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$8.00 USD
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Language: All sewing patterns and eBooks are provided in English.
The Kathy Tote is a beginner-friendly tote that looks anything but basic.
Roomy, structured and comfortable to carry, without foam, hardware or complicated techniques. The shape and polish come from smart interfacing choices, not intimidating steps.
If you've ever looked at a structured bag and thought, "I could never sew that," this pattern is for you.
✔️ Quilting cotton only
✔️ Six slip pockets
✔️ Nothing to print, just cut & measure
✔️ Finished size: 18.5"W × 11.5"H × 6"D
The finished tote has that "wow" factor, but the process stays beginner-friendly.
All fabrics are quilting cotton, 42" wide unless noted.
Skill level: Beginner-friendly. Perfect if you're new to bagmaking or want a confidence-building project that still feels impressive.
✔️ A polished tote that feels achievable
✔️ A great introduction to structured bagmaking
✔️ A confidence booster if bags have felt intimidating
🚫 No foam
🚫 No cork or faux leather
🚫 No hardware
🚫 No complicated handle construction
Do I need to print anything?
Nope! Kathy is all measure and cut, with nothing to print or tape.
What size is the finished Kathy Tote?
18.5" wide × 11.5" tall × 6" deep. It's roomy enough for everyday carry, with plenty of space between the handles.
Is Kathy a good first bag?
Yes! Kathy is Beginner-Friendly. You'll sew it with quilting cotton, with no foam, cork or hardware. The structure comes from layering interfacing, and I walk you through exactly how.
What kind of handles does it use?
Webbing. The pattern doesn't include instructions for making fabric handles.
How many pockets does it have?
Six interior slip pockets, so your phone, keys and pens all have a home.
How does Kathy compare to your other tote patterns?
Kathy is my roomiest Beginner-Friendly tote. Love the size but want a zipper top? That's Mae: same size, built a whole new way. Find the best tote bag sewing pattern for you →
This listing is for a digital sewing pattern only. No physical item will be shipped.
© 2026 Be Mandy Things. All rights reserved.
This pattern is for personal use only. Handmade items made using this pattern may be sold on a small, handmade scale. Please credit Be Mandy Things as the designer.
This pattern may not be copied, shared, reproduced, or distributed in any form, including digitally, without written permission from the designer.
Excellent pattern for a newbie. Very easy to follow and I made 2 totes to use as project bags!
The pattern and pictures were great. I just had a hard time working with the thickness. It does have a lot more structure than the tote bags I've made in the past. The lining does fit in nice and snug. I still have to top stitch around the top, but I'm dreading it. The seams are so thick.
The Kathy Tote pattern was well written and fun to make. I’m planning on making several more. I really like how solid and structured the layered interfacing makes the finished bag.
I don't think the bag needs the Thermolam Plus. I would have preferred just the fleece and the SF101 for stability. I also think the straps are too far apart (11 inches between the handles) and the webbing straps should have been placed inside, not outside, the markings. But I did enjoy the pattern directions very much!
Thank you for taking the time to review. I'm glad you enjoyed the pattern directions. It's super easy to modify your tote to fit your desires. Happy sewing! Amanda
I highly recommend this pattern. Easy to follow and very thorough! I’ve purchased several patterns and can’t wait to try them all!!
Love this tote bag. Just the pattern I was looking for. Instructions were easy to follow.
The pattern was great and I enjoyed sewing it. The only thing I would suggest for new sewists is to mention the stitch length that would be best for each part of the process.
Good directions.
Wonderful, easy to follow pattern. And Amanda, the shop owner, is available and answers any questions you have.
I am very happy with this pattern!
Very easy to follow and my bag turned out beautiful! Thank you!
This was a very good pattern. The directions were simple and clear. I would certainly buy a different style if available. Thank you!
I haven't made it yet, but I am very excited to make it!
Instructions were clear and complete. Bag went together reaaly well.So pleased with it
Very cute pattern, can’t wait to make it. Thank you ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Pattern Is easy to follow. Arrived quickly.
Very nice large bag.. wonderful instructions
Download has the information but there is no pattern with it. Only measurements written in a list. But clearly states ”PDF Sewing Pattern” several times throughout the product page. But only after you purchase does it say no template provided. I was planning to buy other patterns but now unfortunately, won’t, And will turn to a different business that does include a printable pdf pattern/template.
Hi Monica, this is a cut-and-measure sewing pattern, meaning all pieces are provided as measurements rather than printable templates. This is clearly outlined in the product description under Pattern Details so customers can make their choice prior to purchase.
Great instructions to be successful!
Havent started yet but the pattern is very detailed so Im sure I wiil whizz through it
I haven't made it yet bur reading the pattern it looks an easy make with clear and easy to read instructions .
Bag
Very good pattern with good descriptions.
The directions are very easy to follow.
Very easy to follow
I loved this tote pattern as soon as I spotted it. I haven't made it yet but hope to soon. I love making tote bags as gifts, and they're always a big hit. My thanks to Be Mandy Things for offering it for sale.
Very in-depth pattern , clear instructions
Well illustrated
Great pattern. Thank you.
Great pattern. I’m getting ready to make it. I’ve looked it over and it looks easy to follow.
Cute bag. Can’t wait to make it!
✓ Instant PDF download—start sewing today
✓ Step-by-step instructions with detailed diagrams
✓ Most patterns are cut-and-measure (no printing or taping). If a pattern includes a printable template, it’s listed in Pattern Details above.
✓ Materials + Supply List with Cutting Instructions
✓ Lifetime access, so you can re-download anytime*
*contact us at support@bemandythings.com for any help with download access
Excellent pattern, one off the quickest I've sewn
Easy pretty. Great size
Very pleased with my purchase! Really great tips and tricks. Definitely purchase this, don’t wait it is that good. I’m new at sewing and it’s been very valuable to me.
I purchased the Kathy tote and Frankie pouch for my bundle. I downloaded the patterns but I have not yet had the chance to sew them up. Instructions look easy and I can’t wait to get started.
I love this pattern, and I love the finished product even more. The instructions were clear but there was one step where I did wish there was an accompanying video.
The book is very informative, easy to read and understand, has tables that are easy to use.
Great. Mainly all the information for bag making in one file. I make bags, pouches and such all time so I find it very handy.
I thought your instructions and video were great!
Great job!
This is a super pattern. Easy to follow directions and fast to make. I used some small pieces of leftover fabric for this project. Great to put items in for a gift for someone I’ll or just as a gift. Thank you Amanda for continuing to offer easy to follow, wonderful patterns.
Great pattern, easy to follow! Will purchase more patterns!
Lovely pattern. Can't wait to sew for Christmas quilt.
My first tote bag to make was the Kathy Tote Bag. I love the step by step instructions and detailed photos. Some steps I zipped through and some others I would go back and reread or double check what I was doing with the photos. I loved making this so much that I have several other patterns ready to get started on. Amanda makes her patterns so easy to understand and the added tips are excellent. My only problem is deciding what to make next. Thank you for understanding exactly what I need to be comfortable making a bag!
Haven’t made it yet but definitely looking forward to doing that
Love love love I am very new at sewing and Amanda’s patterns are extremely beginner friendly with a professional end result.
Well thought out pattern and I’m ready to start the new Mae bag!!!
Excellent pattern for a newbie. Very easy to follow and I made 2 totes to use as project bags!
The pattern and pictures were great. I just had a hard time working with the thickness. It does have a lot more structure than the tote bags I've made in the past. The lining does fit in nice and snug. I still have to top stitch around the top, but I'm dreading it. The seams are so thick.
The Kathy Tote pattern was well written and fun to make. I’m planning on making several more. I really like how solid and structured the layered interfacing makes the finished bag.
I don't think the bag needs the Thermolam Plus. I would have preferred just the fleece and the SF101 for stability. I also think the straps are too far apart (11 inches between the handles) and the webbing straps should have been placed inside, not outside, the markings. But I did enjoy the pattern directions very much!
Thank you for taking the time to review. I'm glad you enjoyed the pattern directions. It's super easy to modify your tote to fit your desires. Happy sewing! Amanda
I highly recommend this pattern. Easy to follow and very thorough! I’ve purchased several patterns and can’t wait to try them all!!
Love this tote bag. Just the pattern I was looking for. Instructions were easy to follow.
The pattern was great and I enjoyed sewing it. The only thing I would suggest for new sewists is to mention the stitch length that would be best for each part of the process.
Good directions.
Wonderful, easy to follow pattern. And Amanda, the shop owner, is available and answers any questions you have.
I am very happy with this pattern!
Very easy to follow and my bag turned out beautiful! Thank you!
This was a very good pattern. The directions were simple and clear. I would certainly buy a different style if available. Thank you!
I haven't made it yet, but I am very excited to make it!
Instructions were clear and complete. Bag went together reaaly well.So pleased with it
Very cute pattern, can’t wait to make it. Thank you ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Pattern Is easy to follow. Arrived quickly.
Very nice large bag.. wonderful instructions
Download has the information but there is no pattern with it. Only measurements written in a list. But clearly states ”PDF Sewing Pattern” several times throughout the product page. But only after you purchase does it say no template provided. I was planning to buy other patterns but now unfortunately, won’t, And will turn to a different business that does include a printable pdf pattern/template.
Hi Monica, this is a cut-and-measure sewing pattern, meaning all pieces are provided as measurements rather than printable templates. This is clearly outlined in the product description under Pattern Details so customers can make their choice prior to purchase.
Great instructions to be successful!
Havent started yet but the pattern is very detailed so Im sure I wiil whizz through it
I haven't made it yet bur reading the pattern it looks an easy make with clear and easy to read instructions .
Bag
Very good pattern with good descriptions.
The directions are very easy to follow.
Very easy to follow
I loved this tote pattern as soon as I spotted it. I haven't made it yet but hope to soon. I love making tote bags as gifts, and they're always a big hit. My thanks to Be Mandy Things for offering it for sale.
Very in-depth pattern , clear instructions
Well illustrated
Great pattern. Thank you.
Great pattern. I’m getting ready to make it. I’ve looked it over and it looks easy to follow.
Cute bag. Can’t wait to make it!
