Instructions

1. Cut the pieces indicated by your tote bag pattern. To accommodate the chopstick handles, make a 4" x 1-1⁄2" (10.2 x 3.8 cm) cutout in the center of the top of both bag pieces. Clip the inside corners of each cutout to about 1⁄4" (6 mm) so you can make a narrow machine hem to finish the raw edges.
2. Hem the top edges, including the handle cutouts.
3. With right sides together, pin the bag pieces together along the sides. Stitch the seams and press them open.
4. Find the center of the bottom by folding the piece lengthwise; mark the centerline at both side edges. With right sides together, pin the fabric bottom piece to the bag, matching the centerline marks on the bottom to the side seams of the bag (figure 1).
    
   
5. Stitch the seam, easing the fullness in the bag as necessary. (You may find it easier to pin just the first few inches and then ease the bag onto the curve of the bottom piece as you sew.) Trim the seams and clip the curves. Press the seams to the bottom and turn the bag right side out.
6. Sew the chopstick handles across the cutouts by hand.