Spencer Ogg

Sewing Patterns

Clever Core Tote Bag PDF Sewing Pattern & Video Tutorial

    *** INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF SEWING PATTERN, WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHIC INSTRUCTIONS AND FULL VIDEO TUTORIAL ***

A spacious tote bag that solves the security problem of the classic open-look design. Inside, a clever flat-bottom zippered pouch is built into the sides and base of the bag, keeping your essentials organised and secure. Includes a large lining zip pocket, optional flap with magnetic snap, and a choice of grab handle or shoulder strap, with option to add a removable crossbody strap.

Fits most laptops up to 15” screen size.

 

Suitable for domestic machines and virtually any fabric.

Skill Level: Confident Beginner.

The Magic Middle Bucket Bag with its fully-attached flat-bottomed pouch inside was so incredibly popular that I knew I had to bring that same magic to a classic tote shape, so the Clever Core Tote was born 😊

Watch the video introduction here:

https://youtu.be/JE1oOlLhBIs

Features at a Glance:

  • Interior Pouch: Not just a divider! A huge interior flat-bottomed zipper pouch, fully attached at sides and bottom, holds oodles of essentials securely even an iPad.
  • Plus a large secure lining zipper pocket for more valuables
  • A generous main compartment large enough for most 15” laptops
  • Separate lining pattern pieces for a super-snug fit – turns through the pocket so there are no unsightly seams in lining and no binding
  • Optional Flap with magnetic snap fastener
  • The internal structure means you need less interfacing.
  • Choice of grab handles or shoulder length handles and optional detachable crossbody strap
  • Domestic Machine Friendly: Engineered with no side seams on the outer to eliminate bulk beneath the strap carriers.
  • Mix & Match: Perfect for playing with colours and prints on Outer and Interior. Make it with a two tone outer or use a feature print for the internal pouch to give your bag a “pop” of personality every time you open it.
  • Dimensions: 41cm (16”) x 27cm (10 ½”) x 10cm (4”)

 

LINK TO FULL VIDEO TUTORIAL DELIVERED WITH PURCHASE

 

Delivered by instant download and includes full-size computer-generated pattern pieces, pages of full colour tutorial style instructions with detailed photos, along with a video tutorial to walk you through making this gorgeous bag

 

  • Instant Download
  • Video Tutorial included
  • Full sized computer drafted PDF pattern pieces
  • All measurements given in inches and cm
  • Complete, easy to follow instructions with full colour photos for every step
  • Relevant sewing tips
  • A list of material requirements and suggestions
  • Printer friendly. Prints on US letter size or A4 paper
  • Size check feature to verify your printer settings
  • A Facebook Group for support

 

Pattern support – I have a bag making Facebook board for help and support with my patterns and just general bag making chat. You are welcome to join here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/spencerogg

 

For lots of additional help and tips on bag making visit my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/spencerogg

 

© Copyright 2026 Spencer Ogg Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
Protection Reference Number: 24578200726S049

 

Interested in the original Magic Middle Bucket Bag? – you can find it here: https://spencerogg.com/product/bucket-bag/

 

£10.00

DELIVERY:
Within a few minutes of payment, you will be able to download this PDF pattern. You will be able to print out the pattern from your own computer.
YOU WILL NEED ADOBE ACROBAT TO OPEN THE FILE. You probably already have it, but if not, you can download for free at http://get.adobe.com/reader/

See my help video on how to open and print PDF patterns here: PDFs

YOU WILL NEED

FABRIC

  • Outer Fabric – ½ m (½ yard). Medium weight fabrics including canvas, home decor weights, denim, waterproof canvas, cork, vinyl, and oilskin.
  • Lining Fabric – 1 m (1 yard). Quilt weight cottons or lightweight (300 denier) waterproof canvas.

 

INTERFACING

Interfacing for Outer – ½ m (½ yard).

  • For denim, canvas, and home decor weights: Firm fusible interfacing e.g. Decovil Light/Pellon 525, or 2 layers of SF101.
  • For firm fabrics such as waterproof canvas, cork, firm vinyl, or waxed canvas/oilskin: No interfacing required.

Feel free to play with interfacings depending on your preferred bag finish – see video tutorial for more suggestions and illustrations (Link on page 3).

Interfacing for Lining and Handles1 m (1 yard). Medium weight fusible interfacing (MWFI) such as Vilene F220, G700, Pellon SF101. (No interfacing required if using waterproof canvas etc).

Interfacing/Stabiliser for Optional Flap and Base Stiffener – Scrap of Ultra-firm interfacing such as Decovil Heavy.

 

NOTIONS

  • Zips – #5 Nylon Coil Zips – Two zips 33cm (13”) or longer, both to match Lining.
  • Hardware for the Bag – 1 x 18mm (¾”) magnetic clasp.
  • Polyester Thread – 100% Polyester sewing thread for strength, such as Gutermann Sew-All.
  • Optional Logo or Handmade Badge.

 

Additional hardware required if making the optional removable crossbody strap

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Sew It & Sell It
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Items made using this pattern can be sold in small scale in your own online store, local boutiques, craft fairs, etc. Start your own sewing business today! Please offer Spencer Ogg credit in written descriptions. Please do not share this pattern with anyone, instead direct them to my shop for their own copy! Thank You!
**Because this is an electronic file, there are no refunds once the pattern has been downloaded.**


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  1. Carrie

    Excellent service!!

  2. Eva H.

    It’s always great getting patterns from you! They are all so professionally designed with the pieces fitting perfectly, no baggy linings and sensible instructions. It’s too early for me to rate this bag…….I just bought it and it’s on my cutting table to get to when I’ve done a few other projects. But I know it will be perfect! Thanks for all you do to make great patterns, simple purchases, speedy troubleshooting……it’s all great!

  3. Mary Mittag

    Am excited to make this great looking bag.

  4. Ann B.

    Another winner. Easy to follow with both written and video instructions. I have learned the hard way that Spencer Ogg gives you quality and excellence

  5. Vicki Sperling

    Love buying your bag patterns 😀
    So easy & quick to go the PDF thanks

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