French-Style Baguette Tote: A Chic Homage to French Bakeries
In this article, we'll guide you through a fun and creative project: making a reusable, stylish bread bag inspired by France, affectionately named the "bag-ette" bag. Here's what you'll need and the steps to follow:
Materials
- Sewing machine
- Sharp scissors
- Safety pin
- White cotton cord
- Card stock
- White cotton fabric
- Cellophane tape
- Embroidery hoop
- Red thread
- Iron-on adhesive for fabric
Instructions
Sew the Baguette Bag Base
- Use a free sewing pattern for a small baguette-style purse, such as the one from SewCanShe.
- Cut your fabric pieces (exterior and lining), including side gussets.
- Mark key points on the lining side for alignment (bag side bottom center, gusset center).
- Sew the gusset to the sides of the bag, aligning the gusset center to the bottom center of each side piece.
- Important: The gusset short ends should align with the topstitched edges of the bag and not cover the zipper.
- Cut notches in the gusset seam allowance to curve around corners.
- Sew around edges with a 1/4 inch seam allowance, leaving an opening for turning.
- Turn the bag right side out through the opening and complete topstitching as needed.
Make the Reusable Loaf Bag
- For a reusable loaf bag to hold bread, use a sturdy cotton or linen fabric for breathability.
- Cut fabric to size, sew into a simple drawstring or envelope style pouch suitable to hold a baguette.
- You can also use parchment paper for a disposable bread bag alternative (less durable but sustainable).
Embroidery Instructions
Before assembling the bag fully, add embroidery to the exterior fabric. Choose French-inspired motifs like the Eiffel Tower, fleur-de-lis, or “baguette” text in a stylish script. Use an embroidery hoop to keep the fabric taut. Transfer your design using water-soluble pens or iron-on transfers. Use embroidery floss and basic stitches (backstitch for outlines, satin stitch for filled areas). Embroider on the fabric pieces before sewing the bag together.
Assembly Tips
- After embroidery and sewing, carefully attach the lining and gussets.
- Insert a zipper at the top edge and secure piping if desired for a polished look.
- Finish edges and topstitch for durability.
Additional Inspiration
- Upcycle old denim for a rustic French chic look as shown in other DIY baguette bag tutorials.
- Look for video tutorials on YouTube or TikTok for visual step-by-step guides, including links in bios for patterns.
This approach combines a classic baguette purse sewing tutorial with making a reusable bread loaf bag, adding French-inspired embroidery to personalize your project. The key is to embroider before final assembly and choose fabric types appropriate for carrying bread (cotton or linen for breathability).
If you want a full downloadable pattern and detailed step photos, SewCanShe provides a free pattern with instructions to guide you precisely. Enjoy creating your unique bag-ette bag!
