The Monogrammed Market Tote

A few days ago I made my own bag for a purchased Collapsible Market Tote. Yesterday I decided to monogram a market tote with my favorite monogram from Five Star Fonts:The Posh Swirls Elegant Monogram. There are two sizes with the design and this is the bigger one.

After I cut my sides to the rough size and fused the interfacing, I traced my pattern piece so I could determine design placement.

I originally thought that the distance from the bottom to the top (right under the frame) was 8" - this is why my monogram is a bit low. It needed to go up about 1/4." It's actually 7 1/2" - which makes the middle 3 3/4". So to find the center point, mark 3/8" from the bottom (to account for the seam allowance), then go up 3 3/4".

When figuring out the middle, remember that some of the bag is tucked under the frame - so don't use the center of the fabric as the middle point!

Here it is! Make sure you spray the applique fabric with some basting spray before you put it on the design. It holds it in place and reduces puckering.

This design is the perfect size for the tote. 

I haven't been doing a lot of embroidery lately. This project made me realize how much I love it!

BTW, if you want to put the stays in, add them to the lining instead of the exterior.

TA-DA!! These make great gifts. It's the end of the school year - how about as a teacher gift? You could add a pocket to the lining and put a gift card in there or fill it with fun summer items and a special note from your child.