- Fabric
- Light-medium weight fusible interfacing (e.g. Pellon Shapeflex SF101)
- Foam (e.g. By Annie’s Soft and Stable)
- Two 1” x 1” (2.5cm x 2.5cm) squares of stabiliser (e.g. Pellon Peltex #71F)
- 1x 18mm magnetic snap
- Closure Tab pattern piece for the size you’re making (click here to download).
Using the Closure Tab pattern piece, cut the following:
- Two closure tab pieces from fabric
- Two closure tab pieces from interfacing
- One closure tab piece from foam.
Note: As you are installing a closure tab, rather than magnetic snaps on the lining of your tote, you can omit steps 4 – 7 in the Stand Up & Tote Notice pattern.
Creating the Closure Tab
Fuse the interfacing to the wrong side of each fabric closure tab piece.
To help reduce bulk, trim 1/2” (1.3cm) from the square end of the foam as shown below.
Baste the foam using a 1/8” (0.3cm) seam allowance to the wrong side of the outer closure tab piece. Align the foam against the tapered end of the closure tab, leaving a 1/2” (1.3cm) fabric overhang at the square end.
Fuse a 1” x 1” (2.5cm x 2.5cm) square of stabiliser to the wrong side of the inner fabric closure tab piece (the one without the foam). Position the stabiliser 1/2” (1.3cm) down from the tapered edge of the closure tab piece and centred horizontally.
Install the male half of the magnetic snap so that the centre of the snap is 1” (2.5cm) down from the tapered edge. Step-by-step instructions for installing a magnetic snap can be found in your Stand Up & Tote Notice pattern or here – Hardware Heaven: Magnetic Snaps.
Place the two closure tab pieces right sides together matching raw edges. Using a 1/4” (0.6cm) seam allowance, stitch down one side, around the tapered end, and up the other side as shown. Leave the square end open to be able to turn the closure tab right side out. Unless you’re a magician…or a Jedi… In which case you probably don’t let trivial things like a stitched opening stop you. But I digress…
Turn the closure tab right side out through the opening.
Fold the open end in approximately 1/2” (1.3cm). It should fit neatly against the trimmed edge of the foam. Give the closure tab a good press and top stitch around all sides of the closure tab using a 1/8” (0.3cm) seam allowance.
Installing the front snap
The front snap can be added at step 20 of the Stand Up & Tote Notice pattern.
Install the female half of your magnetic snap so that the centre of the snap is 1 3/8” (3.5cm) down from the top edge of the front panel. Ensure the snap is on the right side (outside) of the panel.
Centre the closure tab on the back panel with the magnetic snap facing down. The square end of the tab should sit flush with the triangle that was formed when you pieced the outer panel together as shown.
Stitch one line 1/8” (0.3cm) up from the end of the closure tab, over the existing row of top stitching you made earlier, reinforcing well across the entire width of the closure tab. Stitch a second line 1/4” (0.6cm) further up the tab as shown, again reinforcing well across the entire width of the tab.
Tadah! You are now the proud owner of a Stand Up & Tote Notice closure tab. Take care to keep the closure tab out of the way when sewing your lining to the outer panels and when doing the final top stitch around the top edge of your bag.
If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, this closure tab looks even more awesome with an invisible, sew in magnetic snap. Instructions for installing a sew in magnetic snap can be found here – Hardware Heaven: Magnetic Snaps.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this little hack and would love to see a few Stand Up & Tote Notice closure tabs floating around the place if you feel so inclined to give it a go! Remember you are more than welcome to join the fun and share your beautiful creations in my patterns group on Facebook. You can find the group here.
Tell me though, if you were going to add a closure tab to your next Stand Up & Tote Notice tote bag (or any other bag for that matter!), are you more inclined to use a prong back magnetic snap? Or a sew in magnetic snap…?
Happy sewing!
Lisa x
I love making bags
Sounds like you’re in the right place then!
I have just discovered your website and I think I will enjoy making your bags.
Welcome Rhonda! Can’t wait to see your beautiful creations!