Hey! It’s finally feeling like spring here lately! I made this corduroy Pepin Tote and coordinating zippered pouch! I had grabbed this corduroy from my stash over the winter and had it mostly finished and then it sat around waiting to be finished.

Of course I tried to finish it in a hurry one day, but that didn’t work out when I accidentally grabbed both the lining pieces together and sewed and riveted through them! Needless to say, I ended up cutting a new lining fabric (liked it way better! isn’t it funny how that works out?).

Corduroy fun!

If you were hanging out in the Noodlehead facebook group anytime in the past 2 years or so, you’ll probably have noticed that corduroy was all the rage! For good reason, it’s soft and has great texture. So I wanted to investigate myself a bit and find out what interfacing I preferred.

Interfacings I used

I ended up using Pellon Fusible Fleece TP971F and Emmaline Bags medium weight fusible interfacing for the Top Lining pieces. The lining is a dry oilskin type fabric (one I had gotten from Zipper Zoo ages ago) and it was good to go without needing interfacing. Love this combo!

Coordinating Zippered Pouch

This cutie coordinating zippered pouch was something I made before sewing the Pepin. I had some scraps leftover and figured why not! It’s a very basic zippered pouch and I love it. It fits perfectly in the Pepin and I think it’ll be great for all the small things I usually carry around. Let me know if you want more details on the pouch!

Anyway, really pleased that I tried this out. I think the Pepin Tote looks great in corduroy! I did do the recessed zipper option and finished it off with webbing from my shop (Acorn).

Project Details:

• Pattern: Pepin Tote (available in PDF and paper in my shop) and coordinating simple zippered pouch (no pattern)
• Fabrics used:
  • Exterior fabric is Corduroy (6 Wale) from Bolt Fabric Boutique (I’m not sure they stock it anymore, but here are some others)
  • Lining is a dry oilskin type fabric from Zipper Zoo (doesn’t appear they stock this anymore, but check out their dry wax fabrics)
• Zipper by the yard from Sullivan’s Trim for the recessed zipper (and pouch zip)
• here’s a link to my metal snap page (shop links and a how-to) that’s on the front pocket
• 1″-wide webbing for handles (Acorn from my shop)

I love a sunshine yellow fabric. As soon as I saw this yellow, I knew a Salutations Trail Tote was in order! Salutations is an upcoming fabric collection by Rashida Coleman Hale for Ruby Star Society.

It’s always a struggle for me to get through February, so I’m glad it’s March and we’re finally having some sunny warmer days here in Wisconsin. I think that’s why I crave using yellow this time of year.

I made this sample Trail Tote for Sewtopia for QuiltCon, so you may have already seen it there. Amy and the Sewtopia crew are always so incredibly supportive and I’m glad to be able to call them friends. When it came down to making a quick sample of course I said yes!

Try it out

I think that’s what’s especially great about the Trail Tote. It’s a quick and relaxing sew. Nothing too complicated. Of course you could leave off the exterior zipper for an even quicker finish, but I think taking the extra time to add it is worth it. If you haven’t made a zippered pocket on a bag before, I would definitely recommend taking the time to practice with some test fabrics and a zip before making the Trail Tote. It’ll help you get a feel for how things go together and give you a boost of confidence when cutting into your fabric.

Coming up

I’m also excited about working on some new projects. I spent the majority of last year working on my fabric collection and the sewn samples in addition to the Plover and Trail Tote patterns. So it definitely feels like a relief to be able to decide what I want to make now! Exciting!!! I have a Pepin Tote that I’ve had sitting half finished since before Christmas, so after that who knows!

Where to buy Salutations fabric

Lastly, Salutations is coming soon to shops. It’s available on pre-order from quite a few, so a quick google search should give you lots of options. Or check your local quilt shop! It’s a beautiful collection of both quilting weight and canvases.

Project Details:

• Pattern: Trail Tote (Large size)
• Fabric:
  • Salutations canvas by Rashida Coleman Hale for Ruby Star Society
  • Accent is Essex Yarn Dyed Homespun in Roasted Pecan
  • Lining is Oh Lucky Mini Dot in pink by Alexia Marcelle Abegg
• Get the following supplies from my shop:
  • 6″ zipper* (for Small size)
  • 8″ zipper* (for Large size)
  • cording for making piping
  • strap hardware kit (1″-wide for the Small OR 1.5″-wide for the Large)
  • magnetic snaps OR take it to the next level and use a Loxx fastener
  • waxed cord or leather zipper pulls for that special finishing touch!

* pattern assumes fixed-length zipper and zipper tape width of 1”/2.5cm you can substitute by-the-yard/continuous zipper, you’ll need 7 ½”/9 ½” [19/24 cm] and one pull (per bag)

I am so excited to introduce you to my Trail Tote pattern! It’s a great beginner-friendly pattern that’s so versatile! 

Here’s a quick list of the pattern’s features:

• two sizes to sew! Small and Large
• piping detail
• front exterior zippered pocket
• interior slip pocket
• adjustable crossbody strap
• magnetic closure

If you’ve been following along here long enough, you may have already seen the Trail Tote! I designed the Trail Tote back in 2014 as part of a promotional collaboration. Well, a lot has changed since then. I knew it was time to make it into a full-fledged pattern with all the 2025 features you enjoy! 

• cutting layouts
• revised instructions
• full-size pattern pieces (including rectangles)
• Large size reduced slightly for a better fabric yield
• A0 file for printing at a copy shop

I hope you’ll love using the Trail Tote pattern to showcase all your favorite fabrics! 

Today through February 10th only (ends Monday, February 10th at 10 pm CST) pick up your PDF or Paper (yep, printed patterns are available right now!) pattern for 20% off! No code needed!

Need supplies?

Below are some supplies for the Trail Tote that are available in my shop: 

• cording for making piping
• strap hardware kits, be sure to select the hardware for the size tote you are making!
• zipper for exterior pocket (6″ for Small size, or 8″ for Large size)
• magnetic snaps (antique brass, nickel, and brass)
• leather pulls or waxed cord for that special finishing touch!

Project Details:

• Pattern: Trail Tote (available in PDF and paper in my shop)
• Fabric: Orchard Run (my upcoming fabric collection with Robert Kaufman Fabrics)
• Accent for both samples is Essex Yarn Dyed in Shale – find it at your local quilt shop!
• Supplies used are all available in my shop, see links above

Hope you enjoy sewing up a Trail Tote! Have a great weekend!