Design Your Own Laptop Tote Using Denim

Convenient laptop totes provide a protective cover for your computer while leaving your hands free to carry other things. Purchased bags often have a professional briefcase appearance, but you can design your own computer bag, custom-made to fit your laptop, for casual trips to the coffee shop or peaceful weekend vacations. A basic computer bag designed like an open-topped messenger bag, keeps your laptop safe and within easy reach at a moment's notice.

Supplies Needed:

Measuring tape
1-yard denim fabric
1/2-yard cotton quilt batting
Scissors
Straight pins
Sewing machine
Heavy-duty sewing machine needle
Washer and dryer
Iron

Step 1
Measure the length and width circumferences of your laptop. Divide each measurement in half and add 2 inches. Cut four rectangles from denim fabric and two rectangles from cotton quilt batting using the laptop dimensions. These will make up the body of the bag. Cut two strips 2 inches wide by 36 inches long from denim fabric and one strip from cotton quilt batting. These will make up the handle of the computer bag.

Step 2
Lay one denim rectangle on your work surface with the wrong side facing up. Place a batting rectangle on top of the denim and add another denim rectangle with the right side facing up. Pin the layers of one long edge together. This will be the top edge of your computer bag. Sew the pinned edge using a 1/2-inch seam allowance. Repeat with the remaining rectangles. The raw seams of this computer bag are on the outside.

Step 3
Lay one denim handle strip on your work surface with the wrong side facing up. Layer the batting strip and remaining denim strip on top. Pin together the layers of each long edge. Sew the pinned edges using a 1/2-inch seam allowance.

Step 4
Lay one denim rectangle sandwich on your work surface with the sewn edge as the top edge. Pin one short end of the handle on one side edge of the rectangle 1/2 inch from the top edge. Pin the other short end of the handle on the other side edge of the rectangle. Place the remaining denim sandwich on top matching the edges. Pin the layers of the side edges and the bottom edge together. Sew the pinned edges using a 1/2-inch seam allowance.

Step 5
Clip 1/2-inch slits in all the raw seams of the bag and the handle, from the raw edges to the stitch lines. Do not cut through the stitches. Wash and dry the bag to fray the edges. Iron the bag.