Fika is a Swedish word, meaning ‘to have coffee’.  The classic clean lines of this mid-sized tote give a nod to my Scandinavian heritage.  The Fika Tote has plenty of features you’ll love, like front pockets, a back lapped zipper pocket, recessed zipper closure and padded pockets.  Take this tote on your next visit with friends!

Special features:

• two front pockets for things you need to keep close at hand
• back lapped zippered pocket
• optional recessed zipper (it’s optional, but I know you’ll love it!)
• makes a great work or student bag, padded interior pockets can accommodate most laptop sizes

Skill Level: Intermediate (this is a fairly straightforward sew, but due to the number of pieces and size of the tote I classify this pattern as Intermediate) an adventurous Advanced Beginner could also tackle this project – just takes a bit of organization

+ Approx. Finished Dimensions: 17” wide, 15” tall, 5” deep

Materials needed:

Requirements based on 44”-wide fabric.

• 1 yard Exterior Fabric
• 1/2 yard Accent Fabric
• 2 yards Lining Fabric (includes interior pockets)
• 3 yards Fusible Woven Interfacing (Pellon SF101 – 20”-wide)

• 3/4 yard Foam Stabilizer (byAnnie’s Soft & Stable (58”-wide) or 2 yards Pellon Foam Flex (20”-wide) or 1 yard Pellon 987f fusible fleece (44”-wide)

• (1) 18”-20” zipper (closed-ended or separating) for recessed zip closure

• (1) 30” handbag (head-to-head or single pull) zipper for back exterior pocket (will be shortened)

Recommended Fabrics: Lightweight canvas (7-9 oz. weight) or medium weight quilting cotton for exterior fabric. Quilting cotton for Lining and Accent fabric.

Additional supplies + tools: Polyester thread, water-soluble pen/tailor’s chalk, cutting mat, ruler, rotary cutter, glue pen (Sewline glue pen is my favorite), size 14 or 16 denim or Microtex needle, turning tool, pinking shears