Introducing Benny, a versatile and easy-sew bag designed by Renee Kapitanski! Crafted from breathable mesh, this functional tote is perfect for the gym, poolside, or beach. Inspired by the movie character Benjamin Barry and how he might have carried his laundry or workout gear, Benny is both practical and stylish. Plus, it's ideal for beach days—just toss in your essentials, and let the sand shake right out through the mesh. Whether you're packing workout clothes, swim gear, or your little one's beach toys, Benny has you covered!
Follow along with our video tutorial or continue learning with our blog!
1. Fold one Elastic Piece E in half, lengthwise, and encase one edge of Main Fabric Piece C Pocket. Align the cut ends of elastic with the raw side edges of Pocket. Pin in place.
2. Topstitch 1/8" (3mm) from edges of elastic, stretching the elastic to smoothly encase the Pocket edge.
3. Repeat steps 2-3 using the remaining Main Pocket Piece C and Elastic Piece E.
4. Center one pocket along the 20" (50.8cm) bottom edge of each Main Fabric Piece A Front and Back, aligning bottom raw edges. Baste 1/4" (6mm) from the Pocket sides and bottom.
ATTACH SHOULDER STRAPS
1. With Right Sides Up, center the ends of one Webbing Piece D Shoulder Strap over Main Back Pocket side edges. Align the raw bottom edges. Keep the Strap centered over the pocket sides and pin in place. Check that there are no twists in the Shoulder Strap.
2. Mark a horizontal line 13" (33cm) up from the bottom ends of the Strap. Topstitch 1/8" (3mm) from edges of Webbing, stitching across the Strap at the marked line.
3. Repeat steps 1-2 for remaining Shoulder Strap and Main Front Pocket.
ASSEMBLE TOTE
1. With Right Sides Together, align the side and bottom edges of Main Front and Back Pieces A.
2. Sew side seams together using 1/2" (12mm) seam allowance. Beginning at the top edge, sew 1" (2.5cm) of the seam, then backstitch.
3. Sew the remaining part of the seam, beginning 1" (2.5cm) below the previous stitching and continue to the bottom edge of the tote.
4. Repeat steps 2-3 to complete the opposite side seam. The openings in the seams will be part of the casing for the Drawstring.
5. Turn the tote Right Side Out. Mark center of the Front and Back along the bottom edge. Then mark the center on all edges of Main Fabric Piece B Base.
6. With Wrong Sides Together, align the tote bottom edge with the Base edges. Match the side seams to center marks on opposite short ends of the Base. Match the remaining center marks along opposite long edges. Use lots of pins or sewing clips to hold the aligned edges together. (Photo 9)
7. Sew with a 1/8" (3mm) seam allowance, pivoting at each corner. Check that all layers are securely sewn together.
CREATE CASING & INSERT DRAWSTRING
1. With Wrong Sides Together, fold the top tote edge down 1-1/4" (3.2cm). Topstitch 1" (2.5cm) from the top fold edge.
2. Thread one Drawstring Piece G through the Back panel casing opening, going across the tote and out the opposite casing opening. Repeat for remaining Drawstring Piece G, threading it into & out of the Front panel casing openings. (Photo 12)
3. Thread each pair of Drawstring ends through a cord stopper, then knot the ends together.
The Benny Mesh Bag is a gamechanger for anyone on the go! Whether you're heading to the gym, the beach, or packing up for a weekend adventure, this breathable and stylish tote keeps your essentials secure while letting sand and moisture shake right out. We can’t wait to see your version of Benny—share your finished bag with us using #BennyBag and tag us on social media at @sallietomatopatterns on Instagram & @sallietomatooffical on Facebook! Be sure to check out our other sewing tutorials for more fun and functional DIY projects. Happy sewing!
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