Noodlehead's Explorer tote is a pattern for a very spacious shoulder bag. The large version is ideal for a short stay trip, the small version is perfect as a daily 'workhorse'.

The bag has front pockets, back pockets and inner pockets. So you can put a lot in it! The bag closes (optional) with a recessed zipper, and also has a nice flap with twist lock for extra security. The shoulder straps can be supplemented with a removable carrying strap.

Several Flemish bag maker have already proven that this bag can be made perfectly with cork fabric or artificial leather as bottom part.

Dimensions:

• Large: 55cm wide, 35cm high and 17.5 cm deep
• Small: 45cm wide, 32,5cm high and 10cm deep

Recommended fabrics:

• Waxed cotton or cork/artificial leather for the bottom part, canvas, jeans for the outer fabric
• Cotton for the lining and accent fabric

Supplies for a fabric width of 110cm (small between brackets):

• Outer fabric: 75cm
• Contrast fabric (bottom and flap): 45cm (35cm)
• Lining fabric: 150cm (with fabric width of 140cm 1m is sufficient) (80cm)
• Accent fabric (for belt / handles if made by yourself): 45cm (25cm)
• Reinforcement (indications Noodlehead):
  • Pellon SF101 ~= G700: 130cm (110cm)
  • Pellon 809 ~= H250: 90cm (45cm)
  • Pellon 987F ~= H640: 85cm (55cm)Àš
  • Instead of the above mentioned reinforcements we can also highly recommend style-vil for a bag that keeps its shape. Provide 100cm, as well as 50cm H630 or G700 for reinforcing zippers and pockets.
• Zipper: 60cm (50cm)
• Twist lock

Optional:

• 4 bag feet
• Webbing if you don't make the handles and carrying strap yourself: 130cm (or a little more for long handles)
• For the weekend version, you can choose an extra carrying strap, provide for:
  
  • 2 D-rings of 25mm (or the width of the bag strap)
  • 2 swivel hooks of 38mm (or the width of the bag strap)
  • 1 strap slider of 38mm (or width of the bag strap)

Attention!

This pattern consists of a paper booklet with an English manual (and therefore also dimensions in inches - converting to metric measures is very simple: 1 inch = 2.5 cm, 1 yard = 92cm) and does require some knowledge of English sewing terms (or readiness for a little preparatory research). The manual itself is richly illustrated with drawings at each step, so don't be scared off.
Only the non-rectangular pattern parts are supplied on paper, the other pattern parts you draw yourself or cut out directly using the supplied cutting labels!

Photo credits: Noodlehead & Jace did it