Beach Tote Pattern – Reimagined from the Aurora Bag

A beach tote doesn’t have to be fussy or complicated. But it does need to be roomy and easy to wear. The Aurora pattern, designed by Sallie Tomato in partnership with Sulky for our 2021 New Year’s Eve Sew-Along event, is a large bag that has strap options and a zipper closure, with plenty of space on the front for added embellishments. So it lends itself well to a beach tote “remix.” We’ll start with this pattern but change up a few things and add a beach-themed embroidery design. Then, we’ll have the perfect beach tote to bring to the boardwalk, the open-air market or the sandy shores.

BEACH TOTE SUPPLIES

• Aurora bag pattern (this pattern comes FREE with purchase of our 2021 NYE Sew-Along video! Plus, you’ll get the Sulky Sewist Patch embroidery collection, too – a $19.98 value!)
• Fabrics & notions according to pattern guidesheet (for the featured beach tote, substitute recycled denim for the bag base!)
• Hello Summer Machine Embroidery Palette (includes 10 spools of Sulky Rayon Thread and six summer-themed designs in three sizes each; featured design is Hello Summer Beach)
• Sulky Stiffy™ Stabilizer
• Organ® size 80/12 Top Stitch Needles
• Bobbin Thread
• Removable fabric marker
• Curved tip squeezers
• Magnetic hoop (optional)

MACHINE EMBROIDERY

First, place a rectangle of Sulky Stiffy Stabilizer on a flat work surface. Then, center one fleece rectangle over the stabilizer. Place one main fabric rectangle right side up over the fleece with all edges and corners aligned with the fleece.

Mark the desired embroidery center cross marks onto the main fabric right side using a removable fabric marker.

Then, hoop the “sandwich,” aligning the cross marks with the inner hoop ring notches. It’s much easier to hoop the layers if you have a magnetic hoop. If you don’t, use hoop clips or embroider the fabric with only the stabilizer and plan to baste the fleece to the embroidered fabric, per the pattern instructions, before construction.

Load the chosen design into the machine. The featured Hello Summer Beach design fits a 9×10 (or larger) hoop and measures 8.66″ W x 7.39″ H. If you only have smaller hoops, the design files also come with a 4×4 and 5×7 size. 

Next, embroider the design, clipping jump threads with each thread change.

When the embroidery is complete, remove the hoop from the machine. Then, remove the fabric from the hoop. If needed, press gently beyond the embroidery to remove any wrinkles.

BEACH TOTE CONSTRUCTION TIPS

The featured Aurora bag pattern has an interior pocket. If desired, stitch three lines of stitching across the pocket length to provide more slots for beach items. Measure the items you’ll tote most frequently, like sunscreen spray, keys and sunglasses, and then adjust the pocket and/or pocket slots to fit those items.

Forgo the faux leather fabric for the tote base and use recycled denim fabric instead for a more casual, summery vibe. Denim is such an appropriate fabric for summery projects. Plus, it’s durable and strong. The leg area of an older pair of jeans likely provides enough width for this pattern piece. Just make sure you don’t include holes, rips, tears or a super worn area of the jeans when cutting this piece. This way, the tote will last longer.

If desired, omit the adjustable shoulder strap, webbing and hardware. If you go this route, the handles will be the only way you can wear the tote. But you may prefer the simpler look. Conversely, omit the handles and only stitch the adjustable shoulder strap. Or add both strap options for the ultimate in versatility.

Consider using laminated cotton for the lining fabric, making the tote easy to clean. Wayward sunscreen bottles, snacks and sand may cause damage to the beach tote interior, so this fabric swap is a great alternative.

Be sure to grab the Aurora bag pattern by registering for our 2021 New Year’s Eve Sew-Along! You’ll get the pattern and Sewist Embroidery Patch design collection FREE with registration, plus step-by-step on-demand video guidance for constructing the tote, too. The is just one adaptation of the pattern, so don’t be afraid to put your spin on it and create a fun beach tote for your summer adventures.