-
The ENCIRCLE Tote is a modern tote pattern with a circular front and back panel wrapped by a curved gusset. It is a practical bag with a clean, graphic aesthetic and an interesting method of construction making it both beautiful and a seriously enjoyable sew!
There are three sizes, Standard, Large and Oversized (oh, we do love a BIG BAG!) with zipper, strap and pocket options to play with.
Closures? You can choose to make your ENCIRCLE Tote with a main zipper closure and/or a magnetic snap closure, or simply leave it with no closing mechanism for a quick sew and easy access.
Pockets? You can add an external slip pocket to the external circle motif area should you wish. Internally you can choose to add a secure zipped pocket that also creates a slip pocket. You can also add a simple, subdivided slip pocket. The instructions include how and when to add a lanyard strap should you wish to do so.
Straps? The ENCIRCLE is conceived as a big, bigger or biggest tote and works great with long tote shoulder straps. Hands straps can be added to all sizes. The standard size also works as a great crossbody/shoulder bag and a number of strap options are included in these instructions.
Dimensions:
The Standard ENCIRCLE Tote has the following approximate finished dimensions: 39cm (15 1/2”) tall x 40cm (15 3/4") wide at the main opening x 12cm (4 3/4") deep at the base. The circle panel has a finished diameter of 33cm (13").
The Large ENCIRCLE Tote has the following approximate finished dimensions: 44cm (17 1/2”) tall x 45cm (17 3/4") wide at the main opening x 14cm (5 1/2") deep at the base. The circle panel has a finished diameter of 38cm (15").
The Oversized ENCIRCLE Tote has the following approximate finished dimensions: 50cm (19 1/2”) tall x 50cm (19 1/2") wide at the main opening x 16cm (6 1/4") deep at the base. The circle panel has a finished diameter of 38cm (15").
-
The ENCIRCLE Tote is a "Confident Beginner/Intermediate” level pattern.
The ENCIRCLE Tote construction is straightforward but a little unusual - trust the tutorial and enjoy the process!
The trickiest element in making the ENCIRCLE Tote is handling the curve of the front circle, but the generous size of the circles make them quite easy to sew. Zippers can be a bit daunting but you can make the ENCIRCLE Tote without them should that be a step to far for you. However, as always, my hope is that the comprehensive tutorial will empower any adventurous beginner to tackle all elements with confidence.
-
DIGITAL DOWNLOAD INCLUDES A ZIPPED FILE CONTAINING:
- A detailed, extensive, illustrated step-by-step PDF tutorial to guide you in confidently sewing your own ENCIRCLE Tote
- A tiled print at home A4 PDF pattern file
- A tiled print at home Letter page PDF pattern file
- A0 copyshop pattern file
- A layered PDF projector pattern 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.
-
OUTER FABRIC:
Mid to heavy weight stable fabrics. Mid to heavy weight canvas, oilskin/waxed canvas, upholstery fabrics, denim, stable mid to heavy weight linen. If reinforced with appropriate interfacing, or quilting, lighter mid-weight fabrics can also be used, such as corduroy, twill, lighter canvases. Quantities of fabric vary depending on size, option and colour blocking choices. The largest size requires up to 120cm (1 1/3 yd) of 110cm/42" wide outer fabric.
LINING:
Mid to light weight stable fabrics. Cotton, quilting cotton, linen, light/mid weight cotton canvas, waterproof canvas. Quantities of fabric vary depending on size, option and colour blocking choices. The large size requires up to 180cm (2 yd) of 110cm/42" wide lining fabric.
The above fabrics are suggested as guidance. You can probably successfully make an ENCIRCLE Tote out of any fabric, so have fun experimenting!
-
NOTIONS required include (depending on your option choice):
- Up to 3 x Magnetic Snaps: to optionally secure the main opening, the circle slip pocket and the internal zipped pocket.
- Main Zipper: a No.5 closed ended zip in one of the following minimum lengths:
STANDARD: 40cm (16") standard fixed length zipper or 45cm (18") of continuous zipper.
LARGE: 45cm (18") standard fixed length zipper or 50cm (20") of continuous zipper.
OVERSIZED: 50cm (20") standard fixed length zipper or 55cm (22") of continuous zipper.
- Internal Pocket Zipper: a No.3 or No. 5 closed ended zip in one of the following lengths:
Standard: 25cm (10") standard fixed length zipper or 28cm (11") continuous zipper.
Large: 30cm (12") standard fixed length zipper or 33cm (13") continuous zipper.
Oversized: 35cm (14") standard fixed length zipper or 38cm (15") continuous zipper.
- Tote Straps: 150cm (2 x 75cm) (60" (2 x 30")) of cotton webbing.
- Hand Straps: 33cm (13") of cotton webbing.
- Crossbody/Shoulder Straps:
- Detachable & Adjustable Crossbody Strap (Webbing/Leather):
150cm (60") of cotton webbing / leather
1 x Adjustable Slider, to match strap width
2 x D-Rings, to match strap width
2 x Swivel Hooks, to match strap width
Optional: 2 or 4 x Rivets to attach a leather strap
- Fixed Shoulder Strap (Webbing/Leather):
130cm (52") x cotton webbing / leather
2 x Rectangular Rings, to match strap width
Optional: 2 or 4 x Rivets to attach a leather strap
- 12mm (1/2") Swivel Hook: The Lanyard Strap (L) pattern piece is sized to fit a 12mm (1/2") swivel hook. Any sized can be used, but the width of the strap would need to be adjusted to fit.
INTERFACING:
Depending on your fabric choice, the ENCIRCLE Tote can be made with or without overall interfacing of the outer or lining fabrics.
Lots of heavy weight canvas / waxed canvas / denim fabrics may not require interfacing at all. However, many lovely printed canvases come in a mid-weight that may not be quite stable or sturdy enough for use without some additional reinforcement.
The use of localised reinforcement of snap and strap fixing locations is suggested.
Further guidance on interfacing is given in the tutorial.
-
Huge thank you to a wonderful team of testers who provided excellent feedback and inspirational sewing.
All photos by In Complete Stitches with the exception of tester photos shown by:
www.instagram.com/bergmar_handmade/
-
“Wonderful pattern. Many variations. I’ve made several already for both myself and to give as presents. Very clear and detailed instructions. This pattern is getting a lot of use. I LOVE it!” R. Mertinez, Sept 2025. Stars 5/5
—
“Hi Sarah, I have never worked with a pattern and description as good and detailed as the Encircle Tote !!! Thank you so much !!! It is very clear and easy to follow, with so many different options! I love sewing bags of reduced and pure design (I‘m working as an Interior Designer), but patterns like these are not easy to find… This will not be my last In Complete Stitches pattern…” S. Mokry, May 2025. Stars: 5/5
—
“Lieblingstasche! Ich bin begeistert. Perfektes Schnittmuster und eine sehr gute professionelle Anleitung.” U. Prodinger, March 2025. Stars 5/5
—
“Always the best patterns!” L. Gallego Balsa, Jan 2025. Stars 5/5
—
“Són uns patrons molt ben detallats, ben explicats i tenen una visió molt clara dels passos a seguir. No parlo anglès i ha estat fàcil cosir la bossa, que, per cert, em va enamorar i segueixo enamorada d’ella. He fet una bossa (instagram.com/beatricehandmadebags) i estic fent-ne una altra, combinant diferents teles i textures i m’encanta! Moltes gràcies!” B. Baucells Lluís, Dec 2024. Stars 5/5
—
“What a fantastic pattern - I love the ingenious style lines and sculptural feel of this design. As with all In Complete Stitches patterns, the instructions are just impeccable. Trust the process and you’ll end up with a stunning bag that you can be proud of for many years to come.” E. Lanfer, Dec 2024. Stars: 5/5
