenty of structure for the bag to hold its shape and stand upright.
I cut my fusible fleece and interfacing slightly smaller than the pattern pieces to reduce bulk in the seam allowances, but this was unnecessary because my fabric was relatively light weight. In fact, since Fableism wovens fray A TON, you may prefer to interface your fabric before cutting to minimize fraying and make it easier to work with.

Buckthorn Tote exterior with a slip pocket (conspicuously not pattern-matched) and cotton webbing handles.

Sewing Notes

I completely forgot to pattern-match while cutting out and sewing the exterior pocket and only realized when I got the photos from Modern Domestic (whoops).
The fabric I used for the lining is reversible! I accidentally interfaced one of my lining pieces on the opposite face as all the others (can you tell I was not sending my best that day?), but it ended up being a nice way to show off both sides of this gorgeous woven.
The interior pockets gap open a bit more than I’d like. Sewing additional pocket dividers might help.
Setting in the oval base was much simpler than I expected—don’t let that step intimidate you! If you need help, check out the Sew-Along on YouTube or this quick IG tutorial.

Notes For Next Time

Pattern match the front pocket or cut the pocket on the cross-grain to avoid the issue altogether.
Try making a project bag using waxed canvas or dry oilskin.
Add a second interior pocket and sew additional pocket dividers sized for knitting notions.
Add a cute lil zipper pull.

Detail view of top zipper closure and interior lining with slip pockets.

Keep In Touch

Thanks very much for reading! If you’d like in-person support and instruction, please sign up for my classes at Modern Domestic or reach out to schedule a private lesson. If you have any questions, feedback, or corrections regarding this post, please don’t hesitate to contact me!

buckthorn tote