Navy Crescent Tote
I have enough bags: both handmade ones and leather RTW ones. Yet, I often convince myself that I need more for different occasions, different sizes, different shapes etc…
When I saw Crescent Tote pattern by Noodlehead on Instagram, I immediately saved it for later.
It’s a simple everyday kinda tote bag with a front zipper as a fun design element.
My summer wardrobe is pretty casual, and what I’m planning on sewing this summer is the same. So naturally, I was convinced once again, that I needed a casual shoulder bag in navy colour (because I wear lots of blues.)
Pattern: Crescent Tote by Noodlehead
Exterior Fabric: 6oz Cotton Twill from Blackbird Fabrics in Navy Blue
Interior Fabric: Underwater Enchant Solar by Art Gallery Fabrics from their Enchanted Voyage collection
Webbing: 38mm (1.5 inch) cotton webbing from Emmaline Bags
Zipper: Sallie Tomato Zipper by the Yard from Thread the Needle
I find that the hardest part of the bag making is often sourcing materials, especially the hardware and interfacings in Canada. I’ll try to list where I get mine as much as I can, to be helpful! (None of the links are affiliated nor sponsored.)
You can also get the Sallie Tomato Zipper from Thread Count Fabrics.
I usually get interfacings from either Thread Count Fabrics, Funky Monkey Fabrics, or Thread the Needle. If it’s for garment, Blackbird Fabrics carries nice lightweight ones too. (They seem to restock often, so check back if it’s sold out!)
The best part of the Crescent Tote is probably the front zipper pocket. It’s simple but gives this bag a stylish finish! I loved its construction too.
Of course, I had to use Sallie Tomato’s zipper by the yard for this design element.
The interior has one zipper pocket and one slip pocket (one piece, but separated into two by sewing down at the centre.)
For the interior fabric, I used “Underwater Enchant Solar” by Art Gallery Fabrics from their Enchanted Voyage collection. It’s a quilting cotton and easy to handle.
When I bought this fabric, I was re-watching Pirates of the Caribbean movie series and I was really drawn to this “Enchanted Voyage”. I also purchased some of the “Offshore Dream” from the same collection which I’m very excited to use!
Because I loved this print so much, I did a pattern (print) matching for the interior slip pocket. I normally don’t bother with pattern matching, but I figured this adorable print deserved it.
The pattern doesn’t come with an instruction/pattern pieces for an exterior zipper opening at the top. But I don’t like a bag that doesn’t have a zipper opening so I added to mine.
I love how this bag turned out!
I used a 6oz cotton twill which is a tad lighter than the pattern suggests (they suggest 7-9oz canvas), but it seems to work ok. Maybe it’s not as sturdy as it’s supposed to be, but I don’t think it’s flimsy either.
It was certainly much easier to sew than my Xanadu ll which is made with a heavier twill.
I made this bag a few weeks ago and have been using it often since! It’s a perfect casual everyday bag and goes great with so many of my outfit.
I love it so much that I’m thinking of making another in the fall, maybe in deep green!
Jul 10, 2021
