Olivia Carryall Tote Pattern

The Olivia Carryall Tote is taller version of a bag that I have carried and made for several years now. There are so many great things about this bag! Where do I begin? I should first point out that the Olivia is a large tote - slightly larger than I would imagine most would carry as a purse. This bag is loaded with pockets, making it perfect for travel, beach trips, work papers, or even as a computer bag. In fact, the large interior zipper pocket can fit many 13" laptops, and the main compartment can fit up to a 17"! So, what else makes this bag pattern so great? Keep reading...

One of the many wonderful things about this pattern is the ability to easily customize it. That also explains why it took about a year and a half before I finally finished the pattern. There were simply so many possibilities for the bag. I kept rewriting it with different sizes, shapes and features. In the end, I settled on this version because the larger exterior top piece is perfect for showing off those gorgeous fabrics with a larger prints - and come on...the tie. How could I resist?

BONUS: Instructions for Smaller Size Inlcuded

Not looking for a large bag? Great news...Thanks to the suggestion of my wonderful testers, I have added bonus measurements for making a smaller version. The smaller size is an 85% reduction of the original Olivia - perfect for using as a handbag! The striped denim bag below is the smaller size. On this one, I used leather long straps, omitted the short webbing handles and the top ties, and made a removable tie instead.

Bag Features

Finished Dimensions: Aproximately 18"W across top (15"W at base) x 15"H x 5"D

Small Size: Approximately 14 ½” across top (12” at base) x 12 ¾”H x 4"D

Interior Pockets: 6 slip pockets of various sizes & 1 large zipper pocket

BONUS Clear Vinyl Interior Pocket: Video Tutorial at the end of post

Exterior Pockets: 2 large slip pockets (exterior front)

Closure: Fabric Tie (snap option also included in pattern)

Additional Options: Key fob, snap closure, straps reinforced with rivets

Fabrics and Materials