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The APEXcarry is a tote pattern that comes in two generous sizes; a standard (big!) tote and an (even bigger!) oversized option that makes a fantastic "carry all the stuff" bag! The standard APEXcarry is a perfect large day-to-day tote while the oversized option is a great size to carry everything you need for a big picnic, a trip the the beach, the entire family's swimming gear, or as a really fab overnight bag for that sneaky weekend away (on a sewing retreat perhaps???)
It has a simple modern aesthetic with angled outer pockets that can be secured with a snap & loop closure or with a simple line of stitching. Both APEXcarry sizes include tote and hand straps. The APEXcarry can be made as a simple open tote, with or without a magnetic snap closure and/or a side snap & loop closure. If you need a bit of extra security the pattern also provides the option to add a main zipped closure.
Internally you can go light and simple or add a 20cm or 25cm zipped welt pocket and/or a subdivided angled pocket. The tutorial also includes instructions for adding a lanyard strap to secure a set of keys or wallet.
Dimensions:
The Standard APEXcarry has the following approximate finished dimensions: 34cm (13 1/2") tall x 34cm (13 1/2") wide at the base x 17cm (6 3/4") deep at the base. The main opening width is 51cm (20") and takes a 55cm (22") closed ended zip.
The Oversized APEXcarry has the following approximate finished dimensions: 40cm (15 3/4") tall x 40cm (15 3/4") wide at the base x 20cm (8") deep at the base. The main opening width is 60cm (23 1/2") and takes a 65cm (22") closed ended zip.
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Sewalong? The APEX Sewalong took place back in 2022 and the YouTube sewalong videos can still be viewed here!
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It is a "Confident Beginner" level pattern. The APEXcarry pattern has lots of options; some straightforward and some a little bit more challenging. New to bag making?? The pattern comes with a comprehensive PDF tutorial making it a great entry level bag making project.
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DIGITAL DOWNLOAD INCLUDES A ZIPPED FILE CONTAINING:
- A detailed, extensive, illustrated step-by-step tutorial to guide you in confidently sewing your own APEXcarry
- A tiled print at home PDF pattern (that works for both A4 & letter page sizes)
- A0 copyshop pattern
- A layered PDF projector file
Upon purchase you will be sent a link to the zipped pattern file that lasts for 24hours after purchase - but don’t worry! Should you need to access your pattern at a later date just click on the original email to be sent a new one. For your own convenience we do advise that you download and save your files securely on your computer upon purchase.
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OUTER FABRIC:
Mid - heavy weight stable fabrics. Mid/heavy weight canvas, oilskin/waxed canvas, upholstery fabrics. The Angle Pocket and Side Triangles can be made with a lighter mid-weight fabric without interfacing if desired, such as corduroy, twill, denim, mid-weight canvases.
Quantities of fabric vary depending on size, option and colour blocking choices. The standard APEXcarry requires up to 170cm(1.9yd) of 110cm/42" wide outer fabric or 100cm (1.1yd) of 150cm/58" wide outer fabric. The oversized APEXcarry requires up to 190cm (2.1yd) of 110cm/42" wide outer fabric or 140cm (1.5yd) of 150cm/58" wide outer fabric.
LINING FABRIC:
Mid - light weight stable fabrics. Cotton, quilting cotton, linen, lightweight cotton canvas.
Quantities of fabric vary depending on size, option and colour blocking choices. The standard APEXcarry requires up to 200cm (2.2yd) of 110cm/42" wide lining fabric or 130cm (1.4yd) of 150cm/58" wide lining fabric. The oversized APEXcarry requires up to 260cm (2.9yd) of 110cm/42" wide lining fabric or 190cm (2.1yd) of 150cm/58" wide lining fabric.
COLOUR BLOCKING?
Check out the #APEXsewalong blog post here where some popular colour blocking quantities are given.
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NOTIONS required include (depending on your option choice):
- Tote Straps: 2x 75cm long straps. Webbing with width of 40mm is suggested.
- Hand Straps: 2x 28cm long straps. Webbing with width of 25mm is suggested.
- 55cm (22")/65cm (22") closed ended zip.
- Optional Internal Welt Zip: 20cm/25cm closed ended zip
- Optional: up to 4x snap fixings
- Optional: 12mm Swivel Hook
- Interfacing: The APEXcarry is constructed with outer pocket layers that provide some inherent stability simply due to the multiple layers involved. While the bag can be made without overall interfacing, depending on the fabric you use and the level or structure that you desire, you may wish to interface some areas. The pattern tutorial contains suggestions on suitable fabrics and on areas where you may want to consider adding interfacing.
- Denim needle/needle suitable for your fabric choice
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All photos by In Complete Stitches
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“I finished my bag this weekend, and I love it!! I learnt so much making this bag. The pattern is well written and there is also a video tutorial that is available to watch as well.” M. Proctor, May 2025. Stars: 5/5
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“Es un patrón fantástico, la repuesta en dudas también fue muy satisfactoria. Me encantan todos los patrones.” E. Corrales Lorenzo, April 2025. Stars: 5/5
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“Very beautiful end result! Due to the clear instructions and options explained.” A.A.M. Kogelman, Dec 2023. Stars: 5/5
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“Very easy to follow by the drawings.” Peggy Boons, Aug 2023. Stars: 5/5
