Sewing Project: BHG's Simple Six-Pocket Bag

I have been needing a small and simple tote bag to carry my daughter's pull-ups and extra pants and supplies when we run out on errands or when she's dropped off somewhere, because I was running out of room in my own purse/tote.
I found instructions to make this bag online at Better Homes and Gardens, and decided to give it a whirl.

 

Six-Pocket Tote

I learned to sew in junior high. When many of my peers were taking foreign language, I decided to wait until high school and take a bunch of electives instead.  I learned a lot about sewing, cooking, and art and am SO glad I did that!  Ironically, I became a Spanish teacher so it didn't hinder my language learning at all :)
The directions from the link above were good, but here are my photos and basic steps in the process.  You'll need the directions from BHG to make the bag to their exact measurements.

Making the straps- wide strap folded in half vertically, then sides folded into center- four layers thick!

Sew batting, both fabric layers (one folded to make lined pockets) and straps

Sew along straps to above outer fabric a couple of inches- see instructions for exact measurements (pin marks the point I sewed up to)

First side finished

Showing side pocket.  Bottom and straps are stitched

From the bottom- you can see the stitched areas

You will make a second one of these for both sides of the bag

Place both bag layers right side together.  Stitch around entire outside of bag, leaving a 5" opening in the lining for turning (opening can be seen on left side)

View from the inside through 5" opening

Fold bag to bottom and side seams are touching, and flatten corner into a triangle.  Draw a line 2" from point that is 4" long.  This gives the bag its boxy shape.

Stitch across line and trim excess fabric

Do the same thing on lining corners

Turn bag inside out through 5" opening

Preparing to slipstitch 5" seam

To make a knot in the end of the thread, wrap it around your finger once.  Roll thread off of your finger so it twists up.  Then, pull toward the end to make a knot!

To finish the stitch, wrap the thread around the needle while still in the fabric.  I usually wrap about 5 times.  Then, pull the needle through the thread to make a knot.  Maybe I'll do a tutorial post on basic sewing skills in case anyone wants to learn, and link here if I do!

 Finished bag, before pressing

 Finished six-pocket tote!

 

Perfect for a small diaper tote!

Stuff fits into the outside pockets too- I forgot to put something in there for the photo.  They fit my cell phone quite well and are a good size for diaper cream or a little toy.